The National Park Service
Fort Stanwix
National Monument
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2002 Special Events and Programs
Announced at
Fort Stanwix National Monument

 

January, 2002  |  February  |  March
April  |  May  |  June  |  July  |  August  |  September
October  |  November  |  December  |  January, 2003

      

2002 will be an exciting year at Fort Stanwix National Monument. In addition to the park's regular visitor programs and activities that includes the living history program demonstrating life at the fort during the Revolutionary War, a large number of special programs and events are scheduled. Below is a sampling of our special event schedule.

"This year marks the 225th anniversary of the 1777 Siege of Fort Stanwix", said Superintendent Mike Caldwell. "We anticipate visitors from all over the country and the world will visit Fort Stanwix, Rome, NY and the Mohawk Valley tracing events that occurred here and following their ancestor's steps. Because of this we have enhanced our comprehensive special events schedule and daily programs with new programs and activities to highlight the park's many themes. There is something for everyone, including new visitors to our area and all of our friends in the local community."

"New this year," Caldwell continued, "we will extend our regular business hours June 30 to August 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, except when the fort must be closed to prepare for special events. This permits visitors who arrive in town late in the afternoon to tour the site and patronize the local business community."

The events and programs will occur from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Several of the events are free of charge.
The schedule of planned events and programs include:


January 1 to March 31
           The Park is closed for the Winter.   

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March (Date to be announced) General Washington is at Morristown:
           During the winter or 1776 and 1777 General George Washington and the Continental Army stayed at Morristown after defeating the Germans and British at Trenton and Princeton. Come hear a Park Ranger from Morristown National Historical Park explore the life of the Continental Soldiers and General Washington as they prepared for the upcoming 1777 Military Campaign. Program begins at 1:00 p.m.

March (Date to be announced) Military Music of the 18th Century:
          Join Park Ranger Bill Sawyer for this unique program exploring a vital element of 18th century military life. Program begins at 1:00 p.m.

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April 1
           The Park Re-Opens to the Public for the 2002 season.

April 13 They Wore What? Not the Good Linen:
           Join Park Ranger Susan Jones for this unique program exploring 18th century women and men's frontier clothing. Program begins at 1:00 p.m.

April 22-28 National Park Service Week:
           This week is celebrated at all of the nation's National Parks. For 2002, we will be highlighting the 225th anniversary of Revolutionary War events that occurred in 1777. Fort Stanwix National Monument will have activities during this whole week. Programs begins at 1:00 p.m.

April (Date to be announced) VICTORY! The Northern Campaign of 1777:
           Upstate New York braced itself for the upcoming military campaign where American victories at Fort Stanwix, Oriskany, Bennington and Saratoga would draw France, Spain and the Netherlands into the war, changing the War for American Independence into a World War. Come hear a Park Ranger from Saratoga National Historical Park and explore the world changing affects of the Battles of Saratoga. Program begins at 1:00 p.m. 

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May 4 Colonel Gansevoort Arrives:
           On May 3, 1777 Colonel Peter Gansevoort arrived at Fort Stanwix and took command of the garrison. To commemorate this 225th anniversary event the Rome Historical Society, the City of Rome Parks Department and Fort Stanwix National Monument will jointly sponsor this March for Parks event. Marchers will be escorted by fort troops from the Lower Landing, pass the upper landing and Fort Stanwix and finish at Gansevoort Park. This event will raise funds for the maintenance and enhancement of these historic City of Rome sites for the enjoyment of this and future generations. Program begins at 1:00 p.m.

May 18 You Want to Bleed Me?:
           Join Park Ranger Valerie Morgan for this unique program exploring 18th century medical practices. Program begins at 1:00 p.m.

May 25-26 French and Indian War Encampment:
           International and local reenactment groups will come to Fort Stanwix for a special encampment to re-live fort life during the French and Indian War.

May 26 Dance and Be Merry:
           Come and enjoy an evening of 18th century music and dance. Instruction of the dances of the period will be provided. The gates open at 6:30 p.m. The program begins at 7:00 and ends at 8:00 p.m. This is an excellent family activity. 

