Fort Ticonderoga has been awarded a Technical Assistance Grant from the Preservation League of New York State which will provide funding for the first phase in the preservation and stabilization of a significant piece of 18th-century architecture on Fort Ticonderoga’s historic landscape.
“The $4,000 grant funding will support a building condition survey for the remains of a c. 1761 Smith’s Forge used by soldiers at Ticonderoga,” said Margaret Staudter, Fort Ticonderoga Director of Archaeology. “The standing masonry wall is one of the few unrestored and untouched 18th-century architectural features still standing on the site that has miraculously withstood the test of time, despite the winter freezing and thawing cycles and the encroachment of vegetation.”
Shortly after establishing Fort Carillon (later named Ticonderoga), the French Army began the construction of a series of ancillary structures, including the Smith’s Forge, to the south of the fort beginning in early 1756. This area, known as the lower town, or the French Village, housed a number of proto-industrial structures that supported the military activities of the armies who garrisoned Ticonderoga in the 18th century.
“Fort Ticonderoga is exceedingly grateful to the Preservation League of New York State for their support,” said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga president and CEO. “This grant will support the critical first step in the preservation and stabilization of the Smith’s Forge. The project will include a condition assessment of the wall as well as stabilization recommendations for its long-term preservation. Before the ruins can be safely stabilized, they must be carefully studied by professional preservation architects to analyze their current condition and environment, establish any needed mitigation measures, and create guidelines for stabilization. This grant project further advances our museum’s vital work in areas of archaeology, preservation, and stabilization across this significant historic landscape.”
The Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program is a partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Preservation League of New York State, made possible by NYSCA with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area has provided additional support for the projects within the National Heritage Area boundary. The TAG program supports arts centers, historic sites, music halls, theaters, libraries, and other cultural nonprofit or municipal entities that steward historic buildings throughout New York State.
“Now in its tenth year, the Technical Assistance Grant program has become a foundational part of the League’s offerings,” said Preservation League President, Jay DiLorenzo. “We have seen firsthand how these grants get preservation efforts off the ground, opening the door for bigger projects and further investment. We are grateful for the continued partnership of the New York State Council on the Arts, as well as the generous support of the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.”
“NYSCA applauds the works of the Preservation League of New York State – whose stewardship of our arts centers and historical sites preserve our collective histories and cultural assets for New Yorkers and our visitors for decades to come,” said Mara Manus, Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts.
“NYSCA’s support for the Preservation League of NYS projects is an investment in the importance of our history and our understanding of New York’s heritage,” said Katherine Nicholls, Chair of the New York State Council on the Arts. “Our museums and historically significant structures are cultural anchors, connecting us to our past and contributing to the health and vitality of our communities. On behalf of NYSCA’s Council and staff, we would like to congratulate all the Technical Assistance Grant recipients and thank them for their important work.”
About Fort Ticonderoga
Welcoming visitors since 1909, Fort Ticonderoga is a major cultural destination, museum, historic site, and center for learning. As a multi-day destination and the premier place to learn more about North America’s military heritage, Fort Ticonderoga engages more than 75,000 visitors each year with an economic impact of more than $12 million annually. Presenting vibrant programs, historic interpretation, boat cruises, tours, demonstrations, and exhibits, Fort Ticonderoga is open for daily visitation from May through October and special programs during Winter Quarters, November through April. Fort Ticonderoga is owned by The Fort Ticonderoga Association, a 501c3 non-profit educational organization, and is supported in part through generous donations and with some general operating support made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts. © The Fort Ticonderoga Association. 2023 All Rights Reserved.
About the Preservation League of New York State
Since its founding in 1974, the Preservation League has built a reputation for action and effectiveness. Our goal has been to preserve our historic buildings, districts, and landscapes and to build a better New York, one community at a time. The Preservation League of New York State invests in people and projects that champion the essential role of preservation in community revitalization, sustainable economic growth, and the protection of our historic buildings and landscapes. We lead advocacy, economic development, and education programs across the state.
Photo credit and copyright Fort Ticonderoga Association