Old Fort Western to Re-open for the 2012 Season Memorial Day Weekend With a New Tenement-Era Exhibit!

Old Fort Western to Re-open for the 2012 Season Memorial Day Weekend With a New Tenement-Era Exhibit!


Augusta, Maine - Old Fort Western, the 1754 National Landmark fort, store and house on the Kennebec River in downtown Augusta, will re-open for the summer 2012 season, Memorial Day weekend, May 26, 27 and 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. each day. All are welcome and encouraged to stop by to help get the season off to a great start.

Fort Western was built in 1754 as part of Massachusetts military and settlement expansion into the Kennebec River Valley.  During the French and Indian War, soldiers were stationed at the Fort under the command of Captain James Howard.  Once the war ended, Capt. Howard, purchased the property and, with his sons, operated a store until 1807.  One of those sons, William Howard, converted the north end of the garrison building into a private residence where members of the Howard family continued to reside into the 1840's.

Beginning about 1870, the main house was converted into tenements to house workers attracted to manufacturing, publishing, and other jobs in Augusta.  An exhibit is being created to showcase this era of the fort, 1840 through 1919.  Come see this exhibit in its beginning stages and come again to see its progression and completion over the summer.

Besides tours there will be demonstrations, activities and more all weekend!  Events will include:  tape loom and spinning demonstrations in the parlor, blacksmithing at the forge, and the Fort Richmond archaeological field lab will be operational and you can come join us if you are interested in how archeological artifacts are processed!  Weather permitting, Saturday or Sunday, John Maxson of Le Voyageur Trading Company will be at the fort demonstrating and selling period games, flags and toys!  On Sunday The James Howard Company, French and Indian War reenactors, will be on hand to drill.

Admission is $6.00 for adults, $4.00 for children 6-16 years and children under 6 are admitted free.  As always, Augusta residents are admitted free year round.

Please go to www.oldfortwestern.org for more information or become a fan on Facebook to stay connected to the Fort’s summer events!  You can always call 626-2385 if you have any questions!