Fort Ticonderoga is launching a new schedule of programs during its Winter Quarters season. From November through April, visitors will be immersed in a more intimate experience at Fort Ticonderoga. From exciting living history events, insightful seminars, specialty programs, and hands-on workshops, guests will have the opportunity to explore Fort Ticonderoga during what was traditionally the “Winter Quarters” season for armies of the 18th century. Groups of 15 or more are also invited to schedule a visit to have the entire site to themselves and a dedicated historic interpreter for their tour during the Winter Quarters season. To learn more about the full schedule visit www.fortticonderoga.org or call 518-585-2821.
“Discover a new perspective of Ticonderoga’s epic history and stunning historic landscape during our Winter Quarters season,” said Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “Just as the armies of the 18th century moved into Winter Quarters during this period of the year, Fort Ticonderoga is now launching a new program initiative to capture the story, activities, and winter-time beauty of the site. Unlike many regional tourist destinations who close their doors during this period, Fort Ticonderoga remains extremely active with a variety of unique and intimate guest experiences. From special group tours and field trips, classroom visits, incredible living history events, seminars and lectures series and a variety of other programs, Fort Ticonderoga’s Winter Quarters is a must-do for residents in the region as well as the many tourists who visit the Adirondacks for its story, beauty, and wintertime activities.”
Living History Events
• December 9, 2017: The Noble Train Begins
Discover the epic story of Henry Knox’s “Noble Train” and witness the raw power of oxen and horses as these thousand pound animals pull sleds of cannon tubes. Examine the science of gunnery, preserved in Fort Ticonderoga’s massive cannon collection.
• January 13, 2018: The Coming Campaign
Discover the defining story of 1777, the last year American troops held Ticonderoga. the roar of musketry and cannon and the intricate maneuvering of soldiers take on a whole new dimension in the stark beauty of winter.
• February 17, 2018: 1775 British Garrison Event
See how British soldiers and their families lived at Fort Ticonderoga on the eve of the American Revolution. Discover what it was like to be a British soldier, soldier’s wife, or child. Was the British army prepared or unprepared to fight for control of Ticonderoga?
• March 24, 2018: Ordered to Join the Northern Army in Canada
Discover how veteran New York soldiers and raw recruits assembled at Ticonderoga in the spring of 1776. See their training and preparation to join the on-going Continental Army campaign in Canada. Smell the sawdust and watch the wood chips fly as carpenters repair the fort barracks.
Fort Fever Series
Fort Ticonderoga’s popular wintertime Fort Fever Series returns in 2018 and features programs led by Fort Ticonderoga museum staff who will share their latest research and cutting-edge discoveries.
• January 7, 2018: “Vigilance & Discipline to be observed through all the Vessels”
Join Assistant Director of Interpretation, Nicholas Spadone, as he explores the composition of the dozens of British Royal Navy Vessels on Lake Champlain during the American Revolution.
• February 11, 2018: “Soldiers of Color at Ticonderoga”
In celebration of Black History month, join Vice President of Public History and Operations, Stuart Lilie, to explore the diversity of soldiers who fought at Ticonderoga and examine how attitudes about soldiers of color varied dramatically within these various armies.
• March 11, 2018: “A ‘Charmingly Aggressive Woman’ Sarah Pell’s Struggle for History & Human Rights”
Celebrate women’s history the month with us! Join Miranda Peters, Collections Manager, as she shares images, archival materials, and collections never-before-seen by the public, and recently cataloged by museum staff that reveal glimpses of Sarah Pell’s impactful work.
• April 15, 2018: “Somewhere in France–Stephen Pell’s Great War”
Curator Matthew Keagle will explore the service of Fort Ticonderoga’s co-founder Stephen H.P. Pell during the First World War. As a volunteer ambulance driver, Stephen saw the Great War first-hand on the Battlefields of France. Learn about Stephen’s war through never-before-seen artifacts, photographs, and letters from Fort Ticonderoga’s collection.
To learn more about the 2018 Fort Fever Series, visit www.fortticonderoga.org under the “Education” tab by selecting “Workshops and Seminars” on the drop down menu.
Winter Workshop Series
Join Fort Ticonderoga’s professional staff and tradesmen as you make your own 18th-century clothing and accoutrement during hands-on Trades Workshops. Each workshop includes a coat kit, sewing materials, and lunch. Pre-registration required.
• January 27-28, 2018: “Surtouts & Straight-Bodied Coats”
Learn construction details as you build your own men’s 1770 civilian coat. Choose between making a blue, brown, or drab breadcloth surtout (a fitted overcoat) or a straight-bodied coat.
• March 10-11, 2018: “British Regimental Coats”
Learn the latest research on British enlisted regimental coats as you construct your own. Bring your own lace and buttons to customize your trim.
• April 14-15, 2018: “Hunting Shirts”
Explore the origins and construction of this unique American military worn garment during the War for Independence.
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