Free & Open to the Public | Registration Required
The School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at RPI, in conjunction with Albany Symphony Orchestra, New York State Canal Corporation, and New York Power Authority, would like to present Reflections on Waterways, a symposium which revisits the various celebratory performances done along the route of the Erie Canal commemorating the 200th anniversary of the waterway, with commentary from several guest speakers.
Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal was the largest state-funded public works project of the 19th century. It was the first navigable waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean, via the Hudson River, to the Great Lakes, reducing transportation costs across the Appalachians. Dubbed, "the nations first super highway," it also accelerated the Westward expansion of the United States.
Today, the Erie Canal is primarily a tourist attraction with recreational vehicles using the waterway. However, it's legacy is still felt. Several museums dedicated to its history line the corridor. In 2000, Congress designated the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor to protect and promote the system.
Event Schedule
9:30 AM - Morning Refreshments
Coffee and light refreshments available in the CBIS lobby
10:00 AM - Welcome and Introduction
Rebecca Dorge, Provost RPI
A representative of Canal Corp
David Alan Miller | Music Director, Albany Symphony
10:30 AM - Screening 1: Agrarian and Liquid (Daniel Bernard Roumain)
Introduction: David Alan Miller
Response: Chris Tozzi | Senior Lecturer of Science and Technology Studies, RPI
11:15 AM - Screening 2: Canton Tea Man’s Tale (Dai Wei)
Introduction: TBD
Response: Rob Hamilton | Associate Professor and Hed of Arts, RPI
12:00 PM - Lunch Break
Lunch available for attendees in the CBIS Lobby
1:00 PM - Discussion: 200 Years of RPI and the Erie Canal
TBD: RPI
TBD: NYSCC
2:30 PM - Student Presentations or Panel
TBD
3:00 PM - Break
3:15 PM - Screening 3: Earth and Water (Clarice Assad)
Introduction: TBD
Response: Kate Galloway | Assistant Professor of Games and Experiential Media, RPI
3:45 PM - Screening 4: Orenda (Francisco del Pino)
Introduction: TBD
Thank you to our partners:
