December, 2006 The Old Fort Steuben Project, Inc. was one of 15 organizations and individuals honored by Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area at their annual Gathering in Cambridge, Dec. 8, 2006. Director of Operations Judy Bratten accepted the Historic Preservation and Education Award on behalf of the founders and members of Historic Fort Steuben. The award acknowledges the dedication, vision, and hard work that went into reconstructing the Fort and developing the surrounding park. “The Fort Steuben Project is an example of what ordinary people can do to make their community a better place and make history come alive for succeeding generations,” Bratten said. Since 1998, Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area recognizes local preservation efforts, educates the public of the economic value of heritage preservation, and works together with other organizations to preserve and properly develop the heritage and cultural resources of a 31 county area in Appalachian Ohio. Others honored at the ceremony included Gifford Doxsee (Athens County), Ripley Heritage, Inc. (Brown County), Sorghum Festival (Scioto County), Glass Refactory (Brown County), Highlands Nature Sanctuary (Ross County), Portsmouth Murals, Inc (Scioto County), Miner’ s Memorial Park & AEP (Morgan County), Chester-Shade Historical Association (Meigs County), Artisan Center at Maple Creek (Clermont County), Dennison Depot Railroad Museum (Tuscarawas County), Dr. Hubert Wilhelm (Athens County), the Greenfield Historical Society (Highland County), the Daily Grind Café (Tuscarawas County), and Morgan’s Raid Reenactment (Meigs & Vinton Counties). Museum Shop: The Museum Shop offers unusual gifts for the history lover; stop by to do some Christmas shopping.
November, 2006 Old Fort Steuben has closed its gates for the winter but the Visitors Center and Park are still welcoming people. Steubenville's Light Up Night will be held in Fort Steuben Park with activities at the Louis Berkman Amphitheater. The festivities will begin as people gather with flashlights and candles and join with the City in switching on the holiday lights at 5:30 pm. This will be followed by a Holiday Show on the stage by Brenda Casey Dance Studio. At 6 pm, All Saints School 8th Grade Choir will perform. The Steubenville Trolley will bring the Christmas Court to the Park for the crowning of the Christmas Queen at 6:15. A concert by several church choirs will conclude the program. Refreshments will be available. Come and bring a friend!
October, 2006 The dedication of the Louis and Sandra Berkman Amphitheater will be on Wednesday, October 4th at noon followed by a concert by the Big Red Band. The event is free and open to the public. The Toronto Community Band will perform on Saturday, October 7th at 11:00 am. Everyone is welcome to attend; donations accepted.
September, 2006 Old Fort Steuben and the Fort Steuben Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution are hosting a Constitution Week Exhibit in the Fort Steuben Visitors Center. The display features information about the document as well as a copy which can be signed by visitors. The film, "A More Perfect Union" about the Constitutional Convention," is presented as well as Colin Powell's Constitution Day ceremonial reading of the Preamble to the Constitution. Teachers, youth leaders and all those interested in the history of our country are encouraged to visit the exhibit.
August, 2006 When you next visit the Fort, notice the Lewis & Clark geodetic control point or benchmark which was placed by the main walkway to the Visitor Center. This marker is part of the geodetic control network created and maintained by the National Geodetic Survey. The NGS keeps a databank of the benchmarks and encourages travelers to discover them on their journeys. Be sure to catch The segment on Old Fort Steuben on Dave Crawley's "Tri-State Treasures," at the end of the 6:00 news on KDKA (Pittsburgh's channel 2) on Friday, August 18. I f you miss it, you can watch it on the website, www.kdka.com/kdcountry . Historic Fort Steuben is participating in Macy's "Shop for a Cause" program on September 16th. For every $5 donation, you receive a shopping ticket for 10%-20% discounts and a $10 off coupon. Stop by the Visitor Center and get your ticket!
July 10, 2006 For all those awaiting the placement of the next rectangle of bricks, we have good news. The work has begun and over 250 bricks have been set, with another 200 to go in soon. Information on the layout of bricks can be obtained at the front desk of the Fort Steuben Visitors Center. You can still purchase bricks which will be placed next year - click here to print off a Brick Form.
July 8, 2006 Note: The Soldiers & Surveyors Encampment scheduled July 8 has been cancelled.
June, 2006 It's not too late to register for the Summer Youth Educational Program at Old Fort Steuben. Each session runs from 10:30 to 2:00 each day and includes educational programs and activities associated with the history of the Fort and the Northwest Territory. From learning to drill with the Baron to digging in the archaeology site, it is a week of hands-on fun for students in 4th to 6th grades. Session 1: June 19-23; Session 2: July 17-21. Cost: $35.
May 8, 2006 The Veterans Memorial Fountain will be turned on for the season on Monday, May 8th. Located on the corner of Market and Third Streets, the fountain is a refreshing site on a hot day! Members and the public are invited to attend the annual Membership Dinner at Old Fort Steuben on Thursday, May 11. The event will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Old Fort Steuben Project. School Field Trips are underway at the Fort. Students not only experience 18th century military life, they also witness the on-going archaeology dig and see the antiques and documents in the First Federal Land Office.
May 1, 2006 : Festival Planning Underway The Fort Steuben Festival, to be held June 17 and 18, will feature the following crafters this year: oanne DeMarco (silver & stone jewelry), Tom Metz (wooden spoonmaker), Kathy Schreibeis (Native American Crafts), Rosalie Whiteman (scrollsaw art), Pat Williams (wood crafts and local honey), Loretta Bruce (leatherwork), Rosemary Habers (painted feathers), Bob Huber (wooden buckets), Deave Westfall (woodcrafts), Becky Ocel (handmade soaps), Ken Fike (wooden toys), and Kelly Coldewey (stuffed animals). All crafts are handmade and available for sale. Mr. Underwood's Candles and Pam Keener's Seven-Minute Portraits will be within the walls, too. The 1st American Regiment will demonstrate 18th century firearms and military drill, an encampment of settlers and Native Americans will show how life has changed since 1787, and the Surveying Academy of the Northwest Territory will provide an opportunity to learn the skills needed by the surveyors of the time. Traditional music will be provided by Bill Schilling and Marcy Tudor on hammer dulcimer, mandolin, guitar and other period instruments. Steve Free, award-winning recording artist, will present a program for the kids incorporating his Shawnee traditions in the afternoon and a program for everyone featuring his traditional and country music. Everyone loves animals and there will be Alpacas as well as Earl Schriver's Birds of Prey. And Pony Rides!!! There will be plenty to eat: Steak sandwiches, Buffalo Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries, Funnel Cakes, Soft Ice Cream, and sweet/salty Kettle Corn
April 25, 2006 Old Fort Steuben and the Steubenville Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted a visit from the Ohio Director of Travel and Tourism, Claudia Vecchio. She toured the Fort and visited other sites in the city.
March 21, 2006 Old Fort Steuben has joined with 12 other historical organizations in Ohio and West Virginia to form the Ohio Valley Museum Consortium. The group will work to promote the various historical sites in the region and develop historical tours and activities for visitors.
February 24, 2006 Old Fort Steuben is grieving the loss of one of its founders, board member and site manager, Dick King. Mr. King died on Wednesday, February 22, and leaves a legacy of community service, civic pride, and dedication that will remain as his testament. His wife and partner at Old Fort Steuben, Elizabeth King, and his two sons, Robert and Richard, appreciate the outpouring of sympathy and tribute that have come from friends and community members.