Western New York is preparing to celebrate the Erie Canal Bicentennial.

The Longshed Building at Canalside in Buffalo has been housing the Replica Boat the Seneca Chief while it has been built over the past few years. On May 7, it will make its voyage on the canal, however, it also makes room for a new museum experience.

Planned to be called the Waterway of Change, the experience will serve as a timeline of the Erie Canal, which opened in 1825.

“Waterway of Change will share the remarkable story of the Erie Canal and the area now known as Canalside with visitors,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “As the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal approaches in 2025, this visitors experience will draw more people to Buffalo’s waterfront and help them connect to its history in a new and participative way.” 

That installation will be ready for the World Canals Conference hosted in Buffalo next year.