History is the study of the "fabric of time", woven through the centuries by human inter-action. Historical education has as its goal teaching how the past can offer good advice on living in the present. Through all of our programs, we make a point of introducing life-lessons wherever possible.
Old Fort Niagara offers a variety of on-site educational programs, from guided tours of the site to an intensive overnight experience. Guided tours are offered year round, while other programs are available in the spring and fall months. Specific program checklists are mailed with booking confirmations to facilitate your planning for the program and visit. Also available is a Pre-Visit Packet that contains materials meant to add to the programs.
In addition to our on-site educational offerings, Old Fort Niagara provides Distance Learning programs, as well as educational materials and staff visits for Outreach Programs. Advance booking is necessary.
Reservations
To reserve an educational program, please call Old Fort Niagara at (716) 745-7611 and tell the person who answers that you would like to schedule either a visit, an outreach program, or a distance learning program.
Guided tours are offered year ‘round, and reservations for guided tours can be made throughout the year. We ask that reservations for guided tours be made at least two weeks in advance, because our guides are only brought in as needed. (We suggest booking as far ahead as possible for morning tours in May and June, because these are the most popular times for local school field trips.)
On-site programs other than guided tours are offered in the spring (March 1st through June 30th) and the autumn (October 1st through February 28th). Reservations for spring on-site programs are taken beginning on the first business day of the new year. Reservations for autumn programs are taken beginning on the third Monday of July. (We suggest calling right away, because space is limited and these programs fill quickly.)
When you call to reserve an educational program, we will ask for some basic information about your group:
- which program you would like
- the date and time of your program
- the name of your group
- the age or grade level of your group
- the approximate number of children and/or adults
- how many classes are in the group (if it's a school group)
- whether or not we need to make advance arrangements to accomodate someone with a disability or special need
- whether or not your group has any special requests
- your name (and the name of another contact person, if appropriate)
- who will be in charge of the group (if you're scheduling a visit to the fort)
- a mailing address and telephone number for your group
Deposits
No deposit is required for guided tours.
Deposits are required for all other on-site programs at least four weeks in advance. Groups who do not show up for scheduled programs will forfeit their deposits. With proper notification, we will make every effort to reschedule programs that are postponed because of weather, but we cannot guarantee that rescheduling will be possible.
Program Costs
All program costs are listed with the program description, but several general notes on how we calculate the total can be made here. For every ten children, one adult is admitted free of charge. We will round up or down as needed. Any deposit paid will be deducted from the total charge. Any balance is due on the date of the program. As the minimum group size is twelve, we must charge for twelve at a minimum.