Discover Historic Waterford, New York!

One of my favorite places in New York State's Capital District is the village of Waterford. Situated at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers and Erie and Champlain Canals, this historic village is still relatively unknown, even to Capital District natives. As far as I'm concerned, and perhaps selfishly so, that's just as well -- it is a charming, pedestrian-oriented village, with a great visitor center, historical museum, waterfront promenade, boat launch, docks, and waterfront parks, as well as pleasant, walkable residential neighborhoods and a small commercial district.

Both the Town and Village of Waterford have spent the last fifteen years working hard to complete improvements and their hard work is finally beginning to pay off. Recent improvements have included completion of the waterfront visitors center and parking area; the waterfront promenade, boat launch, and docks; pocket parks along the waterfront; beautification of the Hudson River parks on the north and south sides of Broad Street; new commercial development including McGrievey's Pub, residential and facade improvements; and streetscape improvements.



Upcoming downtown and waterfront events include:

• June 30th-July 2nd - Steamboat Meet (including great fireworks)
  
• July & August, Sunday afternoons, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Concerts in the Park
• July 21st - Classic Car Show
• August 7th - National Night Out
• August 10th - Concert Under the Stars
• August 10th-12th - Canal Splash
• September 7th-9th - Tug Boat Roundup
• September 22nd-23rd - Great Village Sellout (garage sales)
• October 13th - Heritage Day
• October 2oth - Pumpkinfest

Waterford is a great place to spend the day. You can visit the sites mentioned above; walk along the Hudson and Mohawk River waterfronts (as well as along the Erie and Champlain Canals); visit the Waterford Historical Museum & Cultural Center; picnic; shop at the village's antique stores; grab a meal at McGrievey's, Broad Street Cafe, Joe & Don's, Kielty's or Mr. Subb; walk or bicycle along the Champlain Canal; and walk, bicycle or drive along the Erie Canal's flight of five locks (to name a few things). Bike trails and bridges connect Waterford to Troy (Lansingburgh), Cohoes, including Peebles Island State Park.

For more information, call 518-233-9123 or visit the Town of Waterford's web site (www.town.waterford.ny.us).

Waterford, NY: Canal and River Town’s History Explored

Canals and rivers have shaped Waterfordians’ experience throughout the community’s history. The Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center is sponsoring a walking tour of the Village of Waterford that will explore the history and architecture that was influenced in so many ways by the rivers and canals that surround the community. The tour will be lead by long-time Waterford resident and heritage area specialist, Lucy Breyer.

The Museum is sponsoring the walk in conjunction with the Waterford Steamboat Meet on June 30th. The walk is free of charge and participants are asked to meet at the south end of Third Street in the Village of Waterford (along the waterfront) at 9a.m. The tour will start shortly after 9am and will take about one hour.

The Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center is located in the 1830 Hugh White Homestead on Museum Lane in the Town of Waterford. The Museum offers various programs and exhibits year round. For more information about the Museum and its programs please contact the Museum at 238-0809 or check our website www.waterfordmuseum.com.