Battles & Beverages at Fort William Henry Museum

About this event

This year is the 70th anniversary of the Fort William Henry Museum, where tour guides bring the French and Indian War to life in a replica of the 18th century fortress that once guarded the Southern shore of Lake George. The Fortress was the site of a siege and massacre that altered the course of history and helped shape our nation.

To kick off a year of celebration, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, the French and Indian War Society at Lake George has a day of exciting events planned. The Events will take place at the Fort William Henry Hotel’s Conference Center and Lake George Battlefield Park. Admission is free. 

• 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Sutlers’ Fair in the Fort William Henry Conference Center. Sutlers is the name for merchants and craftsmen who followed 18th century armies, made military goods and sold provisions to soldiers. The fair will feature authentic crafts as well as tastings provided by local craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries.

• 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.: French and Indian War Reenactments at Lake George Battlefield Park. Reenactments will demonstrate the kind of wilderness warfare known by the French term “petite guerre” that went on continuously along the frontier between small units of French and British forces. The Battlefield Visitor’s Center will be open. It features numerous artifacts from the Battle of Lake George and the Siege of Fort William Henry. Spectators and reenactors alike are invited to the conference center after the battles to warm up.

• 3 p.m. Survival on the Frontier: Foraging in the Adirondacks by Melanie Sawyer. Melanie is a Historical Forager and a star of The History Channel’s “Alone” series. She will be sharing her fascinating experiences of living off the grid, focusing on healthy and historical foods naturally found in the Adirondacks. Additionally, Melanie will discuss other survival methods that the people of the Adirondacks have relied upon for centuries. 

• 7 p.m. Keynote speaker Dr. Steven C. Eames, author, history professor and reenactor, will discuss warfare along the Northeastern frontier during the French and Indian War era as detailed in his book, “Rustic Warriors: Warfare and the Provincial Soldier on the New England Frontier, 1689-1748.” 

• The Museum will open for the season on April 27.