NEWSLETTER
Transforming the Museum into Premier Center for 18th-Century History
Ticonderoga, NY (August 11, 2025) – Fort Ticonderoga proudly announces a major milestone in its mission to preserve and share American history, having successfully secured $12 million in gifts and pledges to acquire the renowned Robert Nittolo Collection. This monumental acquisition, considered the most significant private collection of 18th-century militaria in North America, solidifies Fort Ticonderoga's standing as a world-class educational institution and a leading resource for the study of Colonial and Revolutionary War history.
The Robert Nittolo Collection, amassed over decades by a passionate collector inspired by his childhood visits to Fort Ticonderoga, comprises nearly 3,000 objects. These rare and invaluable artifacts - including weapons, uniforms, personal equipment, and manuscripts - provide a vivid, tangible connection to the soldiers and civilians who shaped the conflicts of the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of these objects have never been seen by the public before.
Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO Beth L. Hill said, “This is transformative for Fort Ticonderoga. The acquisition of the Robert Nittolo Collection is an extraordinary achievement that not only preserves these irreplaceable artifacts but also allows us to tell the story of our nation's founding in a way that has never been possible before. This collection will be the cornerstone of our new exhibition programs, digital initiatives, and educational offerings, ensuring that the lessons of our past are accessible and relevant to future generations.”
The successful fundraising campaign was made possible by the unwavering support of a diverse group of donors and supporters who recognized the collection’s immense historical value and its potential to ignite a deeper understanding of America's origins. The acquisition is a central component of Fort Ticonderoga’s broader strategic plan to enhance its visitor experience, expand its educational outreach, and position itself for the upcoming 250th anniversary commemorations of the American Revolution.
Already, select pieces from the Nittolo Collection are on display in Fort Ticonderoga's new exhibit, "A Revolutionary Anthology," providing visitors with an immersive experience that connects personal stories to the political and societal shifts of the era. The full collection will be integrated into the museum's comprehensive programming over the coming years, serving as a powerful tool for scholars, students, and the general public.
The completion of the fundraising effort marks a historic moment for Fort Ticonderoga, reaffirming its role as a leader in historic preservation and as a vital national resource for the study of military history and the birth of the American republic.
About Fort Ticonderoga: Welcoming visitors since 1909, Fort Ticonderoga is an internationally renowned historic site, museum, and center for learning. As a multi-day destination and the premier place to learn more about North America’s military heritage, Fort Ticonderoga engages nearly 70,000 visitors each year on-site and millions through on-line programs and engagement. Presenting vibrant programs, historic interpretation, boat cruises, tours, demonstrations, and exhibits, Fort Ticonderoga and is open for daily visitation May through October and special programs during Winter Quarters, November through April. Fort Ticonderoga is owned by The Fort Ticonderoga Association, a 501c3 non-profit educational organization, 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.
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