On-Site Programs

Guided Tour

Tour a real 18th century fortress and see original stone buildings and fortifications! Trained guides provide insights into the life of European soldiers and colonists who lived in the Great Lakes region during the 1700s. Each scheduled tour features a musket demonstration by a uniformed soldier.

The museum shop can be included in the tour. Groups who bring lunches may eat them on the fort grounds or in the adjoining State Park.

  • One adult is allowed free entry for each 10 students, extra adults at group rate.
  • Complimentary admission for bus drivers.
  • Tour guide(s) and musket demonstration provided when tour is scheduled two weeks in advance.
  • Duration: 2 Hours
  • Cost: $5.00/Student

Join the King's Army

In addition to a guided tour of the site, a uniformed staff member recruits the students into King George III's Army. The students are issued wooden "muskets" and are guided through marching, loading and firing exercises. In the process, the group learns about Revolutionary War tactics and the role of the common soldier.

This program typically runs from 10:00AM to 2:30PM.

  • Duration: About 2 1/2 Hours
  • Cost: $7.00/Student
  • Max Students: 120

Work and Play in 1779

A program designed to maximize the experience of a school field trip. The basic component is a full tour of Old Fort Niagara. Added is a complete musket demonstration after which the students are put through their paces during drill with wooden muskkets. Finally they can "let loose" by participating in an 18th century sport.

  • Duration: About 3 1/2 Hours
  • Cost: $9.00/Student
  • Max Students: 120

A Day and Night in the Fort

The most complete of our programs, providing an educational and enjoyable experience based on the daily life of soldiers in the garrison circa 250 years ago. The hands-on activities provide insights into North America's past.

We recommend this program for groups primarily composed of 7th graders, or about 12 years of age. Participants must be at least eight years of age for their own safety. Three adult leaders must be on hand at all times.

Scouting groups are encouraged to book autumn, winter, and early spring programs. Schools are given preference in late spring.

Participants will rotate between several activites. These include Infantry Drill with wooden muskets, Artillery & Fortification Training, Cooking & Baking, and Fatigue Duties. Through these hands-on activities, our instructors will provide interesting details about the period, Old Fort Niagara, and the common soldier.

After supper, the evening program will feature a discussion of the role of men and women, their clothing (modeled for you) and other facets of daily life. We will finish the evening with folklore on our "Weird Tales Walk."

In the morning, after breakfast, a guided tour of the site will conclude your program.

Unless otherwise arranged, this program is based on the life and times of Old Fort Niagara's British garrison in the American Revolution. We are also capable of adapting this program to either the French & Indian War or the War of 1812. We will also consider other program variations you might suggest. For instance, this program has been used by scout groups to fulfill merit badge requirements and we would be happy to do so again.

  • Duration: 1:00PM-11:00AM
  • Cost: $40.00/Student
  • Max Students: 30

Overnight Visit

For groups eager to spend a night at Old Fort Niagara, but unable to arrive during the afternoon. We particularly recommend this program for groups composed primarily of 4th graders, or about 8 years of age. Participants must be at least seven years of age for their own safety. Three adult leaders must be on hand at all times.

We will endeavor to treat visitors like the refugees who have passed through Fort Niagara over the years. The program will feature a musket demonstration, games, a discussion of the role of men and women here at the Fort and other facets of daily life. We finish the evening with folklore on our "Weird Tales Walk."

Like the "Day & Night" program, the "Overnight Visit" can be modified as to peroiod or special requests.

  • Duration: 7:00PM-11:00AM
  • Cost: $30.00/Student
  • Max Students: 30

Rivals for Empire

Don't just read between the lines...go between the lines in Old Fort Niagara's interactive program for elementary and middle school students. The program is available weekdays from May 17 - June 18, 2010. Students visit an 18th century fortress under siege, meet French, British and Native characters from the past, see and understand 250-year-old technology in action, experience how people ate, slept, and survived on the frontier, and take part in daily chores of the 1750s.

Teachers pre-visit materials are available on line at http://downtown360.com/fortniagara/. Reservations required at least two weeks in advance.

  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Cost: $5.00 per student
  • Max Students: 120

Please Note: Some programs are only offered during certain times of the year. Please contact Old Fort Niagara at (716) 745-7611 for more information on programs and scheduling options.