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Memorial Day Weekend Includes "Soldiers through the Ages" at the Fort

by Charlotte Clark
Wed, May 24th 2017 11:00 am

(May 16, 2017) Youngstown, N.Y. - Old Fort Niagara's interpretive staff and volunteers and re-enacting units throughout the region will come together over Memorial Day weekend, May 27 and 28, to present "Soldiers through the Ages" at the historic landmark in Youngstown. This military timeline event traces the history of Fort Niagara from the early explorers of the 17th century through the mid-20th century. The event features special exhibits, camps, weapons and battle-tactic demonstrations.

 

"This event really kicks off the re-enactment season here at the fort," said Robert Emerson, Executive Director of Old Fort Niagara. "It's a unique chance for visitors to witness the spectrum of soldiers, weaponry, uniforms, food, vehicles and music that paraded across these historic grounds over three centuries. The event also ties in nicely with Memorial Day and honoring those who died defending our country."

 

Everything is included with regular admission to the fort and is free for members of the Old Fort Niagara Association. The schedule of activities for Saturday and Sunday follows:

 

10:15 a.m.      Military Parade and Colors Ceremony

11:00 a.m.      Small Arms Demonstration, 1645-1945, Matchlocks to M1s

Noon              Artillery Demonstration

1:00 p.m.        Military Uniforms and Weapons of the Flintlock Era

1:30 p.m.        Hotshot Demonstration

2:00 p.m.        Military Uniforms and Weapons of the 19th Century

2:30 p.m.        Concert of Military Music

3:00 p.m.        Military Uniforms and Weapons of the 20th Century

3:30 p.m.        Small Unit Tactical Demonstration, The American Revolution vs. World War Two

4:15 p.m.        Parade of Military Music

4:30 p.m.        Retreat Ceremony

 

Ongoing exhibits and demonstrations: military vehicles, rations through the ages, living history camps, and militaria on display.


On Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, at 11:00 a.m., the VFW Lake Ontario Post 313 will hold a special memorial service at the historic Fort Niagara Cemetery. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

 

The following special events follow "Soldiers through the Ages."

  

June 3 & 4                RE-ENACTMENT Rebels & Redcoats

British and American Soldiers occupy the fort to bring the American Revolution to life.

 

July 1-3                     RE-ENACTMENT French and Indian War Encampment

Old Fort Niagara's biggest event of the year! Multi-day battles between the French and British, hundreds of re-enactors, sutlers selling handmade wares, French, British and Native Camps, musket and cannon firings, period music, trades demonstrations.

 

Starting July 5         DAILY SUMMER PROGRAM

Daily programs highlight British presence at fort during the American Revolution; musket and cannon firings, field music, history interpretation

 

July 8-October 9     LIGHTHOUSE Open the Public (12-3 p.m. daily)

Free admission for visitors; must be at least 4 feet tall and sign a waiver

 

Old Fort Niagara is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through June and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in July and August. Admissions end 30 minutes before closing. Regular admission to the fort is $12 per adult, $8 per child ages 6-12, free for children 5 and under, and free to members of the Old Fort Niagara Association.

 

Old Fort Niagara (www.oldfortniagara.org) is a Registered National Historic Landmark and New York State Historic Site operated by the Old Fort Niagara Association (a not-for-profit organization) in cooperation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

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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