The Beat

Oswego, New York — The National Park Service invites public input on a special resource study focusing on Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York, which was a British and American military installation from the mid-18th century to the end of World War II.

Since 1946, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation has owned and managed the central fort complex known as Fort Ontario State Historic Site. The National Park Service’s special resource study will assess how cultural and natural resources associated with the fort’s long history meet criteria to be recommended for designation as a unit of the National Park System. A 60-day comment period runs through November 1, 2021.

Head to Upstate New York’s most exciting historic destination on October 2 for a Saturday filled with fall-themed family fun 

Ticonderoga, NY — Join Fort Ticonderoga on October 2 for a full day of autumn fun at the annual Heritage, Harvest, & Horse Festival. Set in the midst of the King’s Garden heirloom apple trees with a backdrop of majestic mountains and Lake Champlain, guests will experience the beautiful fall foliage while enjoying local food and drink at the farmer’s market, plus a family favorite: animal meet and greets. …

Ticonderoga, NY - Fort Ticonderoga will host Homeschool Day for homeschool students and their parents on Friday, September 10, 2021 from 9:30 am-5:00 pm. Visitors will participate in interactive and immersive programs, visit museum exhibitions, and explore the historic site, including the King’s Garden, Carillon Battlefield Hiking Trail, and the Heroic Corn Maze. Other special opportunities will also be available during the hands-on student scavenger hunt, bateau row on Lake Champlain, and aboard the Carillon tour boat.

Newburgh, NY (July 28, 2021) -- On August 7^th and 8^th, in honor of the creation of the Badge of Military Merit, Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site is offering a take home craft kit to make your own Badge of Military Merit. General George Washington, while headquartered in Newburgh, created the Badge of Military Merit on August 7^th, 1782. The Badge, the first award of its kind to honor enlisted personnel, evolved into the Purple Heart, an award given today to military personnel, officers and enlisted, wounded or killed in the defense of our country.

State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid announced today that pathway, accessibility and parking improvements are completed at Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh, Orange County.

"This project makes the grounds of the nation's first publicly-owned historic site more open and accessible to all under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) to experience a beautiful and historic setting in the Hudson Valley where General Washington made critical decisions that helped shape the new United States," said Kulleseid."The headquarters has been state property since 1850, so we are the latest in a line of stewards to preserve this for the coming generations. We are committed to ensuring this inspiring place is welcoming and inclusive to all who visit from America and around the world." …

ADA Accessibility Enhanced at Nation’s First Publicly-Owned State Historic Site

State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid announced today that pathway, accessibility and parking improvements are completed at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh, Orange County.

“This project makes the grounds of the nation’s first publicly-owned historic site more open and accessible to all under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) to experience a beautiful and historic setting in the Hudson Valley where General Washington made critical decisions that helped shape the new United States,” said Kulleseid. “The headquarters has been state property since 1850, so we are the latest in a line of stewards to preserve this for the coming generations. We are committed to ensuring this inspiring place is welcoming and inclusive to all who visit from America and around the world.” …

Newburgh, NY (June 30, 2021) - Before scientists theorized about the Universe’s creation, commonly called “The Big Bang Theory,” there was a previous “Big Bang” in 12^th century China with the invention of the cannon. However, you don’t have to go to China, or any other part of the world, or even a battlefield, to see some cannons today. A trip to the Museum at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, in Newburgh, will afford you a look at two excellent examples on display, namely, La Vipere and a Howitzer.

Enjoy music, American Revolutionary history, reenactments, and much more on the very ground where the fight for liberty occurred

Ticonderoga, N.Y. (June 2021) — This July, Fort Ticonderoga will celebrate Independence Day with a packed month of special events and programming, including an exciting holiday weekend filled with historically-accurate demonstrations, a mid-month, two-day reenactment of the 1777 siege of Fort Ticonderoga and a late July 1776-themed concert series. Experience the American Revolution on the very ground where the fight for liberty occurred. Join museum staff and costumed interpreters as they recreate in real time the events of July 1776. Guests will follow the footsteps of the Continental Army and see first-hand the struggle for freedom.

From the Pages to the Streets

Seneca Falls, NY— Women’s Rights National Historical Park (NHP) is pleased to announce Virtual Convention Days 2021: From the Pages to the Streets, a series of online programs being held July 16-18, 2021. 

Convention Days has been a signature event in Seneca Falls for many years. This annual event allows visitors to engage with women’s history, focusing on the revolutionary 1848 Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Convention through art, storytelling, speakers, and special programming. The park will continue this tradition virtually this year due to COVID-19.

Mumford, N.Y. (June 17, 2021) – The coming of summer at Genesee Country Village & Museum heralds the return of sights, sounds, and tastes of life in 19^th Century New York. Celebrate the nation’s birth at the Independence Day Celebration (Sunday, July 4), relish in the traditions of the bitter, sweet, and savory flavors of a much-loved treat during Celebrating Chocolate Weekend (Saturday, July 10, and Sunday, July 11), and engage with the complex history of the Civil War as experienced in communities across New York State during Civil War Living History Weekend (Saturday, July 17, and Sunday, July 18).