The Heritage Award of Excellence recognizes Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum for 25 years of active archaeological excavation and reconstruction of a buried three bay drydock where canal boats were built and repaired on the Erie Canal from 1855 to 1920.
 
What was once an overgrown canalside lot, now showcases the only remaining boatyard on the canal, as well as a restored canal-side store, full-sized canal boat exhibit, sawmill, blacksmith, and woodworking shops, and visitor education center. The site is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places.
 

What makes it great?
Archaeology & Reconstruction Unearthing and rebuilding Chittenango Landing showcases the engineering and innovation of the Erie Canal.		Must-do Travel Experience Chittango Landing is the only historic site of its kind in New York State.
Education The museum offers a full slate of events and educational programs and serves more than 30 school districts.		Community Involvement Restoration at Chittenango Landing has been carried out entirely by volunteers.

• Reconstructing the dry dock and boat building complex over 25 years. Of 30 drydocks that once served canal boats, Chittanango Landing is the only one that remains;
   

• Serving as a regional education center-- the site offers "hands dirty" education programs for students, Elderhostel, and the public. A kids camp and youth group offer additional opportunities for young people to actively participate;
   

• Outstanding volunteerism and community involvement-- more than 125 volunteers contribute to the museum's programs, restoration efforts, and ongoing maintenance. Donated goods, services, financial contributions, and legislative and foundation grants have been essential to bringing the buried canal site to life.
   
  

• Overcoming significant challenges, including bringing water, sewer, and electricity to the site and carrying out the entire project with no "road map" to follow;
   

• Contributing to the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor by providing visitors the opportunity to experience the Enlarged Erie Canal, towpath, boat building and repair facilities, and craftmanship that built the canal and opened the nation in the 19th century.