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Candlelight Tours to Illuminate Fort Dobbs Dec. 12
December 7, 2009
 STATESVILLE – Flickering candlelight and bonfires will evoke memories of winter life on the frontier Saturday, Dec. 12, as Fort Dobbs State Historic Site in Statesville gives special candlelight tours at 6:30 and 7:00 p.m.
“This will be a magical evening for the whole family,” said Site Manager Beth Hill. “Visitors will enjoy a tour of the Provincial camp and fort site, witness a rare night time firing of the Fort’s artillery and join in colonial caroling.”
Visitors are also welcome to enjoy the tastes of the 18th Century at the Fort’s Visitor Center where mulled cider and ginger snaps will be available. The fee for the candlelight tours is $2 per person, with children 5 years and under free. Pre-registration is encouraged. For more information, call (704) 873-5882 or visit www.fortdobbs.org.
The candlelight tours are part of the weekend-long event, “Winter on the Western Frontier,” which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, and Sunday, Dec. 13. Daytime programs are free.
According to Hill, visitors will “see the face of history as it was 250 years ago as soldiers at Fort Dobbs dealt with the harsh winter season and celebrated the Advent of Christmas.” Living history demonstrations include on-going display of camp life, seasonal colonial music, military drill, musket and cannon firings.
Colorful 18th Century Trade Faire to Feature 100+ Artisans and Interpreters
August 27, 2009
 STATESVILLE— Pull on your boots and head out to the most authentic and diverse event of its kind, the 18th-Century Trade Faire at Ft. Dobbs State Historic Site in Statesville. Admission is free to North Carolina’s 18th-century frontier on Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More than 100 juried artisans and historic interpreters in colonial dress will demonstrate their trades and sell their wares while entertainers and musicians delight audiences with 18th-century amusements. At the site where soldiers once defended frontier settlers during the French and Indian War, visitors will have a chance to experience a vivid recreation of a lively and colorful colonial American marketplace and reenactments, military and Cherokee camps. Concessions will be available.
“Dedication to high standards of 18th-century authenticity is one of the major requirements for the historical interpreters, artisans and entertainers,” said Beth Hill, Site Manager. “We will have some of the most respected interpreters in the nation at the fifth annual Ft. Dobbs 18th-Century Trade Faire.”
As visitors shop, artisans will demonstrate their craft and explain the historic trades used to make items similar to those used by soldiers quartered at the fort in the mid-18th century when it sat on the edge of the western frontier.
Activities will highlight civilian life on the frontier and feature demonstrations of a printing press, bookbinding, joinery, and pottery including Westmoore Pottery of Seagrove, N.C. Visitors will have a chance to wander through colonial military and Cherokee camps; participate in cooking demonstrations, try their skill at colonial dance and play 18th-century games. The pageantry of arms will be highlighted through military drills and firing demonstrations. Throughout the weekend, visitors will also have a chance to play 18th-century cricket with Tom Melville, a nationally recognized author and cricket historian. Each day at 1:30 p.m., a reenactment of an April 1760 skirmish between Cherokee warriors and frontier militia will take place. A divine service like those the soldiers at Ft. Dobbs held will take place Sunday at 11 a.m.
In the 18th century, market “faires” featured streets filled with booths overflowing with fabric, metal wares, jewelry, toys, animals, food and second-hand clothes, among other goods. Faire-goers can also enjoy singing, dancing and even dramatic performances. Throughout this period, these gatherings played an important role in the lives of farmers, merchants, tradesmen and other residents of the frontier. Like today, everyone came to the “faire.”
Victualling the Troops: Keeping 'em fed at Fort Dobbs
August 20, 2009
 STATESVILLE—Keeping the soldiers fed was a most important task for 18th-century commanders at Fort Dobbs. On Saturday and Sunday, September 5-6, you are invited to see what the provincial soldiers ate at Fort Dobbs. Demonstrations of field cooking techniques will be presented at 11:30 am each day of the weekend encampment. Learn about what they ate, see how they prepared it and even try a bite at the free public program!
