For immediate release

(May 12, 2015) Youngstown, N.Y. - Old Fort Niagara's timeline spans more than four centuries of history, from the earliest relationships with the Native American through the Cold War. On the weekend of May 23 and 24, the fort's staff of educators, volunteers and reenactors will bring this history to life during the "Soldiers Through the Ages" annual event. Here, the public is invited to learn about the evolution of weaponry, tactics, vehicles and historic clothing.

The schedule of events for Saturday and Sunday is as follows:

10:00 a.m.       Military Parade and Colors Ceremony - Watch reenactors assemble and parade across the fort's lawn and present their colors (flags).

10:30 a.m.       Musket Demonstration - Fort staff will educate visitors about the musket, including how it is loaded and fired.

11:30 a.m.       Weapons and Tactics of 1645 to 1945 - See how weapons and tactics changed during the fort's history, including Native weaponry, the 17^th century matchlock through the infantry weapons of World War II.

12:00 p.m.       Artillery Demonstration - Fort staff will fire an 18^th century cannon.

1:00 p.m.         Uniform Program - Wool, leather and cotton have war experiences to share, too. Learn about military fashion!

1:30 p.m.         Musket Demonstration - Fort staff will educate visitors about the musket, including how it is loaded and fired.

2:00 p.m.         Military Music - Listen to the melodic and structured music of the fifes and drums.

3:00 p.m.         Weapons and Tactics of 1645 to 1945 - See how weapons and tactics changed during the fort's history, including Native weaponry, the 17^th century matchlock through the infantry weapons of World War II.

4:00 p.m.         Military Music - Listen to the melodic and structured music of the fifes and drums.

Ongoing both days will be living history camps, trades demonstrations, rations through time, military vehicles and a command post at the 1762 Provisions Storehouse. The cost to attend is regular admission to the Fort ($12/adult, $8/child ages 6-12, free/children 5 and under) and is free to members of Old Fort Niagara.

 

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at 11:00 a.m., the Lake Ontario Post 313 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will hold a special memorial service at the historic Fort Niagara Cemetery. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

 

Re-enactments at Old Fort Niagara will continue to be a highlight at the following spring and summer events:

June 6-7, Rebels and Redcoats

July 3-5, French and Indian War Encampment

August 1-2, Soldiers of the Revolution

September 5-6, War of 1812 Encampment

 

Old Fort Niagara (www.oldfortniagara.org) is located in Fort Niagara State Park in Youngstown, N.Y., which is 14 miles north of Niagara Falls via the Robert Moses Parkway North. The Fort opens at 9 a.m. daily and is open until 5 p.m. Admissions end at 4:30 p.m. Old Fort Niagara 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. Like us on Facebook.