Summer at the Hancock House
The Ticonderoga Historical Society, which is housed in the Hancock House Museum, focuses on the historical, scientific and social aspects of the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Champlain and Lake George regions. The Ticonderoga Historical Society showcases the contributions of our region to the history of New York and the United States while preserving and promoting our unique cultural history.
Each summer season, the Hancock House plays host to a number of educational programs, exhibits, and productions. This year, the theme is “Saluting Our Labor History.” Special events at the museum this summer feature a range of topics within that theme, and celebrate Ticonderoga's unique history.
2023 Events
June 16, 7 p.m. “The Taking of Ticonderoga 1777 – A Non-Battle”
Fort Ticonderoga earned a reputation as the “Gibraltar of America” in the French and Indian War, but fell virtually without a struggle to Burgoyne’s army in 1777. Why? And why were American commanders St. Clair and Schuyler fully exonerated in the court martials following the debacle?
June 30, 7 p.m. “The Birth of the Electric Age – An Adirondack Story”
As the threat of climate change increases the world is rapidly moving to a future where electrical energy replaces fossil fuels. But the scientific discoveries that make this electromagnetic revolution possible are not new: they were made 200 years ago. And where were many of these scientific seeds planted? About five miles from Hancock House. Come hear the amazing and little-known story of how an Adirondack industrial revolution changed the world.
July 14, 7 p.m. “The Champlain Canal: Helping Transform New York”
Celebrate the bicentennial of this small but important canal. Learn how the Champlain Canal helped transform Northern New York, moving not only products and people, but ideas as well; a vital link in a statewide network.
July 21, 7 p.m. “The Crown Point Road and the Opening of Northern New England
After the fall of Forts Ticonderoga and Crown Point in the fall of 1759, General Jeffrey Amherst ordered the building of the Crown Point Road. The road was to run from Crown Point, New York across Vermont to The Fort at No. 4 on the Connecticut River. This 90-mile-long road through the wilderness would facilitate the movement of troops and supplies from New England to the Champlain war front. After the war it would lead to a land rush of new settlement in the North.
August 4, 7 p.m. “Songs of Working Women”
Join us for a joyful and educational performance of the songs that have inspired and empowered women to fight for justice, fair wages and better working conditions across time.
August 12, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. “Summer Affaire”
A day of activities with live music, yard and plant sales and demonstration of spinning and textile arts with the Serendipity Spinners.
*Additional programming is on the docket with dates yet to be determined.
Stay tuned to the Ticonderoga Historical Society’s website and Facebook page to see when the following presentations are scheduled for:
TBD “Wiawaka, A Women’s Retreat on Lake George”
Founded in 1903, Wiawaka is the oldest and longest continuously operating retreat center for women in America. Founded by socially progressive philanthropists Mary Fuller and Katrina Trask, the center has a rich history of providing respite for women working in the factories of Troy and Cohoes.
TBD “Aviation Archaeology- Wreck Chasing the Adirondacks”
The age of flight ushered in a whole new area of historical investigation, as planes went up – and came down unexpectedly. Learn a bit about the history of the aviation wrecks that dot the Adirondacks.
With this exciting lineup of summer events, you won’t want to miss a single program the Ticonderoga Historical Society has in store for you. However, if the “Saluting Our Labor History” Series isn’t enough for you, the Historical Society programming continues through the year crowd favorites such as “Haunted Hancock” in October and the “Festival of Trees” in November through January. Stay tuned to their website and Facebook page for more details and announcements of additional events.
If you are looking to enhance your visit to the Hancock House Museum, let the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce help. Call 518-585-6619 or visit www.ticonderogany.com for a full business directory.
