They Swung Their Picks: The Irish and the New Basin Canal

They Swung their Picks: The Irish and the New Basin Canal premiered on New Orleans’ WYES-TV on November 15th.

The documentary tells the story of the New Basin Canal, the six-mile waterway linking Uptown New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain, and the Irish canal diggers involved in its construction in the 1830s. The Canal was key to the development and economic vitality of New Orleans and the documentary, through interviews with local historians and members of the Irish community in the city, celebrates the fascinating story of the Irish contribution to the project and the city.

The production of this documentary was supported by the Government of Ireland through the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP). ESP funding facilitates Irish Government investment in a range of cultural, community and heritage projects that seek to foster a vibrant sense of Irish community and identity amongst Ireland’s diaspora. Funding also supports organisations engaged in the delivery of services and community care to members of the Irish diaspora.

The Emigrant Support Programme will reopen for applications in early 2024. If your organisation has a suitable project planned for 2024-2025, email us for support to apply.