Availability Of 2006 Tug Urger Educational Program For New York’s Fourth-Graders

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

Press Release: NYS Canal Corporation, April 11, 2006

The New York State Canal Corporation today announced the Tug Urger Educational Program schedule is available for the 2006 school year.

“The Canal Corporation is proud to once again offer this informative and entertaining educational program for New York’s schoolchildren as a way to promote the significant history of the Canals and their impact on the development of our State and nation,” Director of Canals Carmella R. Mantello said. “We encourage educators from throughout the State to take advantage of this program that provides a firsthand 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 when the organization was created in 1992, has served as the official ambassador for the New York State Canal System.

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 http://www.canals.state.ny.us and click on "Canal Culture."