Two Federal Grants Help the National Canal Museum Share the Untold Stories of the D&L Canal

National Canal Museum

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor

This fall, the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L) was awarded two major grants from two different federal agencies: the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Each grant will support the work of one of the D&L’s signature programs, the National Canal Museum.

The two grants will enable the museum to expand its efforts to preserve and share the region’s nationally significant transportation and industrial heritage. The National Canal Museum is located in Easton, Pennsylvania’s Hugh Moore Park along the D&L Canal—the historic pathway that carried coal and iron from Wilkes-Barre to Philadelphia.

The National Canal Museum site along the D&L Canal in Easton, PA.

D&L National Heritage Corridor

“We are so honored to be awarded these grants and to be recognized at the federal level for the National Canal Museum’s work to highlight our region’s amazing industrial and transportation history,” says Daphne Mayer, Museum & Education Director for the D&L.

The two new grants will each target a different project area, but both underscore a commitment to accessibility and diversity across the museum’s collections, curation, and upcoming programs.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant will support the museum’s efforts to incorporate more diverse stories into its exhibitions, programs, and communications. In particular, it supports the development of next year’s special exhibition: “Beyond Rosie and Rivets: Industrial Women in the D&L Corridor”.

The grant also enables the National Canal Museum to undertake further research into the roles of African-Americans in the D&L Corridor, particularly in regard to the region’s anthracite canals and related industries. The NEH award is one of 305 Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan grants, awarded to help the museum to recover from the negative economic impact of the pandemic.

In addition to receiving the NEH grant the Canal Museum was awarded funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS.) This Museums for America award will be utilized to improve collections access and allow for the museum to undertake a complete inventory of their collections over the next three years. An Inventory Coordinator will be hired to oversee the project, and be working closely with staff to better organize the densely-packed archive that now fills a 2,800-square foot storage facility.

The museum demonstrates historic mule-powered transit down the D&L Canal.

Smithsonian Magazine

As the IMLS’s largest competitive grant program, Museums for America supports projects that strengthen the ability of museums to benefit the public by providing high-quality, inclusive learning experiences. It is awarded to institutions serving as community anchors and essential partners in addressing community needs, and by preserving and providing access to their collections.

Lehigh Canal in the 19th century

National Canal Museum Collection

“Through these grants, we are looking forward to discovering and sharing the untold stories of the wide variety of people who helped spark the American Industrial Revolution in what is now the D&L Corridor,” says Mayer.

Stay up to date on the National Canal Museum’s exhibitions and programs here. Can’t make it to the museum anytime soon? Check out the D&L’s Museum from Home site for virtual “visits” and great learning resources for kids.

For more on the D&L Trail, the region’s heritage, and current events, visit the D&L website.