The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) has announced that it will hold a series of tours, interviews and “visioning workshops” from October 12-14, 2010. It will be led by representatives from Lord Cultural Resources and Ralph Applebaum Associates. The workshops will provide an opportunity for various community leaders, educators and members of local cultural organizations to discuss what they see as Buffalo’s unique story.
“Western New Yorkers know that this region has played a vital role in our nation’s history and we want to see that role reflected in the development occurring on our waterfront” said Maureen Hurley, ECHDC board member and leader of its Cultural efforts at Canal Side. “We envision Canal Side as a journey that will take visitors through the history of Buffalo and the Erie Canal, telling a tale that can only be told here. The dialogue that emerges from these workshops will provide a framework that will help us determine what facets of our history best fit Canal Side.”
Beginning on Tuesday, October 12 with a tour of the Buffalo River, and continuing through Thursday, October 13, the workshops will examine numerous topics, including: local history, sports and entertainment, preservation efforts and local festivals. Participation is by invitation only. Those interested in knowing more about these workshops should contact ECHDC Senior Project Manager Steve Ranalli at sranalli@empire.state.ny.us.
Chosen in August to lead ECHDC’s cultural efforts, Lord Cultural Resources is the world’s largest cultural professional practice, having completed more than 1,800 projects in 45 countries on six continents. Founded in 1978 and currently the largest interpretive museum design firm in the world, Ralph Appelbaum Associates has an interdisciplinary staff of more than 135 specialists in different aspects of design and communications: technology and media specialists, architects, writers, editors and management personnel. The firm has completed more than 350 commissions to date.