A New Exhibit “Powder Horns of Early America” at Fort Stanwix National Monument

Date: June 5, 2013
Contact: Stephanie Stewart, 315-3388-7738

Engraved powder horn maps, featuring the Mohawk Valley from the Colonial Era, will be revealed in a new exhibit, "Powder Horns of Early America" at Fort Stanwix National Monument on Saturday, June 8th.Guest subject matter experts will include two local horn makers, Al Sterling and Gary Elsenbeck, who will be available for questions and discussion. "The creation of temporary exhibits allows us to explore different aspects of the park's story, share more information on the park's collection, and bring new and different audiences to the park. This exhibit also offered the opportunity to collaborate with the Museum Studies Graduate Program at Syracuse University and Rome Historical Society in its development," said Superintendent Debbie Conway.

Having moved beyond their practical purposes, powder horns are now valued documents of early America. During America's colonial period, powder horns were often close companions to soldiers, hunters, and frontiersmen. Aside from their utilitarian purposes, powder horns were also canvasses for a variety of themed engravings including personal identification, records of military campaigns, and detailed maps.

An opening reception will be held at the park from noon – 2 pm in the Marinus Willett Center for Collections Management and Education.

Fort Stanwix National Monument is open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Admission to the park is free. Activities are ongoing unless noted. For more information about upcoming events, please call the park at [phone]. Please visit the park's web page at www.nps.gov/fost for additional information about the park and up-to-date news about park events.

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