5 Things To Do At The Museum

If you haven't had the chance to visit with us at 2 Museum Lane, check out our hours below to plan a trip! Museum members, children under 6, and those with military ID receive FREE admission.

Take a look below to check out some suggestions of what you can do at your visit to the museum!

5 Things To Do At The Museum

1. "Water & War: Waterford's Routes and Canals Through Conflict"

Explore this space to learn more about Waterford, NY and its involvement in conflicts since its early days. Its location at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers made it a vital spot for transporting supplies north and south - and with the advent of canals - east and west as the country developed and grew.  The Barge Canal system, celebrating its 100th anniversary, shares an anniversary and connection with the 100 years' end of WWI.

This exhibit will run until the close of our 2018 museum season in October.

2. Image Scavenger Hunt
Our permanent exhibit, "Born of Two Rivers: An Illustrated History of Waterford NY", is also available for visitors to tour. Chart Waterford's course from its native inhabitants to early settlers through industrial expansion and building of the Champlain, Erie and the Barge Canals. Check out our website for an image scavenger hunt - there are 2 versions depending on how much of a challenge you're looking for! These images are from panels and items in our permanent exhibit

3. Audio Tour

Add to your trip with your smartphone - UniGuide Audio Tours free app allows you to hear more of what's on exhibit at the museum! Just download the app onto your phone and it will automatically offer audio tours of places based on your location. You don't even have to be in the building - of course, we'd love for you to come inside to better view what you're listening to, but in case you missed our hours, there's still a chance for you to explore virtually!







4. Working Model Lock

 The museum's children's area has a game of Waterford Sudoku, some activity and coloring sheets and other fun things to do - like take a look at our model of the old Champlain Canal Model Lock. You can operate it - or have a docent help you out in working this model to see how river locks worked on the canal.

5. Tour the Old Champlain Canal 

The museum is located beside the historic Old Champlain Canal Trail and overlooks the abandoned Lock 4. You can operate the model lock inside the museum and then step right onto this piece of history! You can take the stairs at the edge of the museum parking lot to get to this lock and trail.


If you're docked at the Harbor, you can walk this trail to the museum (it takes about a half hour). Inside the museum there is a large diorama of Waterford as it was in 1875 so you can get a close-up look at how the canal ran through Waterford.

Bonus:

Tour the Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway

We're a stop on that tour too! We're number 18 on their cell phone tour. Just like with UniGuide's tour, it's accessible at any time.