Newport Lecture Examines Irish Role In Building Blackstone Canal

NEWPORT, RI — The Museum of Newport History is holding a virtual lecture to discuss the Irish role in building the Blackstone Canal, just in time for St. Patrick's Day.

The lecture is the fourth in the yearly Michael F. Crowley Lecture Series, now in its 19th year. It will be held over Zoom at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

The talk, entitled "How Hard Would it be to Dig a Ditch Anyhow? — How the Irish Saved the Blackstone Canal," will be presented by Chuck Arning, an award-winning public historian. The talk will explain the difficulties faced in building the canal in 1824, and how Irish builders came in to help save the day.

The lecture is free of charge. Advance reservations are required to get the link to attend.