Fort Ligonier Association

This past Saturday, March 15, our museum was filled with forts for our Annual Model Fort Contest! Nearly 30 forts from two age categories graced the halls of our museum, displaying so much research, creativity, and ingenuity. The winners of the Model Fort Contest are: Fort Cedar (Grade 3-5) - Albany Behanna Fort Burr (Grade 6-8) - Austin Frampton, Keller Uncapher, and Donaven Cook The Honorable Mentions are: Fort Millcreek (Grade 3-5 ) - Addyson Byers Fort Dinwiddie (Grade 6-8 ) - Bridger Hug Fort Mannway (Grade 3-5) - architect unknown. This fort was removed before we could get the maker's name--we'd be happy to know who it is. Thank you to all who participated!

The Fort Ligonier Board of Trustees and staff mourns the passing of our Trustee Emeritus, dear friend, and scholar of early American History, Charlie Fagan. Mr. Charles A Fagan III, affectionately known to his friends as “Charlie” served the Fort Ligonier Association with distinction as a Trustee, a committee member, visionary leader, and a tireless volunteer. For decades, Charlie provided exemplary leadership and guidance through multiple transitions and periods of significant growth at the Fort. He also played a vital role in the acquisition of many of the twenty works of art original to the 18th and 19th century that are on display today in the museum’s art gallery. Charlie shared his knowledge of history through art gallery tours and presentations at special events over the years. Until recently, visitors to our annual battle reenactment could see Charlie in 18th century period dress, greeting them and teaching them about the fort’s rich history. Our hearts go out to Charlie's family and friends. We were all blessed for having had the privilege of knowing this enthusiast lover of history. https://lnkd.in/gkKdAhSw

Membership has benefits at Fort Ligonier! One of them? Fort Ligonier Association members receive a sneak peak at our newly constructed Collections Storage Room during our member-only event, "Coffee and Collections" on Saturday, March 22 at 9 a.m. Learn more and register (or buy a membership if you're not already a member) on our website: FortLigonier.org

The Annual Model Fort Contest is less than a week away! Students in Grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 are invited to apply for cash prizes in their respective age categories. Learn more and register at https://buff.ly/Pt3hpBc

Our friends at Captain William Trent's Co. have a robust schedule for their encampment here at the fort this weekend!

Our Director of Preservation and Restoration, Eric Lebo, and his apprentice, Cooper Campbell, have been hard at work all winter long reproducing rotted parts of our artillery train. This carriage just needs the wheels and ammo boxes added, and then it will be finished and ready for the brass tube of the cannon!

Happy Birthday (young) George Washington! All this week, local elementary school students have been celebrating the 293rd birthday of our first president with cupcakes, ice cream, and lessons about George Washington's life and experiences as a young man in western Pennsylvania -- and Fort Ligonier -- before and during the French and Indian War. Many thanks to our partners for making this annual program possible: Ligonier Valley Education Trust, McFeely-Rogers Foundation, Commercial Bank & Trust of PA, Town and Country Ford in Ligonier, The Tackle Box, and Shaffer's Bottled Gas for admissions and the purchase of books for the students to take home. We'd also like to thank Giant Eagle of Ligonier and Latrobe Dairy Queen for their generous donations of cupcakes and ice cream!

The forecast for this weekend's Fort Ligonier Winter Garrison: Trent’s Company is still going to be cold--just hopefully slightly warmer than today's temps! See how the men and women encamped at Fort Ligonier survived wintry conditions in 1759! https://buff.ly/3QohRQH

Thank you to everyone who came out to "'Timeless Trades' Workshop Series: Draft like a 1750s Tailor" this past weekend! We had a terrific time getting into the nitty gritty of tailoring practices with you! Our next "'Timeless Trades' Workshop Series: Handcraft Your Own Pair Of Moccasins" is in June. Interested? Don't wait to sign up--we expect this #TimelessTrades workshop to sell out soon!

Do you know a 3rd-12th grade student who loves to build stuff, like outdoor forts, miniature-scale models, or even Lincoln Logs and blocks? Have them put their building skills to the test at our Annual Model Fort Contest on Saturday, March 15! Students who enter the contest--individuals or teams-- get a chance to win a cash prize in the following age categories: Grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. This contest was created in memory of our fort's longtime historic restorationist Brad Mooney. For more information and for a contest packet, visit our website: