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Amtrak and Fort Ticonderoga Partner in 2013


View of the Fort Ticonderoga. Carl Heilman photo.

Fort Ticonderoga and Amtrak have partnered for a second year to connect people traveling between New York City and Montreal to one of the nation’s oldest and most significant historic sites, Fort Ticonderoga. Amtrak will offer one free companion rail fare with the purchase of one regular adult rail fare, on the state supported Adirondack line to and from Fort Ticonderoga, New York, now through October 31, 2013.

Customers simply need to purchase tickets a minimum of 3 days in advance and enter discount code V774. The Northbound Adirondack operates daily between New York City and Montreal, departing New York Penn Station at 8:15 am arriving in Ticonderoga at 1:17 pm. The Southbound Adirondack departs Montreal at 9:30 am, arriving in Ticonderoga at 2:33 pm.

“The partnership with Amtrak will enable Fort Ticonderoga to reach a broader destination market from New York City to Montreal,” according to Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “Fort Ticonderoga is very fortunate to have an Amtrak stop on our property. Our epic story combined with the Fort’s immersive programs and beautiful landscape makes Fort Ticonderoga an exciting destination experience.”

Thanks to the Fort Ticonderoga – Amtrak partnership in 2012, there was an increase of nearly 30% increase in passenger stops in Ticonderoga last year.

Fort Ticonderoga is one of America’s must-see destinations because of its significant history and natural beauty. Located in the 6-million acre Adirondack Park and situated on Lake Champlain, the Fort offers sweeping vistas of Vermont’s Green Mountains and New York’s Adirondack Mountains.

Opening for the 104th season on Friday, May 17, Fort Ticonderoga will offer new programs, events, exhibits, gardens, hiking trail, and special behind-the-scenes tours. Visitors will immerse themselves in nearly 2000 acres of exquisite landscape at Fort Ticonderoga and experience the story of how the blood spilled to create an empire in the French and Indian War resulted in the struggle for liberty and America’s independence a generation later. Visitors to the Fort in 2013 will step back in time to the year 1755 when French soldiers first began construction of the Fort, known as Fort Carillon. Fort Ticonderoga is open daily from May 17 through October 20, 2013 from 9:30 am until 5 pm

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Rare French & Indian War Musket Donated to Fort Ticonderoga


Wilson Musket, Fort Ticonderoga Museum Collection.

Through the keen eye of a museum supporter and generosity of an important donor, a rare British musket that may have seen use at Fort Ticonderoga has recently joined the museum’s collection enabling Fort Ticonderoga to more completely interpret the site’s remarkable history.

Fort Ticonderoga’s Curator of Collections, Christopher Fox said “The donation of this Wilson musket fills an important and long-standing gap in the collection. It is a type we know was used by troops who served at the Fort. It is also an important reminder of the struggles armies sometimes faced in arming their troops in wartime and the great diversity of arms that found their way into military service as a result.”

The Wilson musket will be placed on exhibit this season in the museum’s highly acclaimed exhibit Bullets & Blades: The Weapons of America’s Colonial Wars and Revolution. The exhibit, featuring over 150 weapons, tells the story of the use of military and civilian weapons in America during the 17th and 18th centuries. Fort Ticonderoga’s collection of 18th-century military objects is celebrated as one of the best of its type in the world.

During the French & Indian War, the London gun maker Richard Wilson produced muskets to arm the militias of several American colonies including New York, New Jersey, probably Massachusetts. Though they bear similarities to muskets produced for the British army, the weapons produced by Richard Wilson are not “army” muskets, they are “commercial” or “contract” muskets.” Their brass parts, stocks, and barrels resemble British army guns, but are simpler and lighter overall. Of the estimated 4,000 contract weapons that may have been produced by Wilson, only a handful has survived through today.

