America’s Stairway is the Story of America Itself

Spalding Mill Renovations

The Historic Lockport Mill Race is excited to be a sponsor of America’s Stairway. As an organization that has its roots in the politics and power of the original Erie Canal Flight of Five Locks, the Historic Lockport Mill Race shares the origin story of Lockport’s 19th Century engineering marvel. As an organization committed to repurposing Lockport’s oldest remaining canalside building, we also share the vision of a community revitalized around Lockport’s Erie Canal heritage assets.

I serve as a volunteer member of the Board of Directors of the Historic Lockport Mill Race, and I recognize that America’s Stairway is much more than a story about Lockport, about the “Flight of Five” or even about the Erie Canal. It is the story of America itself. It is a clarion call to communities across the country to explore and preserve their history, to benefit their local community, and to enrich us all.

I encourage other organizations and individuals, locally and throughout our nation, to donate in support of the production of this exciting documentary. America’s Stairway promises to be a compelling story that will celebrate the 19th Century achievement of man’s conquest over nature, and the 21st. Century achievement of revitalizing our communities around each community’s unique heritage assets.

Jeff Schratz

Member, Historic Lockport Mill Race Board of Directors