Category: Ticonderoga

Participants during a previous “Material Matters” program examine original examples of 18th-century clothing. Fort Ticonderoga hosts the Fourth Annual “Material Matters: It’s in the Details” Seminar on January 25 & 26, 2014.. Registration is now open for this weekend seminar.

Fort Ticonderoga will present its Fourth Annual “Material Matters: It’s in the Details” Seminar the weekend of January 25 & 26, 2014. This weekend event focuses on the material culture of the 18th century and is intended for people with an interest in learning more about objects of the 18th century and what they can tell us about history. “Material Matters” takes place in the Deborah Clarke Mars Education Center at Fort Ticonderoga and is open by pre-registration only.

“A panel of material culture experts comes to Fort Ticonderoga for the weekend to share their knowledge of 18th-century material culture in a series of presentations,” said Rich Strum, Fort Ticonderoga Director of Education. “Designed for those who want a deeper understanding of the everyday objects that help tell the story of life and the contests for control of North America during the 18th century, the weekend’s informal approach enables attendees to interact with presenters and provides an opportunity to examine 18th-century objects up close.”

Seminar topics include: objects from the early months of the American Revolution by Joel Boyh from Skinner Auctioneers and Appraisers, 18th-century British sailor clothing by Matthew Brenckle from the USS Constitution Museum, 17th- and 18th-century Canadian headwear by independent scholar Ryan Clark, 18th-century military entrenching tools by Fort Ticonderoga’s Curator of Collections Chris Fox, soldiers shoes in the Champlain Valley by the Fort’s Director of Interpretation Stuart Lilie, New England provincial firearms by Fort Ticonderoga’s Artificer Shoemaker Shaun Pekar, and 18th-century tents by independent scholar Gregory Theberge.

Since 2001, Fort Ticonderoga has provided scholarships for 111 teachers from across the country to attend its seminars and conferences. Teachers interested in applying for a scholarship to attend “Material Matters” should download an application at www.fort-ticonderoga.org by clicking on “Explore and Learn” and selecting the “Educators” tab. Applications are due by December 10th. Successful applicants will receive free registration, two box lunches, and an opportunity to dine with the presenters at a private dinner the Saturday evening of the Seminar. Contact Rich Strum, Director of Education, at (518) 585-6370 if you have questions.

“Material Matters” is open to the general public by pre-registration. The cost is $120 if registering before December 20th; $145 after that date (members of the Friends of Fort Ticonderoga receive a discount, as do students and young museum professionals). Registration forms can be downloaded from the Fort’s website at www.fort-ticonderoga.org under the “Explore and Learn” tab by selecting “Life Long Learning” on the drop down menu and then clicking on “Material Matters: It’s in the Details.” A printed copy is also available upon request by contacting Rich Strum, Director of Education, at (518) 585-6370.

Fort Ticonderoga named three members to its Board of Trustees: Thomas L. Hoy of Queensbury, NY; John Lawson of Warren, NJ; and Robert Morette of Winnetka, IL. “Adding talented and dedicated people such as these to our Board is critical to the bright future which we have in store for Fort Ticonderoga,” said Sanford W. Morhouse, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Fort Ticonderoga Association.

Thomas Hoy

Thomas L. Hoy is Chairman of Arrow Financial Corporation and Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company. He recently retired as the President and CEO of Arrow Financial Corporation and Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company having served in that position since 1995. He is an active community and business leader having served on numerous boards including the Board of Governors Glens Falls Hospital, Davis International Banking Associates, Board of Directors AAA Northway, Board of Directors NY Bankers Association, and the Adirondack Community College Foundation Board. Mr. Hoy is a graduate of Cornell University and is a retired U.S. Naval Reserve Commander. He has previously served as a Fort Ticonderoga Trustee and has been a Fort Ticonderoga Association member since 2004.

“It is an honor to rejoin the Board and be a part of the incredible progress underway at Fort Ticonderoga,” said Tom Hoy.

John Lawson

John Lawson is the Managing Director and Head of the North American Paper and Forest Products Group for TD Securities. With over 22 years in the forestry industry, Mr. Lawson acts as a lead advisor for merger and acquisition transactions, corporate restructurings, take-over defense and fairness opinions to a broad range of companies in the pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products sectors. He began his career with TD Securities in 1986, working in Global Loan Syndications, the Transportation sector, and the Media and Communications sector prior to joining the Paper and Forest Products Group in 1990. Mr. Lawson holds a B.A. in Economics from St. Lawrence University and a Masters in Business Administration from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. He supports a number of community and fundraising events focusing on cancer research, underprivileged children and youth programs. As native of Ticonderoga, Mr. Lawson is an alumnus of the Fort Ticonderoga Fife & Drum Corps.

