The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor begins its series of five "Conversations on the Canal" dinner cruises and beer and wine tasting tours on the newly-renovated Josiah White II canal boat, 5:30 - 8 p.m. June 20. "The Corridor's Irish Past" is the theme for the first in the series aboard the mule-drawn Josiah White II on the Lehigh Canal in Hugh Moore Park, Easton.

National Canal Museum archivist Martha Capwell-Fox will present a program on the contributions of Irish immigrants in the 18th century in eastern Pennsylvania, particularly the Irish impact on canal-building and coal-mining.

A traditional Irish dinner featuring corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, black velvet chicken and potato leek soup will be served by Chef Glenn Miller of Culinary Experts, Allentown. Traditional and contemporary Irish music will be provided by Ed Saultz of Phillipsburg, N.J.

"Conversations on the Canal" are held monthly and include a speaker, music and dinner related to authentic themes related to the historic pathway that carried coal and iron from Wilkes-Barre to Philadelphia to fuel America's 19th century industrial revolution.

June 27: "Weyerbacher Beer-Tasting Cruise," 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. There will be food pairings to match different beers in celebration of the brewery's 20th anniversary.

July 18: "Life on the Old Canal," 5:30 - 8 p.m. Stories and music by Matthew Dodd, commemorating the Lehigh and Delaware canals.

Aug. 22: "Sock Hop," 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. DJ Steve Capwell. Dinner and dance to music of the 1950's.

Aug. 29: "Wine Tasting Cruise," 5 - 7 p.m. Wines from Bucks County's Sand Castle Winery. There will be food pairings for each wine served. Each passenger will receive a commemorative wine glass.

Sept. 12: "From Naples with Love," 4 - 6:30 p.m. Italian immigration of the 1850s and its impact on industries in the greater Lehigh Valley.

Oct. 3: "The Original People," 4 - 6:30 p.m. Stories about the Lenni-Lenape Indians of the Lehigh and Delaware Valleys.

Each cruise is limited to 80 people and will be held rain or shine. Passengers will be provided with directions to the boat and a detailed cruise agenda upon registration.

For more information and to register, contact Loretta Susen, Loretta@ delawareandlehigh.org; 610-923-3548, ext. 221.