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June 1-2 We Cede Lands:
           Join Chief of Visitor Services Michael Kusch for this unique discussion of treaties with the Indian Nations of New York. Beginning in 1785 and ending in 1790 the Oneida, Tuscarora, Onondaga and Cayuga Indian Nations ceded lands to the State of New York in six treaties, four of which were negotiated at Fort Stanwix. Park programs will aid visitors is exploring the consequences of these treaties for the Indian Nations and the growth of the State of New York. Program begins at 1:00 p.m.

June 14 Flag Day, the 225th Commemoration:
           On June 14, 1777 the Continental Congress authorized a new national flag, the Stars and Stripes of the new United States of America. Join park staff and partners as they commemorate this important event at Francis Bellamy's Gravesite on Jervis Street, Rome, NY.

June 15-16 226th Anniversary of the Order to Rebuild Fort Stanwix:
           On June 14, 1777, Congress ordered Fort Stanwix to be rebuilt to defend the Mohawk Valley against British invasion. To commemorate this event, there will be special programs and activities for the public throughout the weekend.

June 22 Captain Gregg is Ambushed:
           This event marks the 225th anniversary of Captain Gregg and his work party being ambushed. Program begins at 1:00 p.m.

June 29 Time to Declare Allegiance:
           Who would you declare your allegiance to, the Continental Congress or the King? This program explores the factors that led people to declare their allegiance on this 225th anniversary of the meeting of General Nicholas Herkimer and Joseph Brant at Unadilla. Program begins at 1:00 p.m.

June 30 - August 24 Extended Summer Hours:
           From June 30 to August 24 the fort will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., except on July 27 [rain date July 28] and August 2, 3 and 6, for visitors to explore, enjoy and learn about Fort Stanwix National Monument. This will boost visitation to the park and the center city of Rome. 

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July 3 Ensign Spoor is Ambushed:
           This event marks the 225th anniversary of Ensign Spoor and his work party being ambushed. Program begins at 1:00 p.m.

July 4 Independence Day Celebration:
           This day of national celebration will have a traditional flavor at Fort Stanwix with the reading of the Declaration of Independence at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Musket and cannon salutes will be done after each reading. Visitors to the fort will have an opportunity to sign their "John Hancock" to a copy of the Declaration of Independence with quill pen and ink as part of this national celebration.

July 26 A Message from the Oneida Nation:
           This event marks the 225th anniversary of the intelligence report from the Oneida Nation that "strange Indians" were seen near the fort. Program begins at 1:00 p.m.

July 27 Honor America Day:
           In celebration of the City of Rome's Honor America Days, park staff and volunteers will participate in the City's parade and activities.

July 27 But, They Were Only Picking Berries:
           This event marks the 225th anniversary of the three young girls being ambushed. Program begins at 1:00 p.m.

July 27 Summer Concert in the Park:
           Come and listen to music played by the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra this evening. The park's muskets and cannons will accompany the 1812 Overture. There will also be a fireworks display following the concert. Program begins at 7:00 p.m. Rain date is July 28.

July 27 Ground breaking for the Marinus Willet Collections Management Education Center:
           In celebration of the 225th anniversary of the Siege of Fort Stanwix, park staff and partners, and volunteers will participate in the ground breaking ceremony for the Marinus Willett Collections Management and Education Center.

July 27-28 Summer Troop Encampment:
           Local re-enactment groups will come to Fort Stanwix for a special encampment re-living the activities in the fort prior to the impending August siege. Learn how the people in the fort prepared for General Barry St. Leger and his troops.

July 28 Farewell My Love:
           This event marks the 225th anniversary of the women with children being sent to Fort Dayton in preparation for the impending siege. Program begins at 1:00 p.m.

July 30 A Wampum Belt: What is a wampum belt and what was this wampum belt's message.
           This event marks the 225th anniversary of the Oneida Indian Nation showing Colonel Gansevoort they received at Three Rivers from the British. Program begins at 1:00 p.m. 