The potential connection with Fort Ticonderoga’s history stretches back to the British army’s planned invasion of Canada and the disastrous attack on the French lines on July 8, 1758. As British General James Abercromby was preparing his 17,000-man army, he had considerable difficulty obtaining enough weapons to arm his troops. Among the weapons he was eventually able to acquire were 1,000 muskets owned by the City of New York. These weapons had originally been purchased by the city from Richard Wilson in 1755. While it is not known with absolute certainty, it is thought that at least some of those weapons were issued to New York Provincial troops. Many of those troops took part in the battle before the French lines on July 8. It is known, however, that many of Wilson’s muskets were used at Ticonderoga as numerous brass pieces of these guns have been recovered on the site during various periods of reconstruction.

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Bank Awards Grant to Fort Ticonderoga


Stuart Lilie, Fort Ticonderoga’s Director of Interpretation, with students from Ticonderoga Elementary School during a recent school outreach program. A grant from Champlain National Bank makes the program available for fourth grade students in Champlain, Crown Point, Keene, Westport, and Willsboro this spring.

Fort Ticonderoga recently received a grant from Champlain National Bank supporting school outreach programs in several northern New York communities in 2013. “Fort Ticonderoga, recognized as one of America’s most significant historic sites, is the gem of the North Country,” said Joe Shaw, President and CEO of Champlain National Bank. “We are so happy to increase awareness of this tremendous educational resource that we have in our region.”

Funding from Champlain National Bank will enable fourth grade classes at schools in Crown Point, Elizabethtown, Keene, Lake Placid, Westport, and Willsboro to bring an Interpreter from Fort Ticonderoga into the classroom to share the experience of being a soldier on the Lake Champlain frontier during the American Revolution. During the program students learn about the daily life of soldiers. Students have a hands-on experience with high-quality reproductions that Continental soldiers carried during the Revolution. Students obtain an understanding of the purpose and function of each item and the larger concepts related to service in America’s War for Independence.

“The most effective way for students to learn about their history is for them to experience it,” said Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga’s President and CEO. “This expeditionary learning program connects students to a variety of inter-disciplinary topics and activities through the lens of Fort Ticonderoga’s history and helps teachers meet core curriculum goals.”

Funding will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for Crown Point Central School, Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School, Keene Central School, Lake Placid Central School, Westport Central School, and Willsboro Central School. Funding support from Champlain National Bank covers all the program costs, including mileage.

Fort Ticonderoga offers outreach programs throughout the school year in northeastern New York and western Vermont. To learn more about programs for students and teachers from Fort Ticonderoga visit www.fortticonderoga.org and select the “Explore and Learn” tab. Teachers interested in learning more about school programs, including outreach programs, should contact Rich Strum, Director of Education, at rstrum@fort-ticonderoga.org or at 518-585-6370.

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Evacuation Day 1776 Next Lecture at Fort Ti: March 17th


Fort Ticonderoga boasts one of North America’s largest 18th century artillery collections including 2 cannons from Fort Ticonderoga that were hauled by Henry Knox to Boston in the winter of 1776.

Fort Ticonderoga’s Fort Fever Series continues on Sunday, March 17, at 2 pm with “Evacuation Day 1776” presented by Director of Education Rich Strum. The cost is $10 per person and will be collected at the door; free for members of the Friends of Fort Ticonderoga.

While March 17 is widely celebrated as St. Patrick’s Day, it is officially known as “Evacuation Day” in Boston. On March 17, 1776, the British evacuated Boston after a months-long siege by the Continental Army under the command of General George Washington. Evacuation Day commemorates that pivotal turning point in the early years of the Revolution.

“The presentation traces the growing confrontation between colonists and the British government through the 1760s and early 1770s, including the Stamp Act Crisis, the Boston “Massacre,” and the Boston Tea Party,” said Rich Strum, Director of Education. “Even before fighting erupted in Lexington and Concord in 1775, Boston was in essence an occupied city, with British troops patrolling the streets.”

