Old Fort Niagara welcomes the public to its “Soldiers through the Ages” military history re-enactment event on Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27, over Memorial Day weekend. This annual event features special displays of military vehicles, period camps from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, weapons demonstrations, uniform programs and hands-on activities for families. In commemoration of the centennial of the Battle of Cantigny in World War One, a special program will also be presented in the Fort Niagara Officers’ Club.
“Old Fort Niagara sits on historic ground that has been touched by more than 300 years of military history,” said Robert L. Emerson, Executive Director of the Old Fort Niagara Association. “Visitors have a chance to understand the scope of our history during ‘Soldiers through the Ages,’ plus it’s a great way to make a memorable start to the summer season,” he added.
10:15 a.m. Military Parade and Colors Ceremony
11:00 a.m. Small Arms Demonstration 1645-1945 (Matchlocks to M1s)
Noon Artillery Demonstration
1:00 p.m. Military Uniforms and Weapons of the Flintlock Era
2:00 p.m. Military Uniforms and Weapons of the 19th Century
2:30 p.m. Concert of Military Music
3:00 p.m. Military Uniforms and Weapons of the 20th Century
3:30 p.m. Small Unit Tactical Demonstration
4:15 p.m. Retreat Ceremony
Ongoing Exhibits: Military Vehicles, Rations, Living History Camps, Militaria Displays, World War One Display at Officers’ Club
Food and drinks will also be for sale at the Log Cabin.
Admission to “Soldiers through the Ages” will be $13.00 for adults, $9.00 children ages 6-12, free for children under 6, and free for members of the Old Fort Niagara Association.
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, at 11:00 a.m., the VFW Lake Ontario Post 313 will hold a special memorial service at the historic Fort Niagara Cemetery. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
Upcoming Re-Enactments:
June 9-10: Civil War Garrison
Travel back to the 1860s when the Union feared British intervention on the side of the Confederacy.
June 29-July 1: French and Indian War Encampment
Relive the Siege of 1759 when British and New York soldiers besieged French-held Fort Niagara. Battle reenactments, large living history camps. The site’s largest event of the year.
July 28-29: War of 1812 Grand Encampment
This event commemorates the fort’s role in the War of 1812. Large-scale battle reenactments and living history programs will make this the largest binational War of 1812 reenactment of the year.
August 18-19: Soldiers of the Revolution
This living history event recreates the War for Independence on the New York frontier. Battle reenactments, hands-on activities for families, plus music and games.
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. The site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last tickets sold at 4:30 p.m. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Photos courtesy Wayne Peters.