Fort Klock Historic Restoration

Special events at Fort Klock Historic Restoration during 2007
Open Memorial Day - Mid-Oct; 9:00 A.M.--5:00 P.M. Tues through Sun.
(Call 518-568-7779 for details about events or visit our website.)

• Opening Day, Memorial Day, May 28, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Featured will be an encampment of the Tryon County Militia and colonial crafts demonstrations. The Tryon County Militia realistically portray colonial camp life through historical re-enactment of marching drills and musketry. Artisans will demonstrate crafts from the Mohawk
Valley customary over 200 years ago. The Barn Frame Loom will be “dressed” for the season by members and weaver friends. This is a hands-on demonstration and visitors are invited to participate.

• Independence Day, July 4, Strawberry festival & Art Show, 12:00 noon - 5:00 P.M. With the Tryon County Militia on hand you will have an Independence Day celebration of local colonial history. Add to this the enjoyment of homemade cakes, ice cream, strawberries, and strawberry shortcake for a small fee.

• "Stone Soup" Musical Concert, July 27, 7:00 P.M. An acoustic band playing a side variety of traditional blues, jazz folk songs, gospel , Irish tunes, Australian folk music, and original pieces. Featured will be Suzanne Bladek on guitar, Joseph Sinchak on Mandolin, Nick Friers on guitar, and Peter Liljeberg on bass.

• Young Pioneer Program, August 7,8,9. Children between the ages of 9-13 attend the educational program for three days from 9 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. They will experience the frontier way of life and colonial lifestyles. There will be hands on activities to enhance better learning while having fun. Phone 567-7779 to enroll a fee is charged.

• Two Day Giant Craft Fair, September 8 and 9. (Saturday and Sunday), 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. Saturday. 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. on Sunday. Over 100 talented crafters and artisans will offer their creations. This is one of the best craft fairs in the East, featuring crafters from several states. Homemade food served. Phone 518-993-2352 or 568-7779 to enroll.

Fort Klock closes for the (regular) season in mid-October. Post Season Special Events Include:

• Interrupted Harvest Raids: September 29 & 30. Fort Klock will host re-enactor participants from the US and Canada commemorating the 225th anniversary of the battles of Stone Arabia and nearby Klock’s Field. Saturday’s activities will include demonstrations of camp-life, and field, farm and household activities typical of the Mohawk Valley during the Fall of the later years of the War of Independence. The Battle of Stone Arabia will be re-enacted near the Route 10 original site some ten minutes from the fort. On Sunday, vengeful Loyalists, Indians and British troops will stage an attack on the Fort Klock farm house on their way to the battle at Klock’s Field. This will be an action packed, history rich, anniversary weekend. A small $3.00 fee will be requested.

• Saint Nicholas Day, Celebration, December 2 (Sunday) 12:00 Noon - 4:30 P.M. This is a traditional holiday for children which dates back to the fourth century and was brought to America by the early Dutch and Palatine pioneers. It was a prelude to the holiday season and was a special day for children, who received their presents on this day because December 25 was reserved for the religious observance of Jesus' birth. The celebration is from a rich heritage that is preserved at Fort Klock through colonial music, homemade cookies and gingerbread, stollen, hot chocolate and spiced cider, treats for all. Saint Nicholas will give all children a homemade wooden ornament. Added to this, will be militia drills, a storyteller, music, roaring fires and traditional decorations of pine boughs and a tree.

The museum site is two miles east of St. Johnsville on New York State Route 5. It was built in 1750 by Johannes Klock and is a designated National Historic Landmark. “A site of exceptional value in commemorating the early history of the United States.” A small fee is charged.

Fort Klock is (ground floor) handicapped accessible. A picnic area is available, free to the public. There is a gift shop where unique items, membership forms and tourist information is available.

Fort Klock Historic Restoration
P. O. Box 42
St. Johnsville, NY 13452
Phone: (518) 568-7779