They Built America: Workers of the Erie Canal
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Join Kelly McPhearson, a fearless Irish lass, on an incredible journey to find her brother (her only family in America), who’s working on the canal. Sourced from more than 35 historical records, this original work celebrates the real men, women, children, politicians, farmers, merchants, and laborers who built the Erie Canal – the miraculous waterway that transformed America from a burgeoning country into a great nation! Told with live music and text, history comes to life with figures such as physician Dr. Finch, Italian mason Antonio, Swedish packet boat Captain Gus, Governor DeWitt Clinton, congressmen, and many more!