Canal Corridor Association Honors Friends

: Friends' Executive Director Margaret Frisbie (left) with Ana Koval, president of the Canal Corridor Association, and Josh Coles, director of the Bridgehouse Museum.

In recognition of the outstanding work of our McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum, Friends of the Chicago River was honored to receive the Boat Captain's Award from the Canal Corridor Association at its annual luncheon in April.

The five-story Bridgehouse Museum, located on the Chicago Riverwalk, explores the complicated history of the river from glacial formation through modern revitalization work that brought the river back to life. The museum also celebrates Chicago’s world-famous movable bridges and allows visitors an up-close look at the massive gears and inner-workings of the bridge. Programing at the museum includes special events, lectures, and a speaker series, as well as outdoor entertainment on the museum’s plaza, and a free mobile exhibit called the Chicago River is Wild Science Station that contains interactive activities for all ages to learn about the river, its wildlife, and water quality.

Other award honorees include Friends of the Chicago Portage, the Village of Lemont, the Old Joliet Prison Preservation Coalition, and the Mazon Creek Fossil Crew.

Celebrating the 175th anniversary of the opening of the Illinois & Michigan Canal, the Canal Corridor Association works to preserve history, protect nature and open space, and create destinations where people can learn and have fun in the I&M Canal National Heritage Area.