Old Fort Niagara has launched a new fundraising campaign for a new Native American Education Center.
Officials say the center will showcase Native American living conditions at the fort during the American Revolution and enhance the fort’s living history programs.
“As one of the most historic sites on the Great Lakes, Old Fort Niagara has endured for nearly 300 years,” said Robert Emerson, executive director of Old Fort Niagara. “An integral part of that long history is the Fort’s connection with local Native American nations – and it’s important that we elevate that story.”
The center will include sleeping, dining and storage spaces – each incorporating period Native American clothing, weapons, trade goods, lighting and other historic pieces. Native interpreters will share with visitors the role of the Native peoples at the Fort, Native history and culture and more. The center will also serve as a hub for workshops for small groups to learn traditional Native American skills, such as moccasin making, beadwork, quillwork, finger weaving, and even Native language classes.
Rendering courtesy of Old Fort Niagara
Old Fort Niagara also intends to invite local Native communities to use the building for social gatherings and small-group meetings.
“This facility and our enhanced Native programming will undoubtedly enrich the experience of thousands of school students, area residents and visitors to our region, who will have the opportunity to engage fully in both the military history of the Fort and its Native history,” said Jordan Smith, Mohawk, Bear Clan and head of Native education at Old Fort Niagara.
The Fort has secured $200,000 toward the cost of the building and aims to raise another $50,000.