Each year, the Hudson River Maritime Museum is proud to host a variety of visiting vessels at its waterfront marina. Deck tours and public programming provide the general public with access to these ships and their stories. These vessels serve as floating classrooms to discover the diverse roles of maritime vessels and the people who worked on them, in shaping America through their impact on trade, travel, and the economy, past and present day.
Past Visiting Vessels
The Erie Canal Boat 'Seneca Chief'
From Buffalo to New York City, the Seneca Chief will travel 500 miles over 33 days, stopping at 28 ports to commemorate the Erie Canal and connect communities.
To mark the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal’s opening, the Buffalo Maritime Center (BMC) has built a full-scale replica of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief – the vessel that first journeyed from Buffalo to New York City to mark the canal’s completion. Constructed by nearly 200 volunteers and students between October 2020 and its launch in June 2024. This extraordinary community boatbuilding effort stands as the largest project of its kind, making the Seneca Chief not only a historic replica but a powerful symbol of craftsmanship, collaboration, and Buffalo’s enduring maritime legacy.
On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will embark on the Bicentennial Voyage – a 33-day journey commemorating Governor DeWitt Clinton’s historic trip in 1825. Traveling 500 miles along the Erie Canal and Hudson River, the Seneca Chief will visit 28 communities across New York State, making it’s stop at HRMM on October 21st - 22nd.
While docked, the Seneca Chief transforms into a floating museum, welcoming visitors aboard to explore recreated cabins, historical artifacts, and interactive exhibits that highlight the canal’s cultural, economic, and environmental significance – including the contributions of Indigenous communities.
To mark the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal’s opening, the Buffalo Maritime Center (BMC) has built a full-scale replica of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief – the vessel that first journeyed from Buffalo to New York City to mark the canal’s completion. Constructed by nearly 200 volunteers and students between October 2020 and its launch in June 2024. This extraordinary community boatbuilding effort stands as the largest project of its kind, making the Seneca Chief not only a historic replica but a powerful symbol of craftsmanship, collaboration, and Buffalo’s enduring maritime legacy.
On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will embark on the Bicentennial Voyage – a 33-day journey commemorating Governor DeWitt Clinton’s historic trip in 1825. Traveling 500 miles along the Erie Canal and Hudson River, the Seneca Chief will visit 28 communities across New York State, making it’s stop at HRMM on October 21st - 22nd.
While docked, the Seneca Chief transforms into a floating museum, welcoming visitors aboard to explore recreated cabins, historical artifacts, and interactive exhibits that highlight the canal’s cultural, economic, and environmental significance – including the contributions of Indigenous communities.
Where to park?
Free parking is available in the municipal parking directly across the street from the museum or you may use the metered street parking in front of the building. Metered parking is free after 6 pm and on Sundays. If all spots are full consult the map below for additional parking:
