NEWSLETTER
Lake George, NY — Everyone is invited to explore the military, naval, and material culture of the 18th century through a series of educational programs hosted by Fort William Henry and the French & Indian War Society at Lake George this summer.
June 25, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Warships of the French & Indian War: Naval Preludes to the American Revolution
This presentation by archaeologist and historian Joseph W. Zarzynski, RPA, will be held in the Fort William Henry Conference Center. The program will examine the critical role of naval warfare and control of inland waterways during the French and Indian War, offering insight into how these military campaigns helped shape the future American Revolution.
Reservations are required for the June 25 presentation. RSVP requests should be sent by email to info@lakegeorgebattlefield.org.
July 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Garrison & Naval Gun Carriages: A Primer & Inventory of Replica Artillery Carriages Led by Joseph W. Zarzynski, RPA, this workshop at the Fort William Henry Museum will provide participants with an introduction to 18th-century garrison and naval artillery carriages before assisting in the inventory and documentation of Fort William Henry’s extensive collection of replica artillery carriages. The museum's collection includes many carriages dating back to the reconstruction of the fort in the 1950s. Workshop participation is limited to 17 attendees.
August 8, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Colonial Powder Horns: A Primer, Rare FWH Museum Powder Horns, and How to Sketch Them Instructors Zak Horan, Collections Manager at Fort William Henry Museum, and Joseph W. Zarzynski, RPA, will guide attendees through the history and artistry of engraved powder horns. Participants will have the rare opportunity to examine examples from the museum's collection and learn techniques for sketching these unique artifacts, which often feature maps, inscriptions, dates, and personal details of their owners. Enrollment is limited to 17 participants.
Tuition for the July 18 and August 8 workshops is $20 for French & Indian War Society at Lake George members and $50 for non-members. Proceeds from both workshops will support the restoration of Fort William Henry’s replica French siege gun carriage and the conservation of other important museum artifacts. Fort William Henry is also packed with fun and exciting events throughout the season.
Second and Fourth of July Celebration
Commemorating America’s Semiquincentennial and the nation’s 250th birthday, Fort William Henry is proud to present a grand celebration overlooking Lake George and its spectacular fireworks displays. Guests can attend festivities on either July 2 or July 4 and enjoy an evening filled with fireworks viewing over Lake George, live entertainment, fire pits, musket and cannon demonstrations, Haunted History Ghost Tours, food and cash bar offerings, and more.
July 2, 2026: 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
July 4, 2026: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Fort William Henry will host Siege Week from August 3-9, a special living history event that brings the story of the Fort’s 1757 siege to life through military demonstrations and historic interpretations. The week will feature Tabletop Wargaming Demonstrations on August 8 and 9, where participants can command miniature armies representing the British, French, and their Indigenous allies. The event concludes on August 9 with the annual Surrender Day Ceremony, including a reading of the terms of surrender and a wreath-laying ceremony at the military cemetery.
The Last of the Mohicans Immersive Movie Experience
Fort William Henry’s signature attraction, The Last of the Mohicans Immersive Movie Experience, is back with three upcoming showings. Featuring live musket and cannon fire synchronized with the movie, the experience combines reenactors, skilled guides, and over 8,000 watts of sound to create an unforgettable evening of adventure and excitement.
Upcoming show dates:
- July 24, 2026
- August 22, 2026
- September 25, 2026
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.
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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.