“The current leadership team at Fort Ticonderoga has done a really impressive job over a short period of time, and I was thrilled when presented with the opportunity to work with Sandy Morhouse as Chairman and Beth Hill as CEO, as well as the rest of the Trustees,” said John Lawson. “Considering the significance of this site during the formative years of our country and the potential it offers as a recognized preferred destination in North America, I was excited to join this leadership team with its remarkable depth and experience. I wanted to contribute to the vision and the committed effort to ensure the fort realizes its full potential.”

Robert Morette

Robert Morette is senior partner in Bain & Company’s Global Financial Services Practice; his practice focuses on providing strategic and organizational counsel to alternative asset managers, insurers, and reinsurers. His long standing clients include many of the world’s leading hedge and credit funds. From 2000 to 2004, Mr. Morette was a Senior Managing Director for Corporate Strategy and Development at Citadel, where he chaired the Operating Committee and was a member of the Management Committee. Prior to joining Citadel, Mr. Morette was with The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) for 17 years. As a founding member of BCG’s Financial Services Practice, he held a number of leadership roles. He holds an M.B.A. from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. He graduated with a B.A. in Economics with honors, Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, and Omicron Delta Epsilon from Union College. Prior to earning his MBA in 1983, Mr. Morette was a project officer for The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and served as an economist and policy analyst for the Speaker of the New York State Legislature. He is on the Board of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and a director of SAC Re Holdings Ltd.

“As someone who grew up in Ticonderoga and spent five summers working at the Fort, I’m delighted to be able to reconnect and contribute to the exciting next chapter in the Fort’s long and proud history,” said Robert Morette. “Given my long business career consulting to many industry leaders, I look forward to providing a unique and valuable perspective to help guide Fort’s growth.”

The restoration work underway on several Fort Ticonderoga windows was made possible by a generous grant from the French Heritage Society.

Fort Ticonderoga has received a grant from the French Heritage Society to underwrite restoration work on the Fort’s Soldiers’ Barracks. The grant was given to Fort Ticonderoga, originally named Fort Carillon in 1755, because of its historic significance as a French heritage site. The project will replace 80 year old windows and sills on the third floor of the Soldiers’ Barracks. Restoration work is currently underway with the windows expected to be installed by the spring of 2014.

“The restoration and preservation of Fort Ticonderoga’s historic structures require on-going effort and investment,” said Beth Hill, President and CEO of Fort Ticonderoga. “Fort Ticonderoga is delighted to be recognized by the French Heritage Society for its significant French story and its on-going legacy. This grant provides important funding that will have a big impact on the preservation of the Soldiers’ Barracks.”

The restoration of Fort Ticonderoga was launched in the spring of 1909 by Stephen H.P. and Sarah G.T. Pell and is the earliest restoration of a major historic site in America. It is a project that transformed American preservation thinking in the early 20th century. The monumental restoration began with reconstruction of the Officers’ Barracks, western wall and bastions and the Pells simultaneously started assembling a world-renowned collection of 18th-century military objects and archives. The museum formally opened to the public in 1910 and as collections quickly grew, exhibitions were expanded into the Soldiers’ Barracks reconstructed in 1930-1931. Over the next decade the restoration continued completing the northern and eastern walls of the Fort by the early 1940s. The most recent reconstruction, the magasin du Roi, (the Deborah Clarke Mars Education Center) was completed in 2008 and the legacy of sharing Ticonderoga’s epic history continues today.

The 2013 Fort Ticonderoga Season includes new battlefield hiking trail and canoe rentals. Carl Heilman photo.

For the first time ever, visitors to Fort Ticonderoga will be able to explore one of America’s most significant historic sites on water and land. The new recreational activities will highlight Fort Ticonderoga’s rich historic landscape. A new interpretive hiking trail winding around Carillon Battlefield offers guests an unparalleled opportunity to explore the site’s epic history and natural beauty and a new canoe rental program provides a unique perspective of the Fort’s history from the stunning waters of Lake Champlain. Admission to the Carillon Battlefield hiking trail is included in a Fort Ticonderoga’s general admission ticket. Details on canoe rentals can be found at http://www.fortticonderoga.org/visit/recreation or call 518-585-2821.

