2024 year in Review
Thank you for being part of a successful 2024 with the D&H Canal Historical Society. As the year comes to a close, we take this opportunity to reflect on the highlights of our accomplishments and the deeper significance of our work. History education and cultural heritage interpretation are vital to society. They help us understand how we arrived at the present, learn from past mistakes and innovations, and foster empathy for those with different experiences and perspectives.
At the D&H Canal Historical Society, our mission is to tell an inclusive and multifaceted story of the people whose labor and ingenuity made the Delaware & Hudson Canal a success. We are committed to welcoming visitors of all identities to the Mid-Hudson Visitor Center and exploring the interconnectedness of art, culture, and food through our Makers of History program series. This year, we have made meaningful strides in fulfilling that mission.
2024 Milestones:
Museum and Visitor Center Attendance: We welcomed over 3,000 visitors to the D&H Canal Museum and Mid-Hudson Visitor Center, offering engaging exhibits and insights into the rich history of the Canal.
Dynamic Programming: We hosted 20 events, ranging from on-site lectures to outreach programs in the community. These events brought history to life and encouraged active participation in the humanities.
Digital Outreach: D&HTV, our video platform on YouTube, now boasts a collection of over 100 videos, which collectively reach an audience of 12,000 viewers annually. These videos extend our reach beyond physical spaces, ensuring that the Canal’s stories resonate with a global audience.
Looking Ahead:
We are thrilled about the plans we have in store for 2025:
Enriching Programs: Our DePuy Local History and Makers of History series will continue to delve into the art, culture, and industry that shaped the Mid-Hudson region in the past and today.
Historic Preservation: We are intensifying our fundraising efforts to restore and reopen the one-of-a-kind telegraph office and toll collector’s building. This historic site will serve as both a window into 19th-century communications and a space for new educational initiatives.
Preserving National Landmarks: The National Historic Landmark Five Locks Walk remains a cornerstone of our offerings. Open year-round, it provides a serene and historically rich experience for all visitors.
As we reflect on 2024, we are deeply grateful for the support of our community, volunteers, and partners. Your contributions and enthusiasm fuel our mission and enable us to preserve the stories of the past while inspiring future generations. Here’s to continuing this vital work together in the year ahead!
