(May 8, 2017) Youngstown, N.Y. - Old Fort Niagara invites residents from the greater Buffalo Niagara region to explore the historic landmark for free on Community Night, May 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. Visitors can tour the site and visit information stations where staff and volunteers will welcome them to learn about the fort's programming, special events, membership and volunteering opportunities. Visitors will also be entered to win door prizes.

 

"If you haven't been to Old Fort Niagara in a while or ever, Community Night is a perfect chance to experience what we're all about," said Robert Emerson, Executive Director of Old Fort Niagara Association. "We are excited to welcome the community to explore and learn about our authentic living-history programming. It's an opportunity to see what visitors from around the world are coming to see."

 

Staff, volunteers and re-enactors in period clothing will greet visitors at numerous interactive information stations, including: soldier and artillerist, the outdoor bread oven, women's programming, military music, Native interpreters, membership, volunteering and giving. Free refreshments will be served. Door prizes will include gift certificates to the fort's Museum Shop and Log Cabin eatery, a family membership and a family admissions pass.

 

The fort also announces its special events.

 

May 17                       FREE ADMISSION Season Preview Community Night (6-8 p.m.)

Regional residents invited to explore the fort and learn about the upcoming season

 

May 27 & 28             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 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

 

August 5 & 6            RE-ENACTMENT Soldiers of the American Revolution

Niagara Frontier life during the American Revolution

Period camps, musket and artillery demonstrations, military skirmishes

 

September 2 & 3     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.

 

November 3 & 4      PROGRAM French Heritage Days

Educational programs share Niagara's French heritage

 

December 9 & 16   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 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 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.