1945 NYS Barge Canal Diving Suit

Just like roads and freeways require annual maintenance, the New York State Barge Canal is no exception—with one major difference: inspections and repairs often happen UNDER the water! Since the late 1800s, specialized diving suits have been used to enable engineers to work below the water’s surface. This video features c. 1945 diving gear housed in the NYSM History Collections.