Fort William Henry prepares to celebrate its 270th anniversary in 2026. Guests are invited to engage with immersive 18th century programs and events.
Located in Lake George, Fort William Henry was first active in 1755. Now, this interactive museum hosts tours with guides that take visitors through life in the fort during the French and Indian War and introduces them to re-enactors of British regulars, provincial troops, rangers and more.
The fort also hosts demonstrations with black powder muskets and cannons as well as historical exhibits and cultural presentations. As part of the anniversary celebration, the fort is advancing its artillery restoration program. This initiative ensures that the fort’s artillery demonstrations remains safe, authentic and impactful for generations to come. To date, $3,730 has been raised toward restoring historic artillery, with the Fort William Henry Corporation matching donations up to $2,000 through 2025, bringing the current total to $5,730.
A cannon demonstration at Fort William Henry. Explorer file photo.
The fundraising goal of $12,000 will support the replacement of aging cannon carriage wheels with historically accurate, hand-built reproductions, including two pairs of 42” wheels for two 6-pound bronze field cannons, and one pair of 57” wheels for the French siege cannon.
Events celebrating the anniversary include:
Battles & Beverages | March 21: Presented by the French and Indian War Society and the Fort William Henry Corporation, in partnership with the Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance, Battles & Beverages commemorates both the 270th anniversary of the fort’s construction and the 268th anniversary of the March 1757 attack. This annual event includes an immersive French and Indian War reenactment, a sutler and craft beverage fair inside the fort and a frontier food tasting and talk. Reenactments and the sutler fair are free and open to the public.
Battle for Blood | March 23: An American Red Cross blood drive hosted at the Fort William Henry Hotel Conference Center.
Anniversary Gala | April 11: A formal celebration honoring the Fort’s enduring legacy.
For more information, visit fwhmuseum.com.