Outreach Programs

A Soldier's Life

This program features an in-class visit by a member of the fort staff, dressed in the military uniform of one of the fort's historic garrisons. The primary objective is to increase audience understanding of daily life in the target time period - with a special emphasis on activities and conditions at Old Fort Niagara.


Using the uniform itself, as well as other items representative of a soldier's personal equipment and belongings (knapsack, haversack, clothing, blankets, games, utensils, grooming supplies, etc.), the trials and joys of everyday life will be brought to life.

Students will be able to see and touch reproductions of historic clothing and equipment, making a direct connection with the history of their region. They will also gain a greater understanding of many of the following eductional concepts:

  • The past as more than just names and dates
  • The political development of western New York during the period of focus
  • The diversity of community within Fort Niagara
  • The processes necessary for life in a pre-electric age
  • Forms of entertainment popular during the period of focus
  • Vocabulary appropriate to the program

"A Soldiers Life" can be tailored to a period which matches the educational goals of the individual school or educator. Programs focusing on the 18th century French and British, and early 19th century American and British occupations of the Fort are available.

  • Duration: Half or Full-Day
  • Cost: $150/$250

The Gold Laced Coat

As this title suggests, this program utilizes characters and themes developed in Helen Fuller Orton's novel, The Gold-Laced Coat to introduce students to the French occupation of Fort Niagara and Western New York.

The central element of the program is an in-class visit by a uniformed French "officer," who will use the adventures of Captain and Phillipe DeCroix, Pierre, Red Bird, and Abbie as a backdrop for an interactive presentation on the true life of French soldiers and civilians in the fort, utilizing both reproduction and original artifacts to bring the past to life. "The Gold-Laced Coat" will seek to increase student understanding of some of the following education concepts:

  • The past as more than just names and dates.
  • Fact versus fiction, and the novel a a source of both.
  • The diversity of the community within Fort Niagara and the Great Lakes during the French period of occupation.
  • Transportation and geography in 18th century America.
  • An introduction to the Fur Trade and the commercial forces behind colonization.
  • An introduction to the French and Indian War.
  • Vocabulary appropriate to the program.
  • Duration: Half or Full-Day
  • Cost: $150/$250

Virtual Tour of Old Fort Niagara

For a Virtual Tour of Old Fort Niagara go to "Visit the Fort" and click on "Virtual Tour."

  • Duration: N/A
  • Cost: None

Outreach programs are offered during the months of November through March. For more information, or to reserve a date for your program, please contact:

Rory Bialecki
Interpretive Programs Assistant
Old Fort Niagara
P.O. Box 169
Youngstown, NY 14174-0169
(716) 745-7611
Email: education@oldfortniagara.org