(May 27, 2015) Youngstown, N.Y. - Old Fort Niagara will host a special American Revolution re-enactment that involves re-enactors and activities that are new to and different from the fort's regular event lineup.

On June 6 and 7, "Rebels and Redcoats" will bring hundreds of re-enactors, new re-enactment units and special presenters to the historic Youngstown fort for a weekend of patriotism and living history. Among the units will be the Northwest Department of the Brigade of the American Revolution, a non-profit living history association dedicated to recreating the life and times of the common soldier of the American Revolution.

"We are excited to present this new and substantial re-enactment that will highlight our country's fight for independence," said Robert Emerson, Executive Director of Old Fort Niagara. "We expect this event to be impressive in the number of participants and types of demonstrations it will have. It's one you don't want to miss because it's unique to this year."

Throughout the weekend there will be hands-on activities for children; presentations of mapmaking, surveying, military engineering and fortification; changing of the guard ceremonies (8^th Regiment of Foot); soldier life demonstrations; 18^th century merchants; and 18^th century games. In addition, the public can explore the fort's original 18^th century buildings, meet sutlers, witness battle demonstrations, and visit the museum and museum shop. The daily schedule is as follows:

 

Saturday, June 6

10:00 a.m.      Weapons of the American Revolution 

11:00 a.m.      Assault on the Ravelin

Noon               Prisoner Negotiations

1:00 p.m.        Uniform Program

2:00 p.m.        Battle Demonstration- Raid on a Rebel Camp

3:00 p.m.        Recruiting Demonstration- hands-on activity for kids

4:00 p.m.        Loyalist Refugee Program

 

Sunday, June 7 

11:00 a.m.      Assault on the Gate of Five Nations

Noon              Weapons of the American Revolution

1:00 p.m.        Uniform Program

2:00 p.m.        Battle for the North Redoubt 

3:00 p.m.        Recruiting Demonstration- hands-on activity for kids

4:00 p.m.        Reveille Race - hands-on activity for kids

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.

 

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

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.