Re-enactors representing the American colonists and British loyalists during the American Revolution will converge on Old Fort Niagara on June 3 and 4 for a large living-history event that involves camps, mock battles and interactive demonstrations for visitors.
"Rebels and Redcoats" will draw hundreds of re-enactors, re-enactment units and special presenters to the historic fort for a weekend of patriotism and living history for visitors of all ages. Among the units will be the Northwest Department of the Brigade of the American Revolution, a non-profit living history association dedicated to recreating the life and times of the common soldier of the American Revolution.
Throughout the weekend there will be hands-on activities for children; changing of the guard ceremonies (8th Regiment of Foot); soldier life demonstrations; and 18th century games. In addition, visitors can explore the fort's original 18th century buildings, witness battle demonstrations, and visit the museum and museum shop. The daily schedule is as follows:
Saturday, June 3
9:30 a.m. British colors ceremony
10:30 a.m. Crown forces organize and depart for raid. The fort’s garrison mounts guard.
11:00 a.m. Battle demonstration
11:30 a.m. Prisoner Negotiation
Noon Artillery demonstration
1:00 p.m. Rebels and Redcoats uniform program
2:00 p.m. Battle demonstration
3:00 p.m. Recruiting program (hands-on musket tactical demonstration for kids)
4:00 pm Children’s games
Sunday, June 4
10:00 a.m. Celebration of the King’s Birthday
11:00 a.m. American assault on the Gate of Five Nations
Noon Weapons demonstration
1:00 pm Uniform program
2:00 pm Battle for the North Redoubt
3:00 p.m. Recruiting program (hands-on musket tactical demonstration for kids)
4:00 p.m. Children’s games
Everything is included with regular admission to the fort. The fort’s Log Cabin eatery will also be open serving burgers, soup, sandwiches, drinks and ice cream.
The following special events follow “Rebels and Redcoats” into July.
July 1-3 RE-ENACTMENT French and Indian War Encampment
Old Fort Niagara's biggest event of the year! Multi-day battles between the French and British, hundreds of re-enactors, sutlers selling handmade wares, French, British and Native Camps, musket and cannon firings, period music, trades demonstrations.
Starting July 5 DAILY SUMMER PROGRAM
Daily programs highlight British presence at fort during the American Revolution; musket and cannon firings, field music, history interpretation
July 8-October 9 LIGHTHOUSE Open the Public (12-3 p.m. daily)
Free admission for visitors; must be at least 4 feet tall and sign a waiver
Old Fort Niagara is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through June and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in July and August. Admissions end 30 minutes before closing. Regular admission to the fort is $12 per adult, $8 per child ages 6-12, free for children 5 and under, and free to members of the Old Fort Niagara Association.
Old Fort Niagara (www.oldfortniagara.org) is a Registered National Historic Landmark and New York State Historic Site operated by the Old Fort Niagara Association (a not-for-profit organization) in cooperation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Photos Courtesy Old Fort Niagara