Fort Ligonier
Preserving the French and Indian War Through Living History
DETAILS
Project: History Alive! at Fort Ligonier
Term: Five Years
Commitment: $125,000
DESCRIPTION
Fort Ligonier, an 18th-century British fort located in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, approximately 50 miles east of Pittsburgh, preserves the history of the French & Indian War. The Fort Ligonier Association, formed in 1946, aims to maintain and educate about this critical historical site. The museum and reconstructed fort attract 27,000 annual visitors, including students, scouts, and international tourists. The current living history program has received positive feedback for its interactive portrayal of 18th-century life by staff and volunteers.
This Preserving America Partners project aims to expand the living history program by enhancing the visitor experience through regular, scheduled historical interpretations of day-to-day life at the fort, beyond battle reenactments. This includes authentic clothing, equipment, wages for interpreters, marketing, and professional craftsperson demonstrations.
OBJECTIVES
Increase Historical Interpretations: Hire part-time historical interpreters for regular scheduled programming.
Enhance Authenticity: Procure authentic 18th-century clothing, equipment, and accoutrements.
Expand Educational Offerings: Provide stipends for professional craftspeople to demonstrate 18th-century trades.
Improve Visitor Experience: Install educational wayside signage around the fort.
Promote Program Awareness: Implement a robust marketing plan to attract more visitors.
