2010 NEWS - Fort Dobbs' 250th Year
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Students Come Face-to-Face with French & Indian War
April 20, 2010
 STATESVILLE – This month’s Fort Dobbs “War for Empire” events kicked off with its first ever School Day oriented towards home school groups, on April 9 at the Statesville historic site. Groups interacted with costumed interpreters at 15 stations. Visitors learned about the lifestyles of 18th century Cherokee and provincial soldiers and settlers. In addition to onsite student days, Fort Dobbs has a long-standing relationship with Iredell-Statesville schools to provide curriculum enrichment for education surrounding the struggle for America during the French & Indian War, or Seven Years War.
Experience the Struggle for America at Fort Dobbs
"War for Empire" Event
March 16, 2010
STATESVILLE – Thrill at the pageantry of arms and roar of cannons at Fort Dobbs 250th signature “War for Empire” event, April 10-11. Visitors can experience the 1760 battle of Fort Dobbs both days as the sounds of Cherokee warriors and gunfire fill the air.
“This will be an exciting event for the whole family,” said site manager Beth Hill. “Visitors will have an opportunity to experience the 18th century where the struggle for America took place at Fort Dobbs between Cherokee, provincial soldiers and settlers.”
The weekend will feature:
- The Battle of Fort Dobbs reenactment each day at 1:30 p.m.
- Costumed interpreters portraying provincial soldiers and Cherokee warriors
- First-person presentation Attakulakulla, Cherokee Peace Chief, April 10 at 11 a.m.
- First-person presentation of Daniel Boone, April 11 at 11 a.m.
- Ongoing demonstrations of 18th century military, civilian and American-Indian camp life
- Scholarly lectures each day at 3 p.m.
- 18th century market fair
- Music, period entertainment, 18th century food and much more!
- Free programs run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Scholarly lectures will be presented on Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
On Saturday, R. Scott Stephenson, Ph.D., curator of the Clash of the Empires exhibit, which was presented at the Smithsonian and internationally, will present “Hidden in Plain Site? Southeastern Woven Bead Work.” Scott is the leading expert in the United States on 18th century material culture.
On Sunday, Tom Hatley, Ph.D., will present “The Anglo-Cherokee War and Fort Dobbs.” Tom is the leading expert on 18th century Cherokee history and author of the book, “Dividing Paths.”
Fort Dobbs Honored by Statewide Awards
March 16, 2010
STATESVILLE – Fort Dobbs received two major awards at the 2010 North Carolina Museum Council (NCMC) Annual Meeting on March 8th.
Beth Hill, Fort Director, was honored with the "Mid-Career Professional Service Award." Given to only one recipient annually, this award recognizes mid-career professionals who provide motivation and stimulate creativity shown in their work. It is to encourage the individual to continue looking for new ways to find new ways to accomplish objectives. The recipient is required to be in the museum profession between 6 and 15 years.
Hill"s leadership marked by energy, passion and determination were cited as the driving force behind Fort Dobbs’ success including an unprecedented 35% increase in visitation in 2009. Hill said the award was “an honor and the result of the tremendous support and dedication of staff, the Friends of Fort Dobbs Board and membership as well as the many volunteers who serve the site."
Fort Dobbs also received the “Best Newsletter Award" for the Fort Dobbs Gazette 2009. The quarterly publication provides an update for its supporters and the general public on events, research, programs and site development. In 2007 the Gazette also received the “Best Newsletter” award from NCMC and has continued its dedication to excellence.
The purpose of NCMC is to encourage and improve the practice of high standards in North Carolina museums; to stimulate public interest in and support understanding of all museums; to represent North Carolina museums and museum personnel on a local, state, regional, and national basis; to monitor legislation, both regional and federal, pertinent to North Carolina museums; to provide members a forum for sharing ideas with colleagues and gathering information on career-related issues. There are 500 participating museums in North Carolina.
Experience the Struggle for America at the 250th Battle Anniversary
February 17, 2010
 STATESVILLE — Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Dobbs with a special evening living history program presented at 6:30 pm on Saturday, February 27. Visitors can experience the battle while listening to the narrative by lantern light as the sounds of Cherokee warriors and gunfire fill the air. Reservations are encouraged for the evening tour.
“This will be a powerful experience for the whole family,” said Beth Hill, North Carolina’s only French and Indian War fort director. “Visitors will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the site 250 years to the day and time where the struggle for America took place between Cherokee, provincial soldiers and settlers. It’s dramatic!”
The evening program is part of Fort Dobbs’ Living History Weekend on Feb. 27- 28. The weekend will feature:
- Costumed interpreters portraying provincial soldiers
- Cherokee warriors presenting musket and cannon firing demonstration
- Ongoing demonstrations of 18th century military and American-Indian camp life
- A discussion of the Cherokee’s perspective on the war - Saturday at 11 am
- A talk on clothing supplied to American Indians through trade - Sunday at 2 pm
- Free programs run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
For reservations or more information, call 704-873-5882.
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