The Engineering History of the Erie Canal will be presented Sept. 19 as part of TACNY’s Junior Cafe Scientifique lecture series. Samuel P. Clemence, P.E., PhD teaching at L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University, will present. The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, links the waters of Lake Erie in the west to the Hudson River in the east. The engineering achievements of the Erie Canal are one of the great stories of American technology. It has been called the Mother of Cities, Pathway to an Empire and the Eighth Wonder of the World. The presentation will be multi-media including songs and videos and animations describing the planning, construction and completion of the canal. The presentation will also include a description of the history and construction of the City of Canals—Venice Italy. The City of Venice is facing serious problems with rising tides and floodwaters damaging the fabric of the city. Learn about the massive construction project has just been completed to protect this historic treasure. Middle-school students and others interested in learning more about the Erie Canal are invited to attend the free. Walk-ins are welcome, but we ask that people RSVP by emailing jrcafe@tacny.org by Sept. 11. Students must be accompanied by an adult and may explore the MOST at no cost after the event.