Hailed as the premier living history program in North America, Fort Ticonderoga’s museum staff brings history to life every day! Ticonderoga’s epic history and signature stories are highlighted through innovative story telling on a grand scale, historic trades, daily soldiers’ life programs, thrilling weapons demonstrations, and captivating special events.
These programs are available Tuesday-Sunday May 2-October 25, 2026. These offerings are included in your general admission ticket, and you do not need to make reservations to attend.
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Musket Firing Demonstration
Daily at 11am
Explore the workings of the different flintlock weapons carries by Continental Army soldiers in 1776. From a small guard of veteran New Yorkers to thousands of Americans, discover how different soldiers received and employed these weapons as REAL TIME REVOLUTION® recreated 1776, day-by-day, at Fort Ticonderoga.
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Cannon Firing Demonstration
Daily at 2pm
Cannons were at the heart of Fort Ticonderoga’s story in 1776, with its big guns liberating Boston and defending the new nation. Examine how the Continental Army mounted old French and British guns within a host of new American fortifications. in this daily REAL TIME REVOLUTION® demonstration, discover the struggle and triumph as Continental Army soldiers held the line for liberty in 1776.
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Soldiers' Dinner
In 1776, Continental Army soldiers were keenly aware of their army’s official ration, their daily and weekly allotment of food. Discover the challenged of delivering the full legal obligation for food that the Continental Army pledged before declaring independence. See how American soldiers cleverly cooked what they received, to defend the new nation at Ticonderoga.
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Shoemaking
Shoes were an essential supply for Continental Army soldiers who marched miles through mud to reach Ticonderoga. Learn about the struggle to keep more than 10,000 American soldiers shod and discover the science of recreating original shoes from archaeological examples. Flex the supple calfskin of shoe uppers and rap on the hard soles as you explore how these shoes were repaired wherever soldiers marched or rowed.
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Tailoring
In the early days of Revolutionary War, an American uniform was the subject of great debate. Examine influences from British military clothing and American styles meant to define a brand-new army formed from citizen soldiers. Discuss the meanings, myths, and practical concerns to clothe soldiers in 1776.
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Artillery Artificers
Step into Fort Ticonderoga’s Powder Magazine and explore the, ‘Laboratory’ work of building and maintaining ammunition. From paper musket cartridges to quilted canvas and iron grape shot, see the scale and skill of keeping the Guns of Ticonderoga firing in 1776.
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Maritime Trades
Located near the King's Garden
In 1776, the Northern Continental Army used Ticonderoga as a supply depot in the naval race to control Lake Champlain. Hear the epic story of the naval fight for Independence through the carpentry, sail-making, and rigging work used to build and outfit General Benedict Arnold’s fleet.
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Livestock
See Red Devon oxen in action, hauling supplies to feed and arm thousands of American soldiers at Ticonderoga. Watch for sheep grazing uneven terrain as part of our stewardship of this historic landscape today. Discover how cattle, horses, and sheep were a common sight on the strategic landscape surrounding Fort Ticonderoga.
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Fifes & Drums
July 1-August 23, 2026
Listen to stirring tunes that eased the drudgery of a long march, or the many calls that regulated activity in the fort. Explore how drumbeats, trilling fifes, and songs created an 18th-century world of military music.
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Centuries of Seeds & Stories
Allow our friendly staff to be your guide to beautiful flowers and the layers of history found within the King’s Garden. Take a leisurely stroll along the brick paths in the 20th-century walled garden, a tribute to the soldiers who fought here and a testament to America’s first historic preservation effort.
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Musket Maintenance
Each shot of gunpowder fouled and corroded metal unless soldiers thoroughly cleaned their guns. Watch as hot water, grease, and brick dust keep weapons working lock, stock, and barrel!
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Soldiers' Gardening
After decades of careful tending by British soldiers, Americans captured the King’s Garden of Ticonderoga. Discover how Americans continued to cultivate and use the extensive soldiers’ vegetable gardens to help nurse sick soldiers back to health, so they could man their posts in the fight for independence in 1776.