Recede: The Building of the St. Helena II

In the late 1960s, a determined group in Canal Fulton, Ohio, set out to do more than rebuild a canal boat—they set out to preserve a disappearing era of American history.

Their efforts transformed the town into a thriving destination, strengthening the local economy and creating a lasting legacy. More importantly, they helped spark broader interest in preserving and reimagining the nation’s historic canal systems at a time when many were close to being lost.

Built over three and a half years, the St. Helena II stands as the first authentically constructed canal boat of its kind in the country—a product of over 15,000 hours of volunteer labor and deep community support.

Today, that legacy continues through Recede, a documentary capturing the story of the boat and the people who brought it to life. Directed by Brittany Dobish of Dobish Legacy Films, Produced by Mark Hamer of Crash Cat Media. Filming began in spring 2025 and continues through 2026, featuring interviews with descendants, historians, and community leaders, alongside the landscapes that define Canal Fulton—including the Ohio & Erie Canal and the St. Helena II itself.

The film will premiere in fall 2026 in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, followed by local screenings and community conversations to carry this story forward—offering a reflection on why we preserve history and how local heritage can bring us together at a time when community itself can feel like it’s receding from the landscape.