Step Back in Time during Living History Weekend, May 18 & 19 in Fort Edward, NY.

Prepare to journey back in time at the upcoming Living History Weekend! From 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on May 18 & 19, 2024, this area will come to life with characters from different periods of our area’s rich 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 neat interactive exhibits! 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 our ongoing celebration of over 250 years of Washington County history. Learn more about 250th Anniversary events.

So, read on for more reasons to come see America’s history in Washington County’s backyard!

Let’s explore some of the highlights of Living History Weekend:

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.

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.

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, from the pre-Colonial era to post-Vietnam.

First, stop by Roger’s Island to view a timeline of military groups. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Visitor Center’s permanent exhibit on when this area of Washington County had been known as Wahcoloosencoochaleva, “The Great Carrying Place.” And, 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. Only available on Saturday.

Additionally, you won’t want to miss the special interactive learning exhibits from the Thunderhawk Living History School. They’ll be demonstrating a range of native skills such as hunting, foraging, tool making and more.

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!

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!

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.

Living History Weekend on May 17 & 18, 2024 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, plus a few great mobile eateries on-site.

Check out some of Fort Edward’s tastiest options: The Anvil Inn Restaurant, A Taco Situation or the Ye Old Fort Diner. For more local dining, check out our Taste page.

And, you can slake your thirst nearby at Slickfin Brewing Company or the bar at Dalias on the Hudson! Explore more unique Washington County craft beverage producers.

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 18th and 19th, 2024 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.

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!