My husband, our friend, and I visited Fort Ligonier on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Prior to our visit, we were unaware the entry fee was $17/adult. I'm very glad we decided to make the trip.
Upon entering, we were welcomed immediately and given a map and some basic info about the indoor and outdoor exhibits and the gift shop. Thankfully the museum is air conditioned.
Because it was so hot and humid the day we visited we decided to explore the outside exhibits first. We walked into the fort and discovered Spencer in period clothing. My husband and I were tickled to watch our friend, a very knowledgeable and highly educated history teacher/buff, fire question after question at Spencer hoping to find a gap in his knowledge. There were none. After a solid 30 minutes of this Q&A session, we wandered around the rest of the fort until we were back at the museum.
Inside the museum, there are many displays with interesting tidbits of information about the artifacts, what life was like in those years, and the building of the museum. Be sure to check out the art gallery, I found it very interesting. I think kids would get a kick out of exploring the outdoors but probably would become antsy and anxious to leave inside.
Both the indoor and outdoor bathrooms were clean. There are a couple of water fountains on site. The entire property was clean and well maintained. Every employee we encountered was pleasant and helpful. We highly recommend spending a few dollars and a couple of hours checking out this gem if you're remotely into early American history or the sociology of life in that...
Read moreMy family and I recently visited Fort Ligonier in Ligonier, PA, and it was a fantastic trip back in time! We were all thoroughly impressed with how well-preserved and detailed the fort is. Walking onto the grounds, you really get a sense of what life was like for the British soldiers and their families during the French and Indian War. The reconstruction is incredibly authentic, with everything from the log cabins and barracks to the cannons and earthworks. The museum is a highlight, filled with a remarkable collection of artifacts, including George Washington’s pistols! The exhibits are very well-done, providing a clear and engaging history of the fort and its role in the conflict. What made the visit extra special were the staff and reenactors. They are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the fort's history. We got to see a musket demonstration and learned about the daily life of a soldier. They were great at answering our questions and making history come alive for both the adults and kids in our group. The grounds themselves are beautiful and well-maintained. We enjoyed walking the perimeter, taking in the views, and imagining the events that unfolded there centuries ago. The gift shop is also worth a look, with some unique historical-themed items. Overall, Fort Ligonier is a must-see for anyone interested in American history. It's more than just a fort; it's an immersive and educational experience that's fun for the whole family. We highly...
Read moreThis museum is a little pricey but you can spend hours here and not see everything. It is filled with references to 18th century British culture, with information about the fort, and with displays of the history of the Seