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Genesee Valley Canal: An 1800's Soap Opera and the Dream that Remains In-Person
The Chili Historical Society presents Letchworth State Park Environmental Educator Jules Hoepting, who will share her insights on this little-known gem which passes through the town of Chili.
What remains of the Genesee Valley Canal is a ditch, often swampy or filled in by ecological succession, running through forests and along the edges of backyards, farmlands and canyons. A newbie might see it as a scar of the land, but a trained eye will see a faded tattoo symbolizing a fascinating backstory. Lock 2, the canal's best preserved, is located in Chili as well!
Like the plot of a soap opera, the process of building the canal was long, drawn out, involved unexpected twists, and fueled by illogical ambition. Then, the canal was replaced by a railroad, seemingly overnight, to carry on the transportation storyline.
So, why go through all the effort? And how is the corridor relevant today?
Registration is required and begins April 29.
- Date:
- Wednesday, May 13, 2026
- Time:
- 6:00pm - 8:00pm
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Location:
- Chili - Barbara Ireland Community Room
- Library:
- Chili Public Library
- Audience:
- Adults Seniors
- Categories:
- Local History