Canal Corporation Announces 2008 Tug Urger Educational Program for New York’s Fourth-Graders

Historic Tugboat to Travel Canal System to Promote History of New York’s Canals

ALBANY, NY (05/07/2008)(readMedia)--

The New York State Canal Corporation today announced that the Tug Urger Educational Program schedule is available for the 2008 school year.

Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello said, “The Canal Corporation is proud to once again offer this informative educational program for New York’s school children as a way to promote the significant history of the Canals and their impact on the development of our State and nation. We encourage educators from throughout the State to take advantage of this program to provide students with a hands-on look at life on the Canal.”

The Urger, the Corporation’s flagship vessel, was christened the Henry J. Dornbos in Michigan on June 13, 1901. The Tug Urger, property of the New York State Canal Corporation, has served as the official ambassador for the New York State Canal System since 1992.

The Urger now serves as the focal point of a program to educate school children and adults about the importance of New York's historic Canal System and the role that inland waterways have played historically, and continue to play, in the lives of people who live along them.

In the spring and fall, the Urger visits communities along the Canal System where students in fourth-grade classes at local schools take field trips to the Tug and participate in shoreside "hands-on" educational sessions. There they learn about the history of the Canals and the role construction of the Erie Canal played in making New York the "Empire State."

In September 2001, the Urger was placed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

The Tug Urger Educational Program is available to all New York State schools at no cost; however, class size and presentations are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information on how to take advantage of this educational program, please call 518-436-2799 or visit the Canal Corporation’s Website at www.nyscanals.gov and click on "History & Education."

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