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August 1 30 Miles Away:
           This event marks the 225th anniversary of the intelligence report from the Oneida Indian Nation that the British were at the Royal Blockhouse. Program begins at 1:00 p.m.

August 2 Divine Providence, The Yankees Are Here:
           This event marks the 225th anniversary of the arrival of the 100 Massachusetts Men arriving at the fort with needed supplies. Program begins at 11:00 a.m.

August 2-6 225th Anniversary of the Siege of Fort Stanwix and the Battle of Oriskany:
           From August 3rd to the 23rd, 1777, British forces under the command of General Barry St. Leger laid siege to Fort Stanwix. Events commemorating this event will begin on the evening of August 2nd and last until the evening of August 6th.

August 6 The Battle of Oriskany:
           The Tryon County militia and Oneida Indian allies, coming to the aid of Fort Stanwix, were ambushed by British forces at Oriskany and turned back in that bloody battle. The event is commemorated as it occurred in 1777 with cannon firing at 10:00 a.m. and a re-enactment of the historical sortie out of the fort at 2:00 p.m. There will be a solemn commemoration of the Battle of Oriskany at the Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site beginning at 6:00 p.m.

August 10-11 The Defenders of Fort Stanwix:
           Park programs will focus on the Continental Forces that defended the fort during its 21-day siege in August 1777.

August 17-18 The Besiegers of Fort Stanwix:
           Park programs will focus on the Crown Forces that besieged the fort during its 21-day siege in August 1777.

August 23 The Siege Ends:
           On this date in 1777, British forces under the command of General Barry St. Leger ended the siege against Fort Stanwix. To commemorate this event, there will be a formal flag raising ceremony at 11:00 a.m. and a journal writing workshop for children at 1:00 p.m.

August 25 National Parks Day:
           The anniversary of the legislation establishing the National Park Service will be celebrated in special activities throughout the day, including a Volunteer Appreciation Picnic for all the Volunteers In Parks at Fort Stanwix National Monument. 

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September 12 Naturalization Ceremony: 
           Come help celebrate as nearly 100 candidates become new United States citizens. Time to be announced. Rain location is the Court House at James Street and Court Street, Rome, NY.

September 17-23 Constitution Week:
           In celebration of the adoption of the United States Constitution, special activities will be scheduled throughout the week. Visitors to Fort Stanwix will have the opportunity to sign a copy of the Constitution as part of this national program. 

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October 19-20 Peace Comes to the Northern Frontier:
           On October 22, 1784, the Treaty of Fort Stanwix was signed at Fort Stanwix, ending the Revolutionary War between the United States of America and the Iroquois Confederacy. To commemorate this event, there will be special programs and activities for the public. 

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November 9-10 Fall Troop Encampment:
           Local re-enactment groups will come to Fort Stanwix for a Fall Troop Muster.

November 30 Holiday Open House:
           The fort will be decorated with ethnic holiday displays and the celebration of the Yuletide season will take place with traditional music. This event coincides with the City of Rome's Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The program begins at 6:00 p.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m. The holiday exhibits continue through December 31. Visit the park between November 30 and December 31 to receive a free holiday bookmark. 

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December 28 HUZZAH! Thank You Park Volunteers:
           Help bring in the New Year with rousing cheers and honor the park's volunteers for the work they performed during the year. The celebration starts at 1:00 p.m. 

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January 1, 2003 
           Fort Stanwix closes for the season.

Fort Stanwix National Monument is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April 1 through December 31. Admission to the fort is free. Activities are ongoing unless noted. For more information about upcoming events please call the park at (315) 336-2090.

Hey Kids! Check out our Junior Ranger Page at http://www.nps.gov/fost/jr/jrintro.htm

While visiting Fort Stanwix, join our Junior Ranger Programs,
offered daily at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., from April 1 through December 31.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA! Become a Junior Ranger Today!

 

For more information, contact:
Michael R. Kusch, Chief of Visitor Services,
at (315) 336-2090 

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA



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Last updated: January 18, 2002
http://www.nps.gov/fost/events.htm