Lake George, NY — A season of history, excitement, and unforgettable experiences awaits at Fort William Henry as the Fort prepares to celebrate its 270th anniversary in 2026. Guests are invited to step back into the 18th century with immersive programs and exciting events.
The Fort is open weekends through March 8, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with guided living history sessions at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Visitors can experience winter on the frontier during The Frozen Fort, an interactive presentation led by expert, uniformed guides who bring the struggles and stories of colonial soldiers to life. Guests who purchase tickets online receive 10% off admission, and free parking is available for all Fort visitors.
Haunted History Ghost Tours are offered on Saturdays through March 7th, inviting guests to explore the Fort after hours and uncover chilling tales.
Battles & Beverages | March 21, 2026: Presented by the French and Indian War Society and the Fort William Henry Corporation, in partnership with the Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance, Battles & Beverages commemorates both the 270th anniversary of the Fort’s construction and the 268th anniversary of the March 1757 attack. This annual event brings winter warfare to life with immersive French and Indian War reenactments (11:00 AM & 1:00 PM), a Sutler and Craft Beverage Fair (9:30 AM to 3:00 PM) inside the fort, and a Frontier Food Tasting & Talk with Melanie Sawyer (at 3:00 PM). Reenactments and the Sutler Fair are free and open to the public.
Artillery Preservation Campaign Funding Program: As part of the anniversary celebration, the Fort is advancing its Artillery Restoration Program. In partnership with The French & Indian War Society at Lake George, this initiative ensures that one of the Fort’s most iconic experiences, its artillery demonstrations, remains safe, authentic, and impactful for generations to come. To date, $3,730 has been raised toward restoring historic artillery, with the Fort William Henry Corporation matching donations up to $2,000 through 2025, bringing the current total to $5,730.
The 2025 fundraising goal of $12,000 will support the replacement of aging cannon carriage wheels with historically accurate, hand-built reproductions, including:
- Two pairs of 42” wheels for two 6-pound Bronze Field Cannons ($5,000)
- One pair of 57” wheels for the French Siege Cannon ($6,500)
Supporters can donate by visiting the official donation page: French and Indian War Society of Lake George – Donate frenchandindianwarsociety.org/donate.
Upcoming Museum & Hotel Events
- Battle for Blood (March 23, 2026): An American Red Cross blood drive hosted at the Fort William Henry Hotel Conference Center.
- 250th Anniversary Gala (April 11, 2026): A formal celebration honoring the Fort’s enduring legacy.
Give the gift of history with the Fort William Henry Museum Gift Card. Perfect for museum visits, events, or unique items from the Sutler Shoppe.
Plan your visit at fwhmuseum.com/visit/tours-tickets and see all our upcoming events at fwhmuseum.com/events.
Free Parking is available for guests in the South Lot of the Fort William Henry Hotel and Museum at 46 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845.
For more information, please visit our website at fwhmuseum.com or contact us at info@fortwilliamhenry.com.
###
About Fort William Henry
Fort William Henry is a historic site located in Lake George, NY, originally constructed in 1755 during the French and Indian War. The Fort overlooks the southern basin of Lake George and is part of the Fort William Henry Resort, the oldest resort on the lake. The original Fort was burned to the ground during the war and meticulously reconstructed in the 1950s. For the past 70 years, it has provided an immersive living history educational experience into the 18th century. History comes alive through reenactments, guided tours, and interactive exhibits. The Fort also hosts various community events and educational programs, making it a vibrant part of the Lake George region's cultural heritage. Open select weekends all winter. Check fwhmuseum.com for more details.
NEWSLETTER