Shortly after the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, the rebels under General Artemas Ward and then General George Washington surrounded the city of Boston, bottling up the British on the Boston peninsula. The siege was not broken until Washington had artillery placed on Dorchester heights—artillery that had come from Ticonderoga through the herculean efforts of Henry Knox earlier in the winter. Finally, on March 17, 1776, the Royal Navy evacuated British troops and loyal subjects. Boston was in Patriot hands.

This program takes place in the Deborah Clarke Mars Education Center. The doors open at 1:30 pm, with the program commencing at 2 pm and lasting approximately an hour.

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New Overnight Program for Boy Scouts at Fort Ticonderoga


Members of Troop 818 from Enfield, Connecticut, participate in the “Planting the Tree of Liberty” program at Fort Ticonderoga in the fall of 2012. This year a limited number of scouts can participate in a new overnight program at the Fort.

Fort Ticonderoga is pleased to announce a new and immersive overnight program for Boy Scout groups in the fall of 2013.

“Imagine your troop being able to garrison Fort Ticonderoga overnight!” said the Fort’s Director of Education Rich Strum. “Give your scouts an experience they’ll never forget—a rare chance to spend the night at Fort Ticonderoga.”

A limited number of slots are available in September and October for scouts interested in spending the night in the historic barracks of the Fort.

Scouts arrive in mid-afternoon and are immediately thrust into the life of a solider at Ticonderoga in 1775. They’ll participate in the “Planting the Tree of Liberty” program and then have some time to explore the Fort and Museum before closing time. “Once the visitors are gone and the Fort is secured for the night,” said Director of Interpretation Stuart Lilie, “scouts will establish their overnight camp, gather firewood, and learn how to start a fire with flint and steel.” They will assist with the preparation of the evening meal while learning about 18th-century cooking. After cleanup, Fort staff will lead scouts on an evening hike over this historic landscape before they settle in for the night.

In the morning, scouts again help with starting the fire and fixing breakfast before packing up. Once the site opens for visitors, scouts can explore the Fort, Museum, and King’s Garden on their own before departing.

A limited number of slots are reserved for scout groups to take advantage of this exclusive offer. Scouts have the option of setting up their own tents on the historic grounds or, if numbering 16 or fewer scouts and adults, spending the night in the Soldiers’ Barracks. This experience is limited to 30 or fewer scouts and adults. A flat fee includes admission and special program fees as well as the evening and morning meals prepared over a camp fire.

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New Restaurant Opens in Ti


A new restaurant recently opened in Ticonderoga.

The Sentinel Grille, formally the Carillion and Tierney’s Restaurant on Route 9N in Ticonderoga, is now open and holding its grand opening Wednesday, January 30 (inclement weather Thursday, January 31) at 5 pm. The public is invited to join with the members of the Ticonderoga Chamber of Commerce for the Ribbon Cutting with light refreshments after. A special offer for gift certificates: receive a $50 certificate for $40 between 5:15 and 6:15 pm only at Grande Opening day (limited to two per person).

The restaurant’s American style menu offers a variety of entrees including steaks, various poultry and fish, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. Lighter fare and children’s menu are also available. In addition to its house specials, the Grille will feature fresh house baked bread and desserts to tempt every palate.

The Sentinel Grilles is a community based venture using one of the region’s most symbolic features – the Sentinel Soldier along with Ticonderoga’s school colors, purple and white. Owned by local residents, the Sentinel Grille will offer a Community Give-Back Program. Each month a local charity or community need, with a focus on youth and family, will be chosen to receive a portion of the restaurant’s net profits (some restrictions apply). The first charity for the Month of January is the Ticonderoga School Booster Club followed by Ticonderoga St. Mary’s School for February.

The Sentinel Grille will be open for dinners Tuesday through Sunday, 4:30 to 10 pm. Reservations are not required but are strongly suggested. Please call 518-585-7657 for reservations or an email copy of the menu.

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Bits of Everything

Ship in the Park: Valuable Relic

Fox News has a story about the ship on the grounds of the Skenesborough Museum.

