SUMMITVILLE – The Delaware & Hudson Canal Interpretive Center at 16 Bova Road, Summitville is kicking off a series of free presentations throughout 2025 with Sullivan County Historian John Conway’s presentation about the mighty economic impact of the canal on Sunday, June 22 at 3pm.

Arguably, every significant economic and historical milestone in Sullivan County’s early history was the result of a major breakthrough in transportation, and the D&H Canal is the perfect example. In fact, in the first 20 years of the canal’s operation, the population of Sullivan County more than doubled, and great industries such as tanning and bluestone were made possible. Yet, as James Eldridge Quinlan wrote in his “History of Sullivan County,” published in 1873, that impact “is a mere bagatelle when compared with its benign influence on the coal-region of Pennsylvania, on NY and other cities, and on the country at large.” Sullivan County Historian John Conway examines that phenomenon in his presentation, “A Mere Bagatelle: The Economic Impact of the D&H Canal on Sullivan County.” 

This event is free! Advance registration is requested, however, as space is limited. Email scparks@sullivanny.gov or call 845-807-0287 to save a spot. 

Additional presentations are posted at www.sullivanny.gov/Departments/ParksRecreation/DelawareHudson. 

Looking just to visit the D&H Canal Interpretive Center? Admission is free, and it’s open every Friday and Saturday 10am-5pm,  and Sunday 12-5pm through September 1.