Canalside
Seneca Chief
The Buffalo Maritime Center constructed a traditionally-built, full-sized replica of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief that opened the Erie Canal in 1825. From its inception, the Erie Canal Boat Project was intended to engage the community on a variety of levels, from direct hands-on experiences to the research and exploration of history. This was a community boatbuilding project that was made possible with the help of hundreds of volunteers and took place in the Longshed at Canalside.
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The Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief
The Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief is central to the story of the Erie Canal and the history of our state. Buffalo Maritime Center aims to tell that story in a rich and inclusive way, opening up the conversation about history and community.
From June 28-September 27, 2026, the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will be docked in the Commercial Slip at Canalside and open for public viewing on Fridays (4 PM-7 PM) and Saturdays & Sundays (11 AM-3 PM), weather permitting.
Longshed Building
The "Longshed" at Canalside's Central Wharf Presented by MP Caroll Hardwood is a two-story, gabled-roof wood structure reflecting the Central Wharf site's history by incorporating elements from the Joy and Webster Storehouse located on the site in the early 1800s. The approximately 4,400-square-foot Longshed Presented by MP Caroll Hardwood includes a main floor that stretches the length of the building, a smaller mezzanine level, public bathrooms, roll-up entry doors, and an exterior porch that overlooks the Canalside Great Lawn.
For more information about MP Caroll Hardwood visit: https://www.mpcaroll.com/
Buffalo Maritime Center Events
July 8th - Canalside Lecture Series: The Seneca Chief Returns from 6pm-8pm at the Waterway of Change at Canalside.
July 17th - Shakespeare in Delaware Park's Touring Production: Fools and Foes at 7pm in the Commercial Slip
August 1st - Dockside Demonstrations from 12pm-3pm in the Commercial Slip
August 2nd - 716 Celebrates: Stars, Stripes, & Signers at 11am at Canalside
September 19th - Dockside Demonstrations from 12pm-3pm in the Commercial Slip