Prepare to journey back in time at the upcoming Living History Weekend! From 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on May 17 & 18, 2025, this area will come to life with characters from different eras of American history.
Bring your family & friends to discover life the way it used to be during this special 2-day event featuring reenactments, period-typical everyday life, demonstrations, hands-on exhibits & more focused on this beautiful area’s unique history.
You won’t want to miss this uniquely immersive event featuring a variety of fun interactive exhibits for all ages! Each experience will be located in, near or between the Old Fort House and Roger’s Island in Fort Edward, NY. Living History Weekend is part of Washington County’s ongoing celebration of over 250 years of American history. Learn more about 250th Anniversary events.
So, let’s explore some of the highlights of Living History Weekend:
Schedule of Events
Saturday – May 17, 2025
Old Fort House Museum
TIME | EVENT | DETAILS |
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides (Saturday only) | Provided by the Washington County Draft Animal Association |
11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. | Children’s Story Hour: Tales of the American Revolution | Listen to Dort Casey as she brings tales of the American Revolution to life |
11 a.m. | Lafayette Talk | Paul McCarty will give a gallery talk on the Marquis de LaFayette Exhibit at the Old Fort House Museum |
1 p.m. | Concert by Adirondack A Cappella | Americana/Patriotic Music (on the porch of the former law office located on the Old Fort House Museum campus) |
3 p.m. | Baroness Riedesel | Debbie Bailey portrays General Riedesel’s wife during the American Revolution |
All day | Musketry and Drilling Demonstration | See how troops trained and wielded their weapons |
All day | Children’s Colonial Crafts & Games Table | Enjoy hands-on activities for children such as hoop rolling, coloring, historic toys, and more. |
Rogers Island Visitors Center
TIME | EVENT | DETAILS |
10 a.m. | American Revolutionary Soldiers in Washington County | A talk by Sarah Hall focused on the patriots who fought in this region |
11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. | Songs of the Burgoyne Campaign | Performed by Tim Kavanaugh |
12 p.m. | Through Susan’s Eyes: Susan B. Anthony in Washington County | Debi Craig and Sandy McReynolds will discuss this famous suffragette’s early childhood spent in the area |
2 p.m. | How Infectious Diseases Affected General George Washington’s Strategy During the American Revolution | A presentation by Dr. Leach, a retired internist and infectious disease consultant |
Sunday – May 18, 2025
Old Fort House Museum
TIME | EVENT | DETAILS |
All day | Children’s Colonial Crafts & Games Table | Enjoy hands-on activities for children such as hoop rolling, coloring, historic toys, and more |
All day | Musketry and Drilling Demonstration | See how historic troops trained and wielded their weapons |
All day | Artillery Demonstration | Experience the power of cannons in real life with the 2nd Continental Artillery |
11 a.m. | Lafayette Talk | Paul McCarty will give a gallery talk on the Marquis de LaFayette Exhibit at the Old Fort House Museum |
Rogers Island Visitors Center
TIME | EVENT | DETAILS |
12 p.m. | Henry Knox’s Heavy Metal Tour Through Charlotte County | Hear from Pat Niles about the historic Knox Trail in 1775 and the upcoming reenactment |
Periodic | Songs of the Burgoyne Campaign | Performed by Tim Kavanaugh |
Immersive Encampments from Different Eras