“Our story is in our landscape,” said Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “The unique combination of lakes, hills, mountains, and streams that surround Fort Ticonderoga made it a strategic location in the 18th century and make it one of North America’s most beautiful destinations today. Its history cannot be appreciated without an understanding of its landscape.”

“This season Fort Ticonderoga begins a new chapter in connecting its epic history with its remarkable landscape by opening access to locations on its grounds that have been inaccessible to visitors.” The new interpretive hiking trail winding around the long, rocky ridge jutting through the center of the Fort Ticonderoga peninsula and down to the LaChute riverside plains below leads guests to several very different parts of the site, including the Carillon Battlefield. A trail pamphlet identifies several points of historic and natural interest along the 2 mile route.

Viewing the Fort from Lake Champlain is possible through the new canoe rental program where the site’s unspoiled views and Fort’s strategic importance becomes even more apparent when viewed from the lake’s surface. A self-guided brochure provides highlights of the historic and scenic waterway.

Recognized as the top destination in the Adirondacks by USA News Travel, Fort Ticonderoga connects all guests to a place and time that defined a continent, a nation, and its continued legacy.

Fort Ticonderoga presents its annual Scots Day on June 15th.

Fort Ticonderoga will present the Sixth Annual Scots Day on Saturday, June 15. The commemoration of Scottish heritage and their significant contributions to 18th-century North American history runs from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Tour the Scottish Clan tents and vendors to discover more about your own connection to Scottish culture, and explore the stories of centuries of Scottish soldiers in the British Army through a military timeline offered throughout the day.

Special Memorial Ceremony
A special memorial ceremony honoring the 42nd Highland Regiment, also known as the Black Watch, will take place at the Scottish Cairn on the Carillon Battlefield located at Fort Ticonderoga. The procession to the Cairn will begin at 11 am at the Log House Welcome Center. The Memorial Ceremony will take place at 11:30 am and will remember the incredible bravery and discipline of the Black Watch against insurmountable odds at the 1758 Battle of Carillon. A special Carillon Battlefield tour will be presented at 12pm, following the memorial ceremony.

Bagpipe Performances
Hear the sounds of Scottish bagpipe music throughout the day as the Plattsburgh Police Pipes and Drums and The King’s Highlanders perform lively concerts on the Fort’s historic Parade Ground.

Participating Scottish Clans and organizations
· Clan Buchanan
· Clan Campbell
· Clan Forbes
· Clan Hamilton
· Clan Innes
· Clan Johnston/Clan Johnstone
· Clan Lockhart
· Clan MacFarlane Worldwide
· Clan Mackintosh
· Clan MacPherson
· Clan McIntyre
· Clan Murray
· Clan Rose Society of America
· St. Andrews Society of the Adirondacks
· St. Andrews Society of Albany

Black Watch Military Living History Programs
Discover the history of the Black Watch Regiment through living history programs presented throughout the day by members of a Black Watch re-enactor unit from Montreal. Highlighted programs include a living history time-line of the Regiment. The re-enacting group depicts its history from the 18th century through the early 21st century, with various members representing different significant points in the unit’s history. Learn about the incredible bravery and discipline of the Black Watch against insurmountable odds at the 1758 Battle of Carillon.

The 42nd Highland Regiment, also known as the Black Watch, played a crucial role at Ticonderoga during the Battle of Carillon on July 8, 1758. The regiment suffered over 50% casualties during the failed British assault on the French Lines at Ticonderoga during the French & Indian War. Ticonderoga continued to be an important part of the regiment’s history. During its involvement in the Iraq War, the Black Watch Regiment’s base near Basra was called “Ticonderoga.”

Fort Ticonderoga plans special Memorial Day events.

Join Fort Ticonderoga on Memorial Day, May 27, to salute the service of the armed forces of the United States on the very grounds where so many American soldiers fought and sacrificed. Parade into Fort Ticonderoga behind the Fife and Drum Corps during a special program at 11 am, and step back in time to meet the soldiers of the American Revolution. Experience all aspects of the life of the Continental Army soldier in 1775, from their weapons to their rations, and learn about what they believed would come from their sacrifice. A 10% general admissions discount will be given to active duty military members with proof of service.

