Della is the new Heritage Corridor Mascot

The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L) and National Canal Museum (NCM) announced that ‘’Della’’ is the name of their Mule Mascot.  Over 200 entries were received.  The (multiple) winners (who entered the same name) were Jeanette Bancroft of Reno, Nevada, Ed Courrier of Macungie, PA, and Janice Kille of Easton.  Finalists included Eliza and Evan Pauser of Easton, PA and Sam Brown of Easton, PA, Megan Everett of Allentown, PA and Jack and Elaine Strum of Jim Thorpe, PA.

According to Tom Stoneback, Director of the NCM, “Thanks to mules like Della, America was Built here…From our main streets, factories, and historic towns the region led the Industrial Revolution…Because, coal from the Poconos was transported through the canals on boats pulled by tireless mules…so who better to tell the story that America was built here than Della!

“Throughout the corridor, on our (real) mule-drawn canal boat, in hundreds of classrooms and in the Museum we celebrate and cheer this leadership with family-friendly learning experiences. Our Smithsonian-affiliated facility’s hands-on exhibits and education programs show how the coal-carrying canals and its peoples led the region’s nationally significant role in the building of America.”

Hugh Moore Historical Park and Museum is a Smithsonian-affiliated organization in the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. It's where geography and geology met human genius and energy-a confluence which transformed the United States from a rural, agricultural society into an industrial power. The industrial evolution began, and America was, literally, built here.  The National Canal Museum and Canal Boat are open Wednesday through Sunday through August, and on weekends through September. Canal boat rides depart at 1, 2, 3, and 4PM.  The Museum is located at Hugh Moore Park, 2750 Hugh Moore Park Road. Easton, PA.  For more information: 610-923-3548 or www.canals.org.

The Heritage Corridor’s mission is to enrich the communities of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage corridor through programs and partnerships that conserve the resources, preserve the history, revitalize our communities and celebrate the story. With the D&L Trail as our platform for delivery, the Heritage Corridor creates over 3300 jobs and $240 million in annual revenues. It is home to 1.6 million residents and entertains untold numbers of visitors. Della is its newest member!