Old Fort Niagara’s history spans almost 300 years. During those three centuries of occupation, the fort has seen combat for only about 23 days. On August 19 and 20 Old Fort Niagara will host a living history weekend that explores what daily life was like during the rest of the fort’s history when men, women and children went about their daily tasks, working to survive at an isolated frontier outpost.

Highlighting the weekend event will be special interactive programs that allow visitors to step back in time and engage in the fur trade, guard the fort, participate in a military drill, lay out an 18th century fortification, sing period songs and play 18th century games.

Living history interpreters will also demonstrate 18th century food preparation, muskets and artillery. Most of Old Fort Niagara’s special events focus on conflicts in which the fort saw action. Living History Weekend offers a different perspective; allowing the visitor to experience and take part in daily life for the fort’s French, British and American garrisons.

Ongoing Programs (11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Fishing, Cooking, Native Culture, Soldier Life, The Fur Trade, Games

Scheduled Programs:

10:30 Colors

11:00 a.m. Musket Firing Demonstration

11:30 a.m. Military Engineering (lay out a fort- hands on program)

Noon Artillery Firing Demonstration- join a cannon crew – hands on program

12:30 p.m. Hairdressing in the 18^th Century

1:00 p.m. Musket Demonstration

1:30 p.m. Play an 18^th Century Game- Bat and Trap – hands on program

2:00 p.m. Artillery Firing Demonstration- join a cannon crew – hands on program

2:30 p.m. Learn the Manual Exercise- hands on program

3:00 p.m. Musket Demonstration

3:30 p.m. Join the Fort Guard/Sing an 18^th Century Song- hands on program

4:00 p.m. Musket Demonstration