Memorial Day Event Highlights:
9:30 am – Fort Opens to Visitors
10:15 am, 1:15 pm, and 3:45 pm – Guided Tour
Learn how Fort Ticonderoga, known as the Key to the Continent, was an American bulwark for independence.

11 am – Salute to the Soldiers
In this hour long presentation enjoy Fife and Drum music, both patriotic and 18th century tunes. Hear the roar of musketry as Fort Ticonderoga salutes the sacrifice of soldiers who fought both at Ticonderoga and around the world for the United States. Hear the words of the soldiers of the American Revolution as they described their reasons for serving in the birth of this nation.

11:30 am and 2:30 pm – Garden & Grounds Tour
Discover this soldier’s garden turned colonial revival garden in the memory of the soldiers that fought and died at Fort Ticonderoga.

2 pm – Cannon Demonstration
Explore how the guns of Ticonderoga worked and discover how American soldiers used these vital guns in defense of our fledgling nation.

View of the Fort Ticonderoga. Carl Heilman photo.

Fort Ticonderoga and Amtrak have partnered for a second year to connect people traveling between New York City and Montreal to one of the nation’s oldest and most significant historic sites, Fort Ticonderoga. Amtrak will offer one free companion rail fare with the purchase of one regular adult rail fare, on the state supported Adirondack line to and from Fort Ticonderoga, New York, now through October 31, 2013.

Customers simply need to purchase tickets a minimum of 3 days in advance and enter discount code V774. The Northbound Adirondack operates daily between New York City and Montreal, departing New York Penn Station at 8:15 am arriving in Ticonderoga at 1:17 pm. The Southbound Adirondack departs Montreal at 9:30 am, arriving in Ticonderoga at 2:33 pm.

“The partnership with Amtrak will enable Fort Ticonderoga to reach a broader destination market from New York City to Montreal,” according to Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “Fort Ticonderoga is very fortunate to have an Amtrak stop on our property. Our epic story combined with the Fort’s immersive programs and beautiful landscape makes Fort Ticonderoga an exciting destination experience.”

Thanks to the Fort Ticonderoga – Amtrak partnership in 2012, there was an increase of nearly 30% increase in passenger stops in Ticonderoga last year.

Fort Ticonderoga is one of America’s must-see destinations because of its significant history and natural beauty. Located in the 6-million acre Adirondack Park and situated on Lake Champlain, the Fort offers sweeping vistas of Vermont’s Green Mountains and New York’s Adirondack Mountains.

Opening for the 104th season on Friday, May 17, Fort Ticonderoga will offer new programs, events, exhibits, gardens, hiking trail, and special behind-the-scenes tours. Visitors will immerse themselves in nearly 2000 acres of exquisite landscape at Fort Ticonderoga and experience the story of how the blood spilled to create an empire in the French and Indian War resulted in the struggle for liberty and America’s independence a generation later. Visitors to the Fort in 2013 will step back in time to the year 1755 when French soldiers first began construction of the Fort, known as Fort Carillon. Fort Ticonderoga is open daily from May 17 through October 20, 2013 from 9:30 am until 5 pm

Stuart Lilie, Fort Ticonderoga’s Director of Interpretation, with students from Ticonderoga Elementary School during a recent school outreach program. A grant from Champlain National Bank makes the program available for fourth grade students in Champlain, Crown Point, Keene, Westport, and Willsboro this spring.

Fort Ticonderoga recently received a grant from Champlain National Bank supporting school outreach programs in several northern New York communities in 2013. “Fort Ticonderoga, recognized as one of America’s most significant historic sites, is the gem of the North Country,” said Joe Shaw, President and CEO of Champlain National Bank. “We are so happy to increase awareness of this tremendous educational resource that we have in our region.”

Funding from Champlain National Bank will enable fourth grade classes at schools in Crown Point, Elizabethtown, Keene, Lake Placid, Westport, and Willsboro to bring an Interpreter from Fort Ticonderoga into the classroom to share the experience of being a soldier on the Lake Champlain frontier during the American Revolution. During the program students learn about the daily life of soldiers. Students have a hands-on experience with high-quality reproductions that Continental soldiers carried during the Revolution. Students obtain an understanding of the purpose and function of each item and the larger concepts related to service in America’s War for Independence.

