The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation have announced that $400,000 in federal grant money is set to benefit 18 maritime heritage projects across New York state. 

Among the projects selected is the Buffalo Maritime Center, which is getting $12,000 to develop an exhibit for the newly constructed replica Erie Canal Boat, "Seneca Chief."

"Across New York state, the abundance and diversity of lakes, rivers, canals harbors and bays have shaped our identity and way of life. I am grateful to the National Park Service and MARAD for this funding and look forward to working with the awardees across the state to help preserve and highlight our state’s rich maritime heritage," Daniel Mackay, OPRHP deputy commissioner for Historic Preservation, said.

The Barcelona Lighthouse in Chautauqua County has also been selected and will be receiving $50,000 for restoration work at the lighthouse that was built in 1829.

Other projects to receive funding range from the preservation of a submerged Revolutionary War gunboat to the creation of a traditional mishoon.

The federal grants come via the New York State National Maritime Heritage Grant Program, administered through the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), to provide funding for both maritime heritage preservation and education projects from Buffalo to Long Island.