Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

METAMORA, Ind. – The Ben Franklin III Canal Boat, part of the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site, will be removed from the water and dry-docked for inspection on Jan. 25, weather-permitting.

The process is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. with the closure of the crossroad at Columbia and Main streets. A crane will be assembled at the site starting at 9 a.m. At 11 a.m., the crane will lift the boat onto a tractor-trailer and move it to the facilities building on Clayborn Street. The crane will be dismantled and removed by 5:30 p.m.

The purpose of taking the boat out of the water is to do the inspection necessary to determine viability of boat. The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites will provide next steps as information is available.

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The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is a statewide museum system with 12 locations, offering visitors a chance to engage with Indiana’s past and present and see how their actions help shape the future. At each location, visitors are invited to explore big questions and create lasting experiences that will resonate long after each visit ends. Whether interested in art or architecture, history or science, there’s something for everyone and every interest. The Indianapolis museum is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The historic sites are located statewide, stretching from Rome City in northeastern Indiana to Evansville in the southwest.