Vermonter, Lindsey Jacobellis, Back on the Snow

ESPN has an update on Vermont resident, Lindsey Jacobellis, whose torn ACL at the X Games ended her season early last year.

New Craze Hits Lake Tahoe

ESPN has pictures of surfing Lake Tahoe in the winter.

New Ti Meat Plant Receives Funding

Denpubs reports on Ticonderoga’s proposed new meat plant.

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Fort Ticonderoga Reports Growth in 2012


View of the Fort Ticonderoga. Carl Heilman photo.

Fort Ticonderoga, a not-for-profit educational organization and major tourism destination, reports growth for the 2012 season in both earned income and donations. Paid attendance increased nearly 6% and admissions revenue increased by 18% over 2011. The organization also saw increases in program revenue up by 38% and field trip programs up by 8%. Donations have also risen including a 38% growth in Friends of Fort Ticonderoga memberships and 18% growth in annual giving.

“This has been a remarkable year,” said Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO.

“Fort Ticonderoga has been able to redefine what is possible and generate increased income and support to fulfill its mission. We still have a great deal of work to accomplish, but we are very pleased with 2012’s successes.”

Beth Hill was hired as Fort Ticonderoga’s Executive Director in 2010. She was recently named President and CEO of the not-for-profit organization. In 2011 Fort Ticonderoga trademarked its brand as America’s Fort and was named a top destination in the Adirondacks by US News and World Reports Travel.

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Bits of Everything

Washington County Passes New Budget

The Supervisors agreed this past week to a budget with a 3.1% spending increase. From the Post Star.

Whitehall School Ranked Last in County

Buffalo Business First released their annual ranking of upstate schools and the Whitehall School district was ranked last in the county and 398th out of 430 upstate schools.

Two Private Companies Want to Run Transfer Stations

The Post Star reports on the what may happen to the transfer stations in Washington County.

Old Ticonderoga Hospital to be Razed

Denton Publications reports on the fate of the old Moses-Ludington Hospital.

Scared Yet?? The 45 Best Pictures at a Haunted House

Buzz Feed has some funny pictures of scared people.

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Henry Knox’s 1775 Epic Feat to be Recreated at Fort Ticonderoga


Learn more about how an unassuming Boston book seller moved 14 mortars, 43 cannons, and other artillery to Boston in the winter of 1776 at Fort Ticonderoga’s upcoming living history event.

Discover the story of Henry Knox’s noble train of artillery at Fort Ticonderoga’s upcoming living history event, Saturday, December 1, from 10 am – 4 pm. The event will feature a lively program highlighting Henry Knox’s arrival to Fort Ticonderoga and recreate the beginning of the epic feat that ultimately forced the British evacuation from Boston on March 17, 1776. Admission to the “The Noble Train Begins” living history event is $10 per person and payable at the door.

The siege of Boston, April 19, 1775 – March 17, 1776 was the opening phase of the American Revolutionary War in which New England militiamen, who later became part of the Continental Army, surrounded the town of Boston, Massachusetts, to prevent movement by the British Army garrisoned within. In November 1775, Washington sent a 25 year-old bookseller-turned-soldier, Henry Knox, to bring heavy artillery that had been captured at Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. In a technically complex and demanding operation, Knox brought the cannon to the Boston area in January 1776. In March 1776, these artillery pieces were used to fortify Dorchester Heights, overlooking Boston and its harbor and threatening the British naval supply lifeline. The British commander William Howe, realizing he could no longer hold the town, chose to evacuate it. He withdrew the British forces, departing on March 17, for Halifax, Nova Scotia.

“Visitors to the ‘The Noble Train Begins’ living history event will meet Henry Knox, the unassuming Boston book seller whose physical and mental might was first tested with the epic feat of moving more than 14 mortars, 43 cannon, and other artillery to Boston in the winter of 1776,” said Stuart Lilie, Fort Ticonderoga’s Director of Interpretation. “See man and horse power in action as the artillery is selected for the journey. Meet the soldiers left to guard this frontier outpost as the first winter of the Revolutionary War takes hold.”


