Erie Canal Bicentennial: Waterway of Change
Uncovering the complex, untold stories of the Erie Canal for its 200th anniversary.
Overview
The Erie Canal changed the world, but its full story—including Indigenous and immigrant perspectives—had largely gone untold. For the Bicentennial, we moved beyond the standard "industrial triumph" narrative to create a more inclusive history. We activated the Canalside waterfront with a mix of immersive indoor exhibits and site-specific outdoor installations, turning the neighborhood itself into a lens for viewing the city's complex past.
Partners
Hadley Exhibits, Beautiful Machines, Southtown AV
Services
Strategy, Visitor Experience, Experience Design, Exhibit Design, Physical Design, Media Design
“Waterway of Change will share the remarkable story of the Erie Canal and the area now known as Canalside with visitors. As the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal approaches, this visitor experience will draw more people to Buffalo’s waterfront and help them connect to its history in a new and participative way.
The Details
Inside the Longshed, visitors walk beneath a canopy of illuminated cubes—the "Canal of Networks"—where each light highlights a community story often left out of textbooks. Outside, we created "The Thresholds," a series of five open-air portals placed along the original canal ruins. These structures act as viewfinders, framing the modern waterfront while layering on the invisible history of the vice, commerce, and daily life that once defined the district.
