Many of us make New Year’s Resolution this time of year, only to discover by the end of January that most (or all) of them have fallen by the wayside. I’d like to encourage you to make a resolution that will be a pleasure to keep—why not try participating in one educational program at Fort Ticonderoga this year that you’ve never tried before!
The number and variety of programs available throughout the year at Fort Ticonderoga continues to grow. Whether you spend a weekend attending one of our five seminar programs or just set aside an hour for one of our Fort Fever Series programs, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people with similar interests and a passion for Fort Ticonderoga!
In January alone we offer a number of educational opportunities. Our annual Fort Fever Series! program gets underway on Sunday, January 13th, when Curator of Collections Chris Fox talks about “The Realities of War.” Using petitions filed by Massachusetts Provincials following their service in the French & Indian War, Chris talks about the experiences of those soldiers during the 1758 campaign against French-held Fort Carillon (Ticonderoga). The Fort Fever Series! features Fort Ticonderoga staff one Sunday afternoon a month January through April. Programs begin at 2:00 p.m. These programs cost $10/person and are free for members of the Friends of Fort Ticonderoga. Additional programs are scheduled February 10th, March 17th, and April 21st.
The Interpretation Department is running four clothing and accoutrement workshops this winter/spring. The first, “Basic Sewing Skills and Breeches Construction” takes place January 19th & 20th. These workshops, led by Artificer Supervisor Joel Anderson, make available Fort Ticonderoga’s outstanding collections, resources, and expertise to facilitate higher standards of authenticity in living history. These workshops draw upon both staff and guest experts to lead detailed sessions in the construction of historically accurate clothing and accouterments. Workshops cover mechanical issues like patterning, cutting, and stitching, and provide, whenever possible, opportunities to view and discuss original artifact examples associated with these projects. Additional workshops take place in February, March, and April.
The Third Annual Material Matters: It’s in the Details seminar takes place January 26th & 27th. This weekend seminar focuses on the material culture of the 18th century and provides attendees with an opportunity to learn more about the “stuff” of history. This seminar, smaller than our others later in the year, provides an intimate setting and enables presenters to share elements of their work in an up-close environment. There are still openings available and you can download a registration form here.
Throughout the remainder of the winter and early spring you will find a couple of programs each month as we approach opening day of the 2013 season on May 17th. On April 13th, we hold the Second Annual Garden & Landscape Symposium, highlighting the King’s Garden while sharing tips from experienced gardeners and landscapers that you can implement at home.
Never been to the War College of the Seven Years’ War? The oldest of our seminar programs, dating back to 1996, celebrates its eighteenth edition May 17th-19th with a program featuring presenters from across the country. Over 150 people come together each May to share their enthusiasm for the French & Indian War in North America. Likewise, the Fort Ticonderoga Seminar on the American Revolution September 20th-22nd, entering its tenth year, focuses on aspects of the American War for Independence.
New last summer, the Conference on Lake George and Lake Champlain takes an interdisciplinary look at the history, geography, culture, ecology and current issues related to these magnificent lakes that are so integral to Fort Ticonderoga and the region. Topics in 2013 include “Hulled between Wind and Water: The Attack on Diamond Island, Lake George’s only Naval Battle,” “Farmhouse Summers: O’Keefe and Stieglitz on Lake George,” and “The Floods of 2011: Impacts and Long-Term Implications for Lake Champlain.”
The Fort Ticonderoga Author Series returns in 2013, featuring the authors of recent books related to the region and the Fort Ticonderoga story. Most programs take place on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m., followed by a book signing in the Museum Store at 3:00 p.m. These programs are included in the cost of admission and are free for members of the Friends of Fort Ticonderoga and Ticonderoga Ambassador Pass holders. The schedule for 2013 is still evolving, so be sure to check the above link later in the spring for the most up-to-date list of authors.
Other programs are also in the works, so check out Life Long Learning on our website to keep updated with all our programs for adult learners. I look forward to seeing you at one or more of these programs in the coming year!
Rich Strum
Director of Education