Henry Knox: Washington’s Artilleryman by Rich Strum

“The Noble Train Begins” living history event will feature interpretive staff working with horses as they move the artillery in place for the journey, cannon tours and cannon demonstrations. The event will also feature Rich Strum, author of Henry Knox: Washington’s Artilleryman, who will present an overview on Henry Knox. Strum’s presentation will take place at 12 pm inside the Mars Education Center followed by a book signing.

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Chocolate at Fort Ticonderoga


Chocolate played an important role in the diet of a revolutionary war soldier.

Did you know that in 1775, the Connecticut Assembly passed the following resolution:

“As per May 11, 1775 the Connecticut Assembly Resolves Connecticut soldiers serving at Fort Ticonderoga were to receive as part of their rations, ‘Milk, Molasses, Candles, Soap, Vinegar, Coffee, Chocolate, Sugar, Tobacco, Onions and Vegetables’ in season…”

“Yes, Chocolate!” said Stuart Lilie, Fort Ticonderoga’s Director of Interpretation. “These rations made it all the way to Ticonderoga, and became a bone of contention with the New York soldiers who were not nearly as well provisioned that year.”

On Saturday, October 13th meet re-enactors of the Connecticut soldiers posted in the fall of 1775 at Fort Ticonderoga, and discover how chocolate was a simple luxury enjoyed by enlisted soldiers as well as officers. Step into the enlisted barracks and talk with soldiers about their sweet chocolate rations enjoyed in various forms to break the monotony of their usual stews. Visit the officer’s mess, where hot drinking chocolate makes the perfect final course to an early breakfast or late day supper. Rodney Snyder, Chocolate History Research Director for Mars Chocolate NA, will also be on hand to share the importance of chocolate in American history.

Free samples of hot chocolate featuring American Heritage Chocolate, an authentic colonial chocolate recipe made only from ingredients available in the 18th century made by Mars Chocolate, will be available throughout the day. Admission to this living history event is included with Fort Ticonderoga’s general admission ticket. Fort Ticonderoga is open from 9:30 am until 5 pm daily.

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Senator Little Receives Fort Ticonderoga’s “Outstanding Citizen” Award


Pictured left to right: Beth L Hill, President, Fort Ticonderoga Association; Peter S. Paine, Jr., Chairman Fort Ticonderoga Association; Senator Betty Little.

New York State Senator Betty Little recently received Fort Ticonderoga’s “Outstanding Citizen” Award at the Fort’s annual Midsummer Gala on August 4. The award was presented to Senator Little by Peter S. Paine, Jr., Chairman of the Fort Ticonderoga Association. Senator Little was honored for her support to Fort Ticonderoga and overall advocacy for cultural affairs and tourism in the region and state. The Fort Ticonderoga “Outstanding Citizen” Award recipients are identified as having made a significant contribution to Fort Ticonderoga and its mission.

“Betty has a keen appreciation of the importance of Fort Ticonderoga and other North Country museums to the economic well being of our region,” said Peter S. Paine, Chairman of the Fort Ticonderoga Association. “She was also the key player in providing significant State support for the Fort at a critical moment in our recent history and we are delighted to honor her for her leadership and support.”

“It was a pleasant surprise to receive this wonderful award,” said Senator Betty Little. “Being able to represent and advocate on behalf of this special historic site truly is an honor. The history of Fort Ticonderoga, its role in the formation of our nation, is recognized and celebrated with each new visitor. And we all recognize its importance as a tourist destination to the economic well-being of Ticonderoga and the region. I thank Peter Paine and the Fort Ticonderoga Association for doing all they do to keep this priceless historic jewel shining.”

Senator Betty Little is serving her fifth term representing the residents of the 45th Senate District, which comprises Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren and Washington Counties.