Basic rations consisting of bread and meat were issued by the military, but troops often were able to supplement their diet with goods purchased from local farmers and merchants. Typical items in a mid-18th-century soldier’s diet included peas, butter, beef, rice, bread, cheese and seasonal vegetables. Common drinks included spruce beer, rum, port, tea, coffee, ale and cider.
Military drill, musket and cannon firings, camp life demonstrations led by interpreters in period clothing and tours of the fort will be offered from 10–4. A Divine Service (as the British called a church service) will be presented Sunday at 11 am.
"Hands on History" What's for Dinner?
August 15, 2009
 STATESVILLE—Join Fort Dobbs State Historic Site in Statesville on Saturday, August 15, for a fun, “Hands on History” program! Visitors will learn about the diet of the 18th century soldiers garrisoned at Fort Dobbs and have a chance to prepare and sample rations for themselves!
The half-hour program will be offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Pre-registration for the program is suggested. In addition, tours of the fort site and weapons demonstrations led by interpreters in period clothing will be offered throughout the day. Participants of all ages are encouraged to take part in this interactive program.
This is the final summer installment in a new and very popular three-part interactive presentation held on the third Saturday of each summer month.
"Hands on History" Marches On
July 9, 2009
STATESVILLE—Forget about the bad economy and take advantage of a free time travel adventure this weekend at Ft. Dobbs State Historic Site! The second installment of “Hands on History,” will take place Saturday, July 18. At 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., visitors of all ages will have a chance to step into the shoes of a mid-18th Century soldier and learn the same marching drill as that taught to the garrison of Fort Dobbs.
The August segment will cover the food rations issued to soldiers on the colonial frontier. The “Hands on History” summer series is free and participants of all ages are encouraged to attend.
New "Hands on History" Summer Series Begins with a Bang
May26, 2009
 STATESVILLE—Take advantage of a free time travel adventure this summer at Fort Dobbs State Historic Site! “Hands on History,” a new three-part interactive history program, will kick off Saturday, June 20, at the Statesville site.
At 10 am and 2 pm, visitors will have a chance to learn how an 18th-century musket was loaded with ammunition and fired, craft a real cartridge similar to the ammunition used by the soldiers stationed at Fort Dobbs in the mid-1700s and take home a cartridge as a souvenir.
Every third Saturday in June, July and August, Fort Dobbs is presenting 30-minute interactive, hands-on learning experiences tied to the history of the fort. Each session will allow visitors to gain deeper insights into what life was like for the provincial soldiers garrisoned at Fort Dobbs during the French and Indian War. In July, the program will highlight how these soldiers drilled on the colonial frontier. The August segment will detail what soldiers ate while on duty.
The “Hands on History” summer series is free, and participants of all ages are encouraged to attend.
British Soldiers Pasttimes Focus of Event May 9-10
May 4, 2009
 STATESVILLE—Like today’s American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, the life of 18th century provincial soldiers on North Carolina’s frontier was often more dull than frightening. Each man discovered ways to pass the long days and hours, including playing cards, rolling dice and even competing against each other in cricket, a game long popular throughout the British Empire. Some of the ways these provincial soldiers found to break up the constant round of guard duty, drilling and physical labor will be examined Saturday, May 9-Sunday, May 10 at Ft. Dobbs State Historic Site in Statesville. This free, public program will be presented from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily.
Once the construction of Ft. Dobbs was complete in 1756, British soldiers on duty there found themselves with time on their hands. If they weren’t indulging themselves in sports or such vices as gambling, they sang, listened to or played music. Some of the more pious soldiers even attended regular church services.
