COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Programs That Come to Your Classroom

A Soldier's Life

This program features an in-class visit by a member of the fort staff, dressed in the military uniform of one of the fort's historic garrisons. The primary objective is to increase audience understanding of daily life in the target time period - with a special emphasis on activities and conditions at Old Fort Niagara.
Using the uniform itself, as well as other items representative of a soldier's personal equipment and belongings (knapsack, haversack, clothing, blankets, games, utensils, grooming supplies, etc.), the trials and joys of everyday life will be brought to life.

Students will be able to see and touch reproductions of historic clothing and equipment, making a direct connection with the history of their region. They will also gain a greater understanding of many of the following educational concepts:

  • The past as more than just names and dates
  • The political development of western New York during the period of focus
  • The diversity of community within Fort Niagara
  • The processes necessary for life in a pre-electric age
  • Forms of entertainment popular during the period of focus
  • Vocabulary appropriate to the program
  • "A Soldiers Life" can be tailored to a period which matches the educational goals of the individual school or educator. Programs focusing on the 18th century French and British, and early 19th century American  occupations of the Fort are available.

Duration: Half or Full Day               Cost: $250/$50

 

To book a program contact:

Marlene Wessel

 (716) 745-7611 ext 223 between 10 am and 4 pm weekdays. 

email [email protected]

 

 

The Old Fort Niagara Association offers programs about the Fort for your civic organization.

The illustrated, 20-minute programs that you'll find below are available free of charge to organizations in Niagara and northern Erie County.

If you'd like to book them, simply call Robert Emerson, executive director of Old Fort Niagara. You can call him at 716.745.7611 ext # 228, or email here.
 

1)  Old Fort Niagara, Yesterday and Today

This program provides a brief overview of the Fort's colorful history and its current operations.

2) It is impossible for us to defend the Country: The American Revolution on the New York Frontier.

This illustrated presentation examines the American Revolution on the New York frontier, from preliminary diplomatic overtures to all out warfare. It also examines how people on the frontier chose sides in what became a bitter civil war.

During the American Revolution, New York’s Mohawk Valley became the scene of all out warfare. British redcoats fought soldiers from Washington’s Continental Army, Loyalists fought patriot militia and Native Americans fought on both sides. Raiders from British-held Fort Niagara and from Canada devastated the agriculturally rich region, leaving in their wake burned farms and mills and thousands of refugees. Continental forces retaliated in 1779, invading the country of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, destroying villages and crops throughout central and western New York. The campaign resulted in a desperate refugee crisis around Fort Niagara during the bitter winter of 1780. When the war ended in 1783, Fort Niagara was slated to be turned over the United States, but Great Britain retained control until 1796.

3)  A Glorious Acquisition

Relive the Siege of 1759 when British and New York troops and their Native allies captured Fort Niagara from the French.

 

4)  Fort Niagara and Pontiac's War

Discover Fort Niagara's vital role in the Native uprising of 1763-64.
 

5)  The War of 1812 on Lake Ontario

Experience the Naval War on Lake Ontario during the War of 1812.

 

6)  A Case of Criminal Neglect

Learn about the capture of Fort Niagara on December 19, 1813.

 

7)  Training Ground for the Great War

Join the men of the Reserve Officers Training Corps and the Polish Blue Army as they train for World War One.

Hours of Operation

January 13 through March, Open Wednesday-Sunday  10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m

April 1- June 30, Open Daily 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

July and August, Open Daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

September 1 - October 15, Open Daily 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

October 16 - December 31, Open Wednesday through Sunday (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays) 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

The fort will be open daily during Christmas week, December 26 - 31. 

Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. 

 

General Admission

Adults:

$20.00

Children (6 to 12 years) 

$12.00

Children (5 and under):

  FREE

 

 

 

 

Support the Fort

Old Fort Niagara is operated by the Old Fort Niagara Association, an independent, not-for-profit organization established in 1927. We do not rely on tax dollars. Instead, the Fort is funded through a combination of admission fees, museum shop sales, and charitable contributions.

Donate today!

 

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