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Old Fort Niagara to host Soldiers through the Ages

by remerson
Tue, May 18th 2021 03:00 pm

 

On Memorial Day weekend, visitors to Old Fort Niagara will explore four centuries of military history as the fort hosts its annual Soldiers through the Ages event. Displays of vintage military vehicles and period camps will be featured throughout the site.

 

Visitors will be able to walk back in time from the Cold War to the early 18th century, viewing period camps and living history programming. Among the special demonstrations will be “Matchlocks to M1s,” a look at military weapons technology from the early 17th century through the 1960s, fife and drum concerts and artillery firing demonstrations. The event will also feature cooking programs, a history of military rations and the evolution of military uniforms.

 

“This event is different than anything else we present during the year,” said Robert Emerson, Executive Director of Old Fort Niagara. “Our events usually focus on a particular historical event or time period. This program is different, allowing visitors to compare and contrast almost 400 years of military history.”

 

Fort Niagara was one of the longest occupied military bases in North America. The French erected the first fort at the site in 1679. After the construction of the French Castle in 1726, the fort remained a military post until the United States Army decommissioned it in 1963. Over the course of many years, the fort was the scene of a grueling siege, devastating artillery bombardments, a surprise attack, a famous 1,000-yard rifle range, officer training facility, induction center and prisoner of war camp. Its final role was part of the missile defense system that protected western New York during the Cold War.

 

This long and colorful history will be brought to life through living history programs and demonstrations on Memorial Day weekend. Hours for the event are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30.

 

On Monday, Memorial Day, the fort joins Lake Ontario Post #313, Veterans of Foreign Wars at the post cemetery for a memorial service for fallen veterans. This program takes place at 11:00 am.

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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