At the heart of Living History Weekend, you’ll find immersive encampments that recreate life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Stroll into the past as you discover meticulously-crafted campsites where skilled reenactors portray settlers, soldiers and Native Americans.
You never know what you’ll see along the way!
You may witness demonstrations of traditional crafts, military drills or traditional medicines while exploring everyday life in the past. Or, you may see reenactors playing period-typical instruments such as the pennywhistle and violin! There will be many reenactment groups involved, including the 2nd Continental Artillery Regiment who honor the original regiment of the Revolutionary War. Other groups in attendance include the 1600s Company of Volunteers, English Longhunters 1750, 17th Inniskilling Regiment of Grenadiers 1758, 1st Connecticut Provincials 1758, Spikemans Company of Rogers Rangers 1756, Aldens 6th Mass Continental Infantry 1776, 2nd Continental Artillery 1776, and WWII 99th Infantry Division 1945.
Be sure to check out the many original and replica tools and innovations on display. These include cannons, muskets, historic inventions and more. And, you can see them in action! Musketry, artillery, and on-the-water demonstrations will occur periodically throughout the weekend.
Many of these experiences have been specially designed for student exploration; participants welcome questions from the curious.
See Demonstrations of Historic Skills
Throughout the weekend, talented artisans and historians will showcase a wide range of historic skills!
You’ll hear about a range of topics, from traditional cooking methods & blacksmithing techniques to the art of quill writing and pewter pouring. At the same time, you can engage with reenactors to gain fascinating glimpses into the past.
First, stop by Roger’s Island to check out the Visitor Center’s permanent exhibit exploring this area’s past as Wahcoloosencoochaleva, “The Great Carrying Place.” Plus, for Living History Weekend only, there will be an additional archaeological exhibit on display in the Roger’s Island Museum! After that, you’ll want to explore the Civil War camp run by Ben Kemp, visiting historian from the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage in Wilton, NY.
Whether you’re curious about bread-making, agricultural innovations, period-typical clothing or transportation methods, you’ll surely learn something new during Living History Weekend!
Storytelling and Lectures

Love a good tale? Immerse yourself in the stories of the past through captivating storytelling sessions and lectures from local historians, passionate reenactors and subject experts. Only during Living History Weekend!
You’ll hear tales of bravery, resilience, and the challenges faced by the people who helped shape the course of a nation. Want to hear more local stories? Visit our History page.
So, keep an ear out as you explore – you never know what insight you might overhear!
Family-Friendly Activities

You’re welcome to bring the little ones along! Living History Weekend is a family-friendly event with plenty of activities of kids of all ages.
Children will be able to participate in special kid-friendly experiences, hands-on crafts, unique games, storytelling sessions and live entertainment. With all the ongoing indoor & outdoor activities, your kids will have plenty of chances to run around and play. If they’ve got some extra energy to burn, why not take a family stroll along the nearby Empire State Trail or visit the playground at Mullen Park?
Be sure to stop in at the Roger’s Island Visitor’s Center and the Old Fort House Museum while you’re in town to check out their permanent exhibits! They’ll help your kids’ history lessons come to life with unique insight you won’t get anywhere else.
Nearby Food & Beverage Options
Living History Weekend on May 17 & 18, 2025 is the perfect time for a family picnic! The weather here in mid-May is simply gorgeous, and event planners have reserved Fort Edward’s nearby waterfront park for peaceful picnicking.
Of course, there are other dining options, too. Whether you’re looking for a tasty breakfast or delicious dinner, you’re in luck! You’ve got a variety of great local spots to visit before or after you experience Living History Weekend, including:
NAME | HOURS | ADDRESS |
Ye Old Fort Diner | Saturday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
11 East St, Fort Edward, NY 12828 |
Mamma’s Café | Saturday 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
134 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828 |
Kerrie’s on Broadway | Saturday 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
70 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828 |
Stumpy’s Pizzeria | Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday – closed |
165 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828 |
Slickfin Brewing Company | Saturday 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday – closed |
147-149 Broadway Fort Edward, NY 12828 |
The Anvil Inn Restaurant | Saturday – 4 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sunday – closed |
67 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828 |
Dahlia’s on the Hudson | Saturday – 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. Sunday – closed |
13 East St, Fort Edward, NY 12828 |
Save the Date: Living History Weekend is on May 17 & 18, 2025
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to step back in time and experience Living History Weekend in Fort Edward, NY.
Mark your calendars for May 17th and 18th, 2025 and prepare for an unforgettable journey through history.
While you’re in the area, check out Fort Edward’s historic canals and related locations, which include the Champlain Canal and Glens Falls Feeder Canal!
For more great history-centered events, visit our 250th Events page.
Want to know more about Washington County, New York?
Of course, there’s much more to our area of Northern New York!
Explore places to stay, from unique farm stays to camping & glamping options. Or, discover the best places to shop in each of our small towns.
Still looking for more cool stuff to do? Check out our experiential Trails, exploring everything from antiques, maple and fiber to ice cream, hands-on experiences and haunted places!