If you love history, nature or just being on the water, this is the perfect experience," said Sophia Vayansky, program manager for Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA), describing the Heritage Cruises aboard the Chief Uncas. "The Chief Uncas is a 112-year-old electric wooden boat - quiet, elegant and immersive. You'll hear fascinating stories from expert speakers while enjoying a peaceful sunset cruise on one of America's most storied rivers. It's unlike any other lecture you've attended."

Upcoming cruises will be held on Thursdays, Aug. 7 and 14, at 7 p.m. Cruises depart from the Zimmerman Center for Heritage, 1706 Long Level Road, Wrighstville. Each cruise will last for one and a half hours.

"On Aug. 7, we'll welcome Nelson Polite, president of the African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania and a board member of both SNHA and LancasterHistory," Vayansky said. "Nelson will share powerful stories about the Underground Railroad and the crucial role the Susquehanna River played as a pathway to freedom. His talk will highlight the resilience of those who sought liberty and the local communities that supported them."

On Aug. 14, Allen Dieterich-Ward, author of "Cradle of Conservation: An Environmental History of Pennsylvania," will be the featured speaker.

"(He) will explore how the natural environment - the 'non-human world' - has shaped Pennsylvania's human history," Vayansky explained. "He'll help us see how nature is more than a backdrop to our story; it's a driving force in it."

The series is a natural fit for SNHA, Vayansky noted.

"Education is central to our mission at SNHA," she said. "We've long offered public lectures on local history and heritage, and once we acquired the Chief Uncas, we saw a unique opportunity. What better place to share stories about the Susquehanna than while cruising on the river itself? These Heritage Cruises let us bring history to life, right on the water that shaped it."

The cruises also serve as a fundraiser for SNHA. A portion of ticket sales supports an honorarium for the speakers, with the remainder going directly toward maintaining the Chief Uncas and funding educational programming across the organization's region.

While the history cruises will wrap up for the year in mid-August, the Chief Uncas will continue to host tourgoers who want to explore the river in a unique setting.

"We offer one-hour guided tours every weekend during the season, plus longer and more intimate sunset cruises," Vayansky said. "The Chief Uncas is also available for private charters - perfect for birthdays, reunions or just a relaxing time with friends." The season will conclude on Monday, Sept. 1.

The Chief Uncas was built in 1912 for Adolphus Busch, co-founder of the American beer company, to enjoy cruises at his summer estate on Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, N.Y., the headwaters of the Susquehanna River. SNHA purchased the Chief Uncas in 2021 and transported the boat to Pennsylvania.

Donors for the project include Ann Barshinger of Lancaster and Doug Hoke and George and Bambi Long of York. Additional grant support was provided from the National Park Service and PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Heritage Areas Program. Brookfield Renewable Energy also supported the boat project with a contribution. To learn more about the history of the Chief Uncas, visit http://bit.ly/456bU36.

Vayanksy also encouraged people to check out a program offered at one of SNHA's newest sites, the Mifflin Farm in Wrightsville.

"We invite everyone to join us for our Lectures on the Lawn series at the historic Mifflin Farm this summer - another opportunity to connect with local history in a beautiful, meaningful setting," she said.

For the cruises aboard the Chief Uncas, space is limited to 20 guests per cruise. The boat is partially covered for weather protection, but visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather. The tours are suitable for people of most ages, but boarding requires navigating several steps.

For more information on the tours or the Lectures on the Lawn or to purchase tickets for a cruise, visit http://www.SusqNHA.org/events.