Buffalo Maritime Center and Barcelona Lighthouse to receive funding

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that a $400,000 federal grant will benefit 18 maritime heritage projects in New York State.

Among the selected projects is the Buffalo Maritime Center, which is receiving $12,000 to develop an exhibit on the newly built replica of the Erie Canal boat, the “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 New York State. the state to help preserve and showcase our state’s rich maritime heritage,” said Daniel Mackay, OPRHP deputy commissioner for historic preservation.

The Barcelona Lighthouse in Chautauqua County was also selected and will receive $50,000 for restoration work on the lighthouse built in 1829.

Other projects receiving funding range from preserving a submerged Revolutionary War gunboat to creating a traditional mishoon..

Federal grants come from the New York State National Maritime Heritage Grant Program, administered by the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), to fund both maritime heritage preservation and educational projects from Buffalo to Long Island.