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Niagara County Legislator Clyde Burmaster presents a check to Robert Emerson, executive director of Old Fort Niagara.
Niagara County Legislator Clyde Burmaster presents a check to Robert Emerson, executive director of Old Fort Niagara.

Niagara County supports 1812 Bicentennial programming

by jmaloni
Mon, Feb 6th 2012 04:20 pm

The Niagara County Legislature recently awarded Old Fort Niagara a grant of $37,500 to support 1812 Bicentennial programming. Funds will be used to hire military interpreters who will portray members of the U.S. First Artillery Regiment during the War of 1812.

Soldiers will present educational living history programs at Old Fort Niagara from May through August, and will be available to present outreach programming in communities throughout Niagara County. Fort personnel are already signed up to support Bicentennial programs in Towns of Porter, Niagara, Hartland, Lockport and Lewiston. County funds will also match $10,000 in Federal dollars awarded through the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area.

"These funds will enable Old Fort Niagara to attract tourists to the region who are interested in the War of 1812 and to provide communities across the county with authentically clothed and equipped living history interpreters" said Robert Emerson, executive director of the Old Fort Niagara Association. "These grants will provide our communities with valuable economic and educational benefits during this important anniversary year."

Old Fort Niagara serves about 75,000 on-site visitors each year as well as approximately 50,000 local residents through outreach programs.

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