Old Fort Niagara hosts free 1812 lecture

On Saturday, July 30, at 1 p.m., Old Fort Niagara will sponsor a free public lecture by Richard V. Barbuto, deputy director of the Department of Military History at the United States Army Command and Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Ka. Barbuto will discuss the history of the Third United States Artillery Regiment, a unit that served at the Battle of Queenston Heights, Fort Niagara, Fort George and Fort Erie.

Barbuto is the author of a recently released book on the regiment, "Long Range Guns, Close Quarter Combat." The book, published by the Old Fort Niagara Association, traces the history of the regiment from its creation in 1812 through the end of the war. Copies will be available for purchase at Old Fort Niagara's Museum Shop, located in the site's Visitor Center. Cost is $12.95 per copy. Following the lecture, Barbuto will be available for a book signing.

The fort opens at 9 a.m. daily year round. Information, including hours of operation, can be found at www.oldfortniagara.org or by calling 716-745-7611.