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WATERFORD, N.Y. -- The State Canal System has launched what it calls its flagship on Friday as the tugboat "Urger" begins its trip around New York State.

The 111-year-old boat launched from Waterford

Urger has served as a floating museum and classroom since it was retired in 1991.

Before it headed out on its trip, students from the Orenda Elementary School in the Shenendehowa district were invited on board. Along with learning about the history of the boat and the canal, they also learned about keeping New York’s waterways clean and protecting the state's natural resources.

"The New York State Canal System and the Erie Canal are a legend, an iconic water system and villages and towns like Waterford here in the Capital Region, all over the canal system, know how important, economically, New York's canal system is," said New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian Stratton.

The Urger and its crew of four travel around New York State in the spring and fall every year, educating students about the history of New York’s waterways.