Frequently Asked Questions

We offer this page as a convenient informational resource to answer the most frequently asked questions about the canal and the Friends. Check back often—we occasionally update this area as we receive new questions. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for here, contact us and we’ll try to answer your question.

ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF THE DELAWARE CANAL

When and why was the FODC formed?
Friends of the Delaware Canal was incorporate in January 1983 after the charter meeting in October 1982 at the historic Towpath House Restaurant in New Hope. The organization’s mission is to restore, preserve and improve the Delaware Canal and its surroundings in order to sustain a unique link to our heritage, protect diverse and valuable natural areas, provide recreational opportunities, and enable the canal to serve as a community and economic asset.

How many members does the FODC have?
The Friends of the Delaware Canal have more than 1000 members from all over the country. We are a membership-driven organization and will only grow stronger with more support from our community.

Does the FODC hold any events for its members or participate in other groups’ events?
The Friends hold several short walks throughout the year along the Canal. We also sponsor a Canal Clean-Up Day and The Walk, which is a hike along the entire length of the Delaware Canal, spread out over four weeks in October. The Friends also hold quarterly meetings for its membership and the public, during which we invite a speaker to discuss a topic of importance to the Delaware Canal.

The Friends also have a close relationship with the Delaware Canal State Park, and often support events the park holds on the Canal.

What are the qualifications for membership in FODC?
The only qualifications for joining the Friends of the Delaware Canal are the payment of membership dues and a love of and desire to protect and preserve this unique historic, cultural and environmental resource.

What are the benefits of FODC membership?
The benefits of membership include a subscription to our quarterly print newsletter, invitations to meetings with speakers, and special tours of the Canal. Members also enjoy the benefit of knowing that their dues payment is going toward preservation and protection of the Delaware Canal for future generations.

How do I join FODC?
You can become a member of the Friends by following this link, or you can download a membership form (36KB pdf) and mail it, completed and accompanied by your dues payment, to FODC, 145 S. Main Street, New Hope, PA 18938.

Can my company join FODC as a business member?
Yes, the Friends of the Delaware Canal encourage businesses to become members. The Delaware Canal is an asset to all businesses in the area, and our success in preserving the Canal will help increase support for your business by generating tourism traffic and public interest. Business members are mentioned in each issue of our quarterly newsletter. To become a business member, follow this link. You may also download a membership form (36KB pdf), complete it and indicate that you’re a business, and mail it with your dues payment to FODC, 145 S. Main Street, New Hope, PA 18938.

ABOUT THE DELAWARE CANAL

How long did it take to build the Delaware Canal?
Construction on the Delaware Canal began in 1827, and was completed in 1831. However, the Canal was not put into operation until 1834. Most of the work was done by local farmers and Irish immigrants. At that time, there were no power tools or heavy earth-moving equipment, so the Delaware Canal was dug by hand.

How long is the canal, and how many Pennsylvania counties does it flow through?
The Delaware and Lehigh Canal runs 60 miles from Bristol in Bucks County, to Easton in Northampton County