“The most effective way for students to learn about their history is for them to experience it,” said Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga’s President and CEO. “This expeditionary learning program connects students to a variety of inter-disciplinary topics and activities through the lens of Fort Ticonderoga’s history and helps teachers meet core curriculum goals.”

Funding will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for Crown Point Central School, Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School, Keene Central School, Lake Placid Central School, Westport Central School, and Willsboro Central School. Funding support from Champlain National Bank covers all the program costs, including mileage.

Fort Ticonderoga offers outreach programs throughout the school year in northeastern New York and western Vermont. To learn more about programs for students and teachers from Fort Ticonderoga visit www.fortticonderoga.org and select the “Explore and Learn” tab. Teachers interested in learning more about school programs, including outreach programs, should contact Rich Strum, Director of Education, at rstrum@fort-ticonderoga.org or at 518-585-6370.

Fort Ticonderoga boasts one of North America’s largest 18th century artillery collections including 2 cannons from Fort Ticonderoga that were hauled by Henry Knox to Boston in the winter of 1776.

Fort Ticonderoga’s Fort Fever Series continues on Sunday, March 17, at 2 pm with “Evacuation Day 1776” presented by Director of Education Rich Strum. The cost is $10 per person and will be collected at the door; free for members of the Friends of Fort Ticonderoga.

While March 17 is widely celebrated as St. Patrick’s Day, it is officially known as “Evacuation Day” in Boston. On March 17, 1776, the British evacuated Boston after a months-long siege by the Continental Army under the command of General George Washington. Evacuation Day commemorates that pivotal turning point in the early years of the Revolution.

“The presentation traces the growing confrontation between colonists and the British government through the 1760s and early 1770s, including the Stamp Act Crisis, the Boston “Massacre,” and the Boston Tea Party,” said Rich Strum, Director of Education. “Even before fighting erupted in Lexington and Concord in 1775, Boston was in essence an occupied city, with British troops patrolling the streets.”

Shortly after the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, the rebels under General Artemas Ward and then General George Washington surrounded the city of Boston, bottling up the British on the Boston peninsula. The siege was not broken until Washington had artillery placed on Dorchester heights—artillery that had come from Ticonderoga through the herculean efforts of Henry Knox earlier in the winter. Finally, on March 17, 1776, the Royal Navy evacuated British troops and loyal subjects. Boston was in Patriot hands.

This program takes place in the Deborah Clarke Mars Education Center. The doors open at 1:30 pm, with the program commencing at 2 pm and lasting approximately an hour.

Members of Troop 818 from Enfield, Connecticut, participate in the “Planting the Tree of Liberty” program at Fort Ticonderoga in the fall of 2012. This year a limited number of scouts can participate in a new overnight program at the Fort.

Fort Ticonderoga is pleased to announce a new and immersive overnight program for Boy Scout groups in the fall of 2013.

“Imagine your troop being able to garrison Fort Ticonderoga overnight!” said the Fort’s Director of Education Rich Strum. “Give your scouts an experience they’ll never forget—a rare chance to spend the night at Fort Ticonderoga.”

A limited number of slots are available in September and October for scouts interested in spending the night in the historic barracks of the Fort.

Scouts arrive in mid-afternoon and are immediately thrust into the life of a solider at Ticonderoga in 1775. They’ll participate in the “Planting the Tree of Liberty” program and then have some time to explore the Fort and Museum before closing time. “Once the visitors are gone and the Fort is secured for the night,” said Director of Interpretation Stuart Lilie, “scouts will establish their overnight camp, gather firewood, and learn how to start a fire with flint and steel.” They will assist with the preparation of the evening meal while learning about 18th-century cooking. After cleanup, Fort staff will lead scouts on an evening hike over this historic landscape before they settle in for the night.

In the morning, scouts again help with starting the fire and fixing breakfast before packing up. Once the site opens for visitors, scouts can explore the Fort, Museum, and King’s Garden on their own before departing.

A limited number of slots are reserved for scout groups to take advantage of this exclusive offer. Scouts have the option of setting up their own tents on the historic grounds or, if numbering 16 or fewer scouts and adults, spending the night in the Soldiers’ Barracks. This experience is limited to 30 or fewer scouts and adults. A flat fee includes admission and special program fees as well as the evening and morning meals prepared over a camp fire.