An Arts-Integrated Program Spotlight: Traveling the Erie Canal
- Arts for Learning
- Feb 9
- 4 min read
Looking to add CREATIVE and FUN arts programming to your Erie Canal unit?
Our immersive Traveling the Erie Canal programming brings learning to life as students uncover the story, historical impact, and modern connections of our state’s most notable waterways.
"Learn about the history of not only Buffalo and Western New York, but what the Erie Canal meant to the entire country."
-Teaching Artist Melissa Kate Miller
Programs
Teaching Artists Melissa Kate Miller and Kristin Brandt offer a series of immersive workshops that highlight a wide variety of topics and perspectives surrounding the history of the Erie Canal. This programming provides a lens and reference point for understanding 200 years of Western New York and United States history.
In addition to workshops, we offer one musical performance: Songs and Life on the Erie Canal, presented by Performing Artist and Musician Doug Yeomans.
Traveling Museum Workshop
Artifacts gathered and collected over decades from the early 1800’s – 1900’s are put directly into the hands of young scholars to examine, explore, and question as they learn about the development and impact of the Erie Canal on New York State. The Traveling Museum brings the Erie Canal to life, and directly into the hands of young learners.
Different Perspectives Workshop
Participants will explore the differences and disputes between the Haudenosaunee and Gov. DeWitt Clinton. They will develop an understanding of the geographic, political, and economic gains made through the construction of the canal while developing an appreciation for the vibrant history of Native Americans indigenous to the Great Lakes region. Through the study of vintage photographs, participants will consider individual perspectives and engage in storytelling through narrative and poetry.
Objects and Fashion Workshop
Participants spend a “day in the life” of a person living near the Erie Canal in its early days. Learners will understand why and where the Erie Canal was built and follow its path on a map. They will be introduced to relevant names, jobs, and vocabulary of the time, and participants will examine actual artifacts used by the people who lived and worked near the canal.
Journeys and Journals Workshop
This program, typically presented in tandem with the Erie Canal Traveling Museum, brings the canal to life through creative writing prompts that every young writer will enjoy. The workshops challenge learners to create realistic characters that could have existed in the towns along the Erie Canal. Participants will develop skills in writing from multiple perspectives, developing character back-story, writing dialogue, and plotting a story from beginning to end.
Songs and Life on the Erie Canal Performance
This musical program allows students to experience the music and culture that came together during the building and use of the Erie Canal. Commentary and stories are shared through song to help students of today relate to the challenges and dynamics of early 1800's America.
Flexible Options for Your Classroom
Adaptable sessions that typically fit within a single class period.
Book individually or combine workshops to create a customized residency.
Flexible Residency Length
Single workshop
Short series
Multi-session experience (most residencies include 3-8 sessions).
Tailored for 4th grade students; integrates with ELA and Social Studies curriculum.
Supports classroom goals and curriculum while giving students time to build knowledge, deepen understanding, and engage creatively.
Interested in booking one or more of our Traveling the Erie Canal programs or have questions about what we offer? Contact us at info@artsforlearningwny.org today!
Meet the Teaching Artists
Melissa Kate Miller
Melissa Kate is an experienced teaching artist. She has taught for nearly two decades with programs in creative writing, poetry, theater, improvisation, and music. A studied and working theatre artist, a professional singer, and published songwriter, Melissa offers high quality programs tailored to a broad range of young learners. At the center of her work as a performing artist, Melissa's goal has been to engage young people and adults in the arts and humanities, to foster new experiences for her audiences, and to inspirit growth as empathic human beings for personal, social, and civil empowerment.
Kristin Brandt
Kristin Brandt is a local abstract painter and movement artist that believes anything you do can be an art. Her work has been on view at Artspace, Hallwalls, Buffalo Proper and the Burchfield-Penney Art Center. She is the co-founder of the local not-for-profit Urban Canvas Project of Buffalo. Carrying a degree from Moore College of Art and Design (Philadelphia, PA), Kristin is a dedicated fine artist, designer, and instructor who is always looking to develop further professionally and creatively. In addition to a love of painting and graphics, Kristin started her own business, Yoga to You, in 2009. She firmly feels that anything you do can be an art, and is gratified by student success.
Doug Yeomans
Doug Yeomans is a teaching artist, performing musician, song writer, and award winning guitarist. He's played in front of thousands of audiences, young and old across America from Broadway to Nashville and Los Angeles and points in between. Doug plays electric and acoustic guitar, banjo and mandolin and ukulele and is adept at many musical styles of music including Folk, Rock, Country, Bluegrass, Blues, Swing, and Jazz. His engaging personality allows him to connect with audiences from "8 to 80
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