The weekend’s program will kick off with demonstrations of various camp games, presented at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. These demonstrations will be presented again at 1:30 p.m. and at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Visitors are encouraged to join in these games and a cricket match scheduled both days at 3 p.m. On Sunday at 11 a.m., a typical colonial church service like the Ft. Dobbs soldiers would have attended will be reenacted. Following the worship program, period music will take center stage with presentations of soldier’s songs. Throughout the weekend, re-enactors will also be conducting military drills, musket and cannon firings and on-going camp life demonstrations.
Relive 18th Century French & Indian War at 'War for Empire'
April 7, 2009
 STATESVILLE—Recall the bloody struggle of the 1754-1763 French and Indian War at Fort Dobbs State Historic Site on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 as cannons roar and muskets thunder during the fifth annual “War for Empire” program.
Reenactors portraying soldiers, Indians and civilians will evoke the fierce 18th-century struggle between England and France for control of North America, which set the stage for the American Revolution. From 10 am-4 pm daily, visitors can thrill to battle reenactments, military drills and artillery demonstrations; 18th-century medicine presentations; period music and dances; blacksmithing; colonial food and much more. The event will even feature a re-created Cherokee attack on Fort Dobbs at 1:30 pm each day. This program is free and open to the public.
Young and old alike will have a chance to inspect the artillery Great Britain used against the fortresses of New France and to learn about the men who led North Carolina provincial soldiers through uncertain times. Historical interpreters will recreate the Indian war councils of the Cherokee as they decide whether to side with the French against the British. Following the battle each day, one can even watch the fort’s military surgeon treat a scalped soldier!
Other highlights will include “wagoneers” describing military transport of the day and showcasing an original 18th-century Conestoga wagon. Visit with ordinary settlers forced to endure the hardships of a colony at war to discover how the human spirit endures in the midst of death and destruction. Period music will fill the air as children enjoy games, dance and pastimes that were common during colonial days.
Enjoy a typical market “faire” or join in a divine service at 11 am Sunday. Stroll through military, civilian and Cherokee camps and watch sutlers (1700s vendors) selling period wares and much more!
Jim Mullins, guest lecturer and author of “Of Sorts for Provincials,” will also give a talk on the weaponry used by soldiers and the Cherokee during the French and Indian War. Mullins will speak on Saturday, April 6 at 3 pm.
Fort Dobbs Web Site Awarded Prestigious State Museum Media Award
March 26, 2009
 DURHAM—Fort Dobbs’ web site, www.fortdobbs.org, recently received the 2009 Media Award for “Best Web Site” from the North Carolina Museums Council (NCMC) at its annual meeting held in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The award was judged on artistic quality, ease of use, interactive capability, educational value and general use as a communication medium.
Fort Dobbs’ web site was initiated in 2005 through a grant by Design Detail, a web development company located in Statesville, NC. Since that time, the web site has gained national attention and has served as a medium for education, promotion and communication.
The web site features historical, archaeological, event and educational information, podcasts and a gallery of photos. Beth Hill, Fort Dobbs Site Manager, recognized the award as “a result of hard work, tremendous support and passion for the Fort’s history.”
Design Detail’s owner Jan Lefevre said she is “thrilled about the honor bestowed on Fort Dobbs.” For Lefevre, working with Fort Dobbs to develop the web site has been a true labor of love. In addition, it has been especially fascinating for her since one of her ancestors settled along the North Carolina frontier during the 1750s. Lefevre concluded, “I am truly looking forward to the splendid role the fort will play in the future of our community and state.”
NCMC strives to enhance public education by improving the administrative, interpretive and collections practices of museums, historic sites, science centers and related facilities in North Carolina and annually recognizes achievements in the state’s museums.
Live History With the Greatest Attention to Command
March 11, 2009
 STATESVILLE—Experience the western colonial frontier with North Carolina Provincial soldiers Saturday and Sunday, March 21st-22nd, 10-4pm at Fort Dobbs during the Living History Weekend With the Greatest Attention to Command. See the face of history as it was 250 years ago as soldiers prepared for the campaign season.
During the living history weekend, Fort Dobbs will bring to life the lives of the 1750s garrison through engaging and interactive programming. Join the men, and their allied Indians, as they take advantage of the mild weather to make additions and repairs to their shelters and the Fort’s defenses. Visitors will thrill at the pageantry of military drill and firing. Programming will also include Cherokee setting up 1750s camp, military camp life, cooking and woodworking.
Armies of the 18th century were generally inactive during the winter months as dirt roads turned to quagmires and soldiers clothing often proved inadequate to combat harsh cold and driving snow. As spring conditions warmed and dried the land, however, soldiers readied themselves for the opening of the year’s campaign. The year 1759 was particularly perilous for the settlers on the North Carolina frontier who were faced with increased Cherokee attacks as relations with their former British ally deteriorated and war began to unfold. Inhabitants from Rowan County, including present day Iredell, fled their homes and took shelter in Fort Dobbs. As reported in the Pennsylvania Gazette in May1759, the settlers on the North Carolina frontier were in a “continual state of alarm.”
The event is free to the public. Donations to support educational programming are appreciated.
French & Indian War Featured on NC Cultural Resources Web Site
February 16, 2009
 RALEIGH—The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources today unveiled an interactive component of its Web site www.ncculture.com/interactive that highlights North Carolina’s role in the French and Indian War.
“This online project combines traditional and experiential learning,” said Cultural Resources Secretary Linda A. Carlisle. “It’s a fun and engaging way for teachers and students of all ages to learn about an important part of North Carolina’s story.”
The project showcases battle reenactments, a look at frontier and Indian life, historic photos of the archaeological dig at Fort Dobbs, and interviews with historical interpreters, archaeologists and a high school student volunteer. Also included is a guide for educators, a suggested reading list for all ages, a “Guess the Artifact” puzzle, and even recipes for Cherokee Bean Bread and Colonial Stew. Cultural Resources educators are showcasing the interactive at the North Carolina Council for the Social Studies conference in Greensboro.
“The Treaty of Paris, which ended the seven-year French and Indian War, was signed 246 years ago this week in 1763,” said Keith Hardison, Director of State Historic Sites. “North Carolina’s Fort Dobbs was on the western edge of what was then the frontier and is the only North Carolina Historic Site associated with the conflict.”
Fort Dobbs Reenactors to March in Governor-Elect Perdue's Inaugural Parade
January 9, 2009
 RALEIGH—Travel back through North Carolina history at Governor-elect Beverly Perdue's inaugural parade Saturday, Jan. 10 when colorfully dressed reenactors representing Ft. Dobbs State Historic Site (Statesville), Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens (New Bern), Roanoke Island Festival Park (Manteo) and the N.C. Transportation Museum (Spencer) strut their stuff for parade goers.
Featuring a theme of "North Carolina: The Future Starts Now", the public and free parade will begin at Davie and Fayetteville streets in Raleigh at approximately 12:30 p.m. UNC-TV will air the event live.
The four N.C. Historic Sites groups in the parade will highlight our rich past beginning with the tiny settlement created on Roanoke Island in 1584 and ending with the former Spencer Shops near Salisbury, which serviced trains and locomotives from the late 1800's to the 1970's.
Representing Ft. Dobbs will be reenactors portraying Cap. Hugh Waddell's Company of the N.C. Provincial Regiment, dressed like they did in 1756 during the French and Indian War. Each Ft. Dobbs marcher will be wearing period provincial regiment clothing, usually knee breeches, a red waistcoat, and a blue regimental coat. Besides the soldiers, a female "camp follower" will be joining the troops. Camp followers (usually women) followed armies and were often wives of non-commissioned officers and soldiers. They served the military as laundresses, seamstresses and nurses and other duties as assigned by the commanding officer.
For more information on N.C. Historic Sites, go to http://www.nchistoricsites.org. N.C. Historic Sites is part of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, a state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina's arts, history, and culture. Join the Cultural Resources 2009 theme observance of "Treasure N.C. Culture." For more information, visit www.ncculture.com.
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