(May 5, 2016) Youngstown, N.Y. - Old Fort Niagara announces a new season of sharing historic, authentic and engaging battle re-enactments, programs and performances that highlight its nearly three centuries on the Niagara Frontier for the enjoyment and education of the public. From the French and Indian War Encampment, to the American Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War and World Wars I and II, Old Fort Niagara invites all to "Walk in the Footsteps of History" by visiting this National Historic Landmark and the oldest existing 18^th-century buildings and fortifications in the Great Lakes region.

 

The community is encouraged to learn more about the approaching season at the fort's May 18 Community Appreciation Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission will be free for the event. Visitors will get a tour to orient them to the site, meet characters from the fort's past, and learn about the upcoming daily summer programming that will feature the American Revolution.

 

"We strive to inspire visitors every day at Old Fort Niagara by sharing authentic experiences that are part of our collective history," said Robert Emerson, Executive Director of Old Fort Niagara. "And we share more than just military history - we demonstrate how bread was baked; how iron was turned to steel for latches, handles, belts and brooches; how wood was shaped into furniture, barrels and doors; how Natives taught and traded with us; how women helped with domestic and military duties; and a lot more. Free admission should get you through the doors on May 18, but our programming should have you wanting to come back again and again."

 

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 Old Fort Niagara. Certain discount and group admissions apply. Please visit www.oldfortniagara.org for details.

 

Old Fort Niagara's 2016 Events

 

May 18   FREE ADMISSION Season Preview Community Night (6-8 p.m.)

Regional Residents Invited to Explore the Fort and Learn About the Upcoming Season

 

May 28-29   RE-ENACTMENT Soldiers Through the Ages

This military timeline traces the history of Fort Niagara from the 17^th through the 20^th centuries. Special exhibits, camps, weapons and tactical demonstrations.

 

June 11-12   RE-ENACTMENT Civil War Garrison Weekend

Union Soldiers Bring the Fort's Civil War Garrison to Life

 

July 2-4   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 & cannon firings, period music, trades demonstrations.

 

July 6-August 20   DAILY SUMMER PROGRAM American Revolution Era at the Fort

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

 

July 9-October 10   LIGHTHOUSE Open the Public (12-3 p.m. daily)

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

 

July 23   PERFORMANCE by the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps

 

July 31   PERFORMANCE by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

 

August 13 and 14   RE-ENACTMENT Soldiers of the American Revolution

Niagara Frontier life during the American Revolution

Period camps, musket & artillery demonstrations, military skirmishes

 

September 3-4   RE-ENACTMENT War of 1812 Encampment

Experience the surprise British attack on Fort Niagara that took place on December 19, 1813. Tactical and weapons demonstrations from the War of 1812. Saturday night battle.

 

October 15 & 22   FUNDRAISER Haunted Fortress

Seasonal, nocturnal tour filled with ghosts from the fort's past. Tickets will go on sale in September.

 

December 3 & 10   FUNDRAISER Castle by Candlelight

Tour the French Castle Illuminated by Candlelight and Decorated by the Youngstown Garden Club. Tickets available at the door.

 

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. 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. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.