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The life and times of the American War of Independence will be recreated at Fort Ontario State Historic Site in Oswego on Saturday, July 19 from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, and Sunday July 20 from 10 AM to 3:00 PM. The British 24th Regiment of Foot will conduct military drills, ceremonies, cooking, sewing, and other living history demonstrations at the old fort. Regular admission prices will be charged, children 12 years of age and current members of the Friends of Fort Ontario will be admitted free.
A special treat is in store for kids at the fort during the Revolutionary War weekend as Shari Crawford, Early American activities specialist and teacher, will present her 18th Century Toys and Games program during public hours on Saturday and until 4 PM on Sunday. Some of the toys and games include stilts, trundling hoops, two - balls, bat & trap, shinney, marbles, cups and balls, skittles, and quoits. Crawford has conducted this and other programs for adults and children such as Open Fire Cooking, Clothing and Laundry, and English Country Dance at historic sites, schools, scout camps, and adult day camps around New York. A member of the Brigade of the American Revolution, Crawford has published articles on many aspects of 18th century life {www.18thcenturytoysand games.com].
Because Fort Ontario was occupied by British Crown Forces during the eight year long War for Independence, visitors will be expected to take the oath of allegiance to the King  and toast his health with cold cider upon arrival at the fort.   Known rebels, suspicious characters, pirates, privateers, and anyone insulting his majesty’s troops will become acquainted with British military justice and the Forts’ Guardhouse. Visitors will be allowed to talk with rebel prisoners through the sliding window in the East Guardhouse; gifts for prisoners such as food, clothing, money, blankets, etc… will be searched for the presence of knives, files, weapons, and other contraband.
A highlight of Saturday and Sunday’s activities will be the escape of Continental prisoners David Ogden and Asa Danforth from Fort Ontario. In June 1783, after five years of captivity, Ogden and Danforth waited for the sound of the bagpipes announcing dinner to distract their British guards and make a run to safety in the Mohawk Valley; they eluded their followers and covered the 110 miles of wilderness in five days.
Fort Ontario State Historic Site is one of six historic sites and eighteen parks in the Central Region administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Carol Ash – Commissioner. For more information on NYS Parks visit the agency website at www.nysparks.com, or www.fortontario.com. For additional information on the event call Paul Lear at (315) 343-4711.
Fort Ontario Revolutionary War Event
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
10:00 AM Fort Opens, Children’s Toys & Games begin
10:30 AM Marching and Weapons Drill
11:20 AM Children’s Marching and Musket Drill
12:00 PM  Dinner, Escape of the Prisoner David Ogden
1:15 PM  Fashion Show; Clothing & Equipment Discussion & Demonstration
2:15 PM  Marching and Weapons Drill
3:00 PM  Recall from Drill
3:10 PM  Childrens Marching and Musket Drill
3:30 PM Cricket on the Parade
4:20 PM Fort Gates Close
5:00 PM Fort Closed
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
10:00 AM Fort Opens, Childrens Toys & Games begin
10:00 AM Lawn Games on the Parade
12:00 PM  Dinner, Escape of David Ogden
1:15 PM  Marching and Weapons Drill
2:00 PM  Children’s Marching and Musket Drill
2:45 PM  Lawn Games on the Parade
4:00 PM Children’s Toys & Games end
4:20 PM  Fort Gate Closes
5:00 PM  Fort Closed
