Pike County Historical Society to host lecture on child labor on the Delaware and Hudson Canal

The Pike County Historical Society and Museum recently announce that they will be hosting a lecture focusing on child labor on the D&H Canal by Bill Merchant, canal historian and deputy director for collections at the Delaware and Hudson Canal Historical Society, on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. The lecture will take place in The Foundation Room of the Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford.

The Delaware & Hudson Canal was an important industrial enterprise in 19th century America, marketing Pennsylvania anthracite coal through its Canal and, later, its extensive railroad network. It relied on the labor of marginalized peoples — immigrants, women, children, and people of color — to construct and operate its canal. Historian Bill Merchant has conducted extensive research on the plight of the many marginalized peoples who comprised the majority of this workforce. This presentation relates how the labor of children contributed to its immense success, using stories from primary sources along with many period images.

Entry to this lecture requires a suggested donation of $5; cookies and coffee will be served.