French Heritage Day at Old Fort Niagara offers students a variety of experiences that will help them better understand the early French exploration and occupation of the Great Lakes region during the 17th and 18th centuries. The program will make extensive use of costumed interpretation and students will have the opportunity to participate in period discussions and tasks through various role-playing exercises. 

This interactive, living-history day features the French influences on music and architecture,  soldiers' lives, food, Native relations and trade, with musket and artillery firing demonstrations.

November 8 will present programming for visiting school groups, including foreign language and social studies classes. For educators looking to book their visit, please contact us after July 15, 2019, by emailing Carrie LaFlair or calling her at (716) 745-7611 ext. 223.

Learning Stations:

French Architecture and Fortification

French Foodways of the 18th Century

Life as a soldier in les compagnies franches de la Marine

Trade and Commerce

Voyageurs Race

Chaplains and Missionaries

French Relations with Native Americans

Blacksmithing

Military Music

Medicine

and more. 

Financial assistance for school classes may be available through New York State Parks Connect Kids Program. Click here for more information-

https://parks.ny.gov/environment/connect-kids.aspx

Teachers who register for the program will receive pre-visit information to help prepare the class for their visit. 

On Saturday, November 9, the fort's staff and volunteers will present "French Heritage Day" for the general public. Click here for more information.