NEWSLETTER
With Grant from Greater Hudson Heritage Network and Generous #GivingTuesday Support
Funding in place for conservation of a rare c.1771 oil painting to be featured in a new major exhibition
Ticonderoga, N.Y. - Fort Ticonderoga, a museum, major cultural destination, and National Historic Landmark, has recently achieved its fundraising goal to conserve an oil-on-canvas painting. The full-length portrait of Frances (Fanny) Montresor-Buchanan-Allen-Penniman c.1771, was acquired in 1910, one of the museum’s earliest acquisitions. The painting is in need of professional conservation prior to display in 2025 as part of the upcoming annually rotating exhibition “A Revolutionary Anthology.” This exhibition is part of the museum’s national 250th commemoration, running from 2024-2028.
Coming of age during the American Revolution, Frances (Fanny) Montresor-Buchanan-Allen-Penniman (1760-1834), faced the currents of one of the most significant political events of the century. Raised by a loyalist, married first to a British officer, and ultimately marrying the famous “patriot” Ethan Allen, she reveals how a woman could move through different communities to survive and prosper in such a complex time. All the while, she raised her children, and moved between New York City and Vermont based on circumstances and choice. Affectionately known as the “Fanny Allen” portrait for its 100 year residency with the Fort Ticonderoga Museum, the charming image of 11 year old Fanny will soon be meeting a new generation of visitors and helping bring new dimensions of life in the Revolutionary era to light.
“This is an important story to share,” said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “The portrait features a woman living on the periphery of military life in the Revolutionary era and navigating the societal and political changes in this complex period of our history. Fort Ticonderoga is grateful that with the support of our donors and through this conservation treatment grant we can conserve this beautiful 18th-century portrait and ensure Fanny’s legacy for another 250 years.”
The conservation work is made possible thanks to individual donors who gave generously as part of Fort Ticonderoga’s #GivingTuesday campaign, and a conservation treatment grant from the Greater Hudson Heritage Network whose funding is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Additional information on the life of Frances (Fanny) Montresor-Buchanan-Allen-Penniman and the journey of her portrait from acquisition to conservation to exhibit can be found through Fort Ticonderoga’s Center for Digital History at https://www.fortticonderoga.org/news/a-fragile-portrait-a-story-of-strength/.
About Fort Ticonderoga
Welcoming visitors since 1909, Fort Ticonderoga is a historic site, museum, center of learning and major cultural destination. Fort Ticonderoga engages more than 70,000 visitors each year on site with an economic impact of more than $12 million annually and offers programs, historic interpretation, boat cruises, tours, demonstrations, and exhibits throughout the year, and is open for daily visitation May through October. Fort Ticonderoga is owned and operated by The Fort Ticonderoga Association, a non-profit educational organization which serves its mission to preserve, educate and provoke an active discussion about the past and its importance to present and future generations. Fort Ticonderoga reaches more than 20 million people through its digital outreach each year through its Center for Digital History and is supported in part through generous donations and with some general operating support made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts. To view Fort Ticonderoga’s electronic press kit, click here. © The Fort Ticonderoga Association. 2024 All Rights Reserved.
Photo: Fort Ticonderoga Completes Portrait Conservation Fundraising Goal with Grant from Greater Hudson Heritage Network and Generous Giving Tuesday Support. Photo credit and copyright Fort Ticonderoga.
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For Further Information Contact:
Beth Hill - 518-585-2821