Nps Photo

Children enjoying the hands on activities at the new canal museum display in Williamsport.

The National Canal Museum and the C&O Canal National Historical Park give visitors a unique opportunity to experience the marvel of canal engineering and achievement firsthand through a new traveling exhibit. Building America’s Canals, an exhibit organized by the National Canal Museum, is now on display in the historic Trolley Barn located in Williamsport, Maryland. This exhibit blends history and science through hands-on activities that put you, the visitor, in the role of canal engineer and are fun for both children and adults alike. The exhibit is open daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and admission is free.

How to get here:

To visit Building America’s Canals, take I-70 to I-81 South and get

off at Exit 2, Williamsport, Route 11 South. Proceed straight on

Potomac St. for 1.5 miles through 3 stop lights. After the third

light, go two blocks down the hill and go straight into the parking

lot for C&O Canal National Historical Park, Cushwa Basin.

Exhibit is in the Trolley Barn on the right-hand side of the parking

area.

Exhibit Features:

• Build a Canal while keeping track of the cost and see how

good a canal engineer you prove to be!

• Construct your own aqueduct using 2000-year old

technology.

• Test yourself on designing and operating lift locks.

• Explore the science behind suspension bridges.

• Operate cranes used to load everything from coal to

mules!

• Be your own boat captain and find out if you can make

enough money to survive the winter.

• Dress in the period costume of canal boat men and

women, try out a lock key and experience history.

Hours of Operation:

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Daily

April 17 - October 12, 2008

Admission is Free

For more information, please

contact:

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

National Historical Park

205 W. Potomac Street

Williamsport, MD 21795

301-582-0813