Category: National News

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (left), and Beth Hill, President and CEO of Fort Ticonderoga (right), at Fort Ticonderoga on Friday October 26th. (Click image to see larger view.)

Fort Ticonderoga announced today plans for a major capital campaign and collection preservation. Aided by federal investment, announced today by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and supported by Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Fort Ticonderoga continues to expand its collections catalog and rediscover more pieces of our nation’s amazing treasures. Fort Ticonderoga was awarded $249,400 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as part of a $619,630 project to inventory, catalog and store more than 30,000 items from its objects collections. This 3-year project will also aid in the updating of the online collections database recently launched by Fort Ticonderoga making its rare museum collections accessible to the world.

Additionally, Fort Ticonderoga announced it is beginning the next phase of a $70 million capital campaign to support plans to enhance the visitor experience, which includes the construction of a new state-of-the-art museum to house and display the growing collections of historical importance. The museum will serve as the premier North American military history museum, spanning the early modern era from 1609-1815.

This investment shows the strength of the organization, and why Fort Ticonderoga has gained a reputation as a world class destination important to our nation’s history. This is the most aggressive expansion in the history of Fort Ticonderoga and will be one of the largest economic development projects in the North Country.

“In the last decade, Fort Ticonderoga has experienced significant growth in visitors, economic impact, and educational reach,” said Beth Hill, President & CEO of Fort Ticonderoga. “We continue to offer an unmatched glimpse into the past through our collections, living history programs, and academic programming on the very grounds where freedom was advanced. We’re excited to move forward with these plans to ensure that people can have access to our singular collections and experience all that Fort Ticonderoga has to offer for generations to come.”

This investment comes on the heels of a $2.45 million grant awarded to Fort Ticonderoga by New York State for the preservation and adaptive re-use of the Pavilion, the historic home on the Fort Ticonderoga campus. The Pavilion was built in 1826 and is considered one of America’s first summer homes.

The restoration project, expected to be complete in 2020, will save a national treasure while expanding Fort Ticonderoga’s capacity as a national cultural destination. The future Pavilion will include expanded visitor amenities, conference center capacity, and new educational and exhibition space.

“I’m proud to help secure nearly $250,000 in federal funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Museums for America Grant program for Fort Ticonderoga’s newly announced expansion,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Our region thrives on the tourism and commerce we generate from our unique historical heritage, and Fort Ticonderoga is a pillar of our area’s culture. As a child, I remember spending many days at Fort Ticonderoga with my brother and parents, exploring the grounds and watching historical reenactments. The expansion announced today is great news not only for our tourism economy, but for the countless families like my own that will be enriched through the educational programs at Fort Ticonderoga. I’ll keep working in Congress to ensure our North Country history is shared for generations to come.”

“Fort Ticonderoga shaped world history,” said New York State Senator Betty Little. “I’ve been honored to support the fort in many different ways and am very pleased to join in today’s announcement of funding that will help shape Fort Ticonderoga’s future. Preserving the fort and creating a more enriching experience is a true team effort that will benefit our region for decades to come. Kudos to Congresswoman Stefanik, Beth Hill, the dedicated members of the board of trustees and everyone else who is playing a role in making this historic jewel shine even brighter.”

“The preservation of this historical collection will allow Fort Ticonderoga the ability to provide a greater understanding of the history and rich tradition the Adirondacks has amassed over the years,” said New York State Assemblyman Dan Stec. “Sharing this piece of history with future generations will enrich the lives of many visitors and ensure the viability of this world class museum.”

“Fort Ticonderoga is one of America’s greatest historic treasures and one of the North Country’s greatest tourism attractions,” said Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce and Co-Chair of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council. “This latest federal support for the fort’s collections and assets is another building block in the continuing enhancement of Fort Ti as an economic asset to the entire region. We thank Congresswoman Stefanik, as well as Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, for their steadfast support for the fort, and we know that great things lie ahead thanks to this kind of federal partnership.”