Hudson River Maritime Museum Puts Model of Seneca Chief on Display

Chris Andrle with his hand-built model of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief ​

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Kirsty Gaukel, PR & Marketing Manager [email protected]

KINGSTON, N.Y. (March 5, 2024) – Hudson River Maritime Museum recently accepted a one-inch scale model of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief on temporary loan from the Buffalo Maritime Center in Buffalo, New York. The hand-built model by Chris Andrle will be on display as part of the Museum's current exhibition, The Hudson River and its Canals. The addition of the model is part of expansions to the exhibit in anticipation of the planned 2025 bicentennial celebrations commemorating the inaugural voyage on the Erie Canal from Buffalo to New York Harbor.
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The model represents the full-scale operational replica of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief  which was recently completed by the Buffalo Maritime Center. The original Seneca Chief was built in 1825 in anticipation of the completion of the Erie Canal's western section. It famously carried Governor DeWitt Clinton and other dignitaries to New York City in the fall of 1825 to celebrate the completion of the Canal. The boat was subsequently placed in commercial service for freight and passengers by owner Thaddeus Joy as a line boat for the Pilot Line.

A full-scale replica of the traditionally-built plank-on-frame canal boat will journey from Buffalo to New York City to re-enact the famous “Wedding of the Waters” ceremony in New York Harbor in late 2025.  During this trip, the replica canal boat will be our guest at the Hudson River Maritime Museum in October 2025.  Details will be available in advance of the visit.

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The Hudson River Maritime Museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the maritime history of the Hudson River, its tributaries and related industries. In addition to extensive collections documenting maritime transportation, industry, recreation, and natural science, the museum offers classes and programs at its Wooden Boat School, Sailing and Rowing School, and aboard Solaris, the 100% solar powered tour boat and floating classroom. The museum is located along the historic Rondout waterfront in downtown Kingston. Visit www.hrmm.org for more information.

The model of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief  now on display at the Hudson River Maritime Museum