On August 30, 2021 the World Canals Conference will return to the Potomac River valley at Hagerstown, MD to help mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
Every year, the World Canals Conference (WCC) brings together hundreds of canal and waterway enthusiasts, professionals and academics from around the world. During the conference delegates exchange ideas about canal management and development including: the protection of historic features; technical developments; revitalization of canal systems and harbors; recreational opportunities; and the promotion and presentation of canal history. Ways of promoting tourism and invigorating rural economic development and urban renewal are explored.
According to the WCC website:
Conference delegates, official partners and sponsors will have a range of both formal and informal opportunities involving presentations, networking, exhibitions, educational tours and social programs to share and exchange experiences, technical solutions and lessons learned. With a theme of Historic Canals Today: Education, Recreation, and Tourism, we hope to demonstrate the enduring value of these waterways. Even when navigation has ceased they can still play an important role is society today.
