July Activities at Fort Stanwix National Monument and at Partner Sites

Date: June 16, 2009
Contact: MIKE KUSCH, 315.338.7730

Rome, NY — This July, rediscover Fort Stanwix National Monument, and Oriskany Battlefield and Steuben Memorial State Historic Sites. Whether you are interested in exploring military, civilian or American Indian history, listening to summer evening concerts, or simply walking the grounds and having a picnic lunch; you will find an activity that meets your interests. There are activities for people of all ages. And best of all, there are no admission costs for visiting or participating in special activities and events – the sites are free!

"July is the busiest month at Fort Stanwix. Visitors from throughout the United States and the world visit the park to enjoy our daily activities. There is something for everyone," said Mike Kusch, Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management. "In addition to experiencing Fort Stanwix for the first or the 100th time, please also visit the Oriskany Battlefield and Steuben Memorial State Historic Sites. Through a partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, National Park Service Rangers will be working at these sites and providing programs upon request."

Hours of Operation

Fort Stanwix National Monument

Willett Center: Open Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fort: Open Daily from 9:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Fort Grounds (Outside the Fort): Open Daily 24 hours a day

Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site

Open Daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Steuben Memorial State Historic Site

Open Daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Summer Daily Activity Schedule at Fort Stanwix

Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday

10:00 to 10:30 a.m. Legacy of Fort Stanwix Park Tour

11:00 to 11:30 a.m. Historic Weapons Demonstration

2:00 to 2:30 p.m. Legacy of Fort Stanwix Park Tour

3:00 to 3:30 p.m. Historic Weapons Demonstration

4:00 to 4:30 p.m. Legacy of Fort Stanwix Park Tour

Fort Stanwix – Tuesday

10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon Tuesday Fun at the Fort – Children’s Program

2:00 to 2:30 p.m. Legacy of Fort Stanwix Park Tour

3:00 to 3:30 p.m. Historic Weapons Demonstration

4:00 to 4:30 p.m. Legacy of Fort Stanwix Park Tour

Fort Stanwix – Wednesday

2:00 to 2:30 p.m. Legacy of Fort Stanwix Tour

3:00 to 3:30 p.m. Historic Weapons Demonstration

4:00 to 4:30 p.m. Legacy of Fort Stanwix Park Tour

Special Activities and Events

July 4, Saturday
Independence Day Readings  
Join the park as we commemorate public readings of the Declaration of Independence to the Continental Army. Children may join in this event by serving as honor guards. Readings take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

July 4, Saturday
Independence Day Evening Concert and Fireworks
Come join us this evening. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a concert played by the Rome Concert Band. A grand illumination concludes the concert. This is City of Rome event.

July 7, Tuesday
Fun at the Fort - The National Park Service Explore the National Park Service from Fort Stanwix National Monument. On Tuesdays, from July 7 to August 4, children are invited join park staff as they explore the history of the fort, and have some fun! Each program is different, and includes a hands-on activity as well as something to take home to remember your time at the park.

These drop-in programs will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on the James Street lawn in front of the Willett Center.

July 14, Tuesday
Fun at the Fort - Amazing Archeology
The science of archeology comes to life during this program. On Tuesdays, from July 7 to August 4, children are invited join park staff as they explore the history of the fort, and have some fun! Each program is different, and includes a hands-on activity as well as something to take home to remember your time at the park. These drop-in programs will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on the James Street lawn in front of the Willett Center.

July 21, Tuesday
Fun at the Fort - Enlistment Day
Become a soldier in the 3rd New York Regiment at Fort Stanwix. On Tuesdays, from July 7 to August 4, children are invited join park staff as they explore the history of the fort, and have some fun! Each program is different, and includes a hands-on activity as well as something to take home to remember your time at the park. These drop-in programs will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on the James Street lawn in front of the Willett Center.

July 25, Saturday
Honor America Days Concert
Come join us this evening. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a concert played by the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. A grand illumination concludes the concert as cannons and muskets from the fort and fireworks accompany the "1812 Overture" and "Stars and Stripes Forever." **Rain Date: July 26, Sunday**

July 28, Tuesday
Fun at the Fort - The Many Cultures of Fort Stanwix
Explore the many cultures came together at Fort Stanwix during the 18th century. On Tuesdays, from July 7 to August 4, children are invited join park staff as they explore the history of the fort, and have some fun! Each program is different, and includes a hands-on activity as well as something to take home to remember your time at the park. These drop-in programs will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on the James Street lawn in front of the Willett Center.

Partner Sites

Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join the park ranger and explore the stories of this pivotal day in August 1777 that had profound effects on American, British and Canadian history. Bring a picnic lunch, and reflect upon and enjoy the freedoms given to us by our gallant fore bearers during the American Revolutionary War. Please remember, if you bring a lunch, Oriskany Battlefield is a pack in, pack out facility.

Steuben Memorial State Historic Site is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On land given by the State of New York for his service to the country during the American  

Revolutionary War, General Fredrick von Steuben constructed a cabin and invited immigrants to settle on the land. It is here that he is also buried. Steuben was known for his generosity and hosting enjoyable picnics and parties for friends and neighbors. Take time to visit the site and enjoy a family picnic in honor of a man who sacrificed much to give us the freedoms we enjoy today. A park ranger will be on site to assist you in exploring the life of an important man in United States history. Please remember, if you bring a lunch, Steuben Memorial Battlefield is a pack in, pack out facility.

The mission of Fort Stanwix National Monument is to preserve the location and objects associated with the military, political, and cultural events that occurred at the site and to provide opportunities for visitor understanding and appreciation of these events. Fort Stanwix National Monument is significant because it commemorates the broader contest of nations for economic and political control of the rich resources within the Mohawk Valley region of New York State during the 18th century: in particular, the Siege of 1777, the stories of the combatants involved, and European-American Indian and United States-American Indian relations.

Fort Stanwix National Monument is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the park and Oriskany Battlefield and Steuben Memorial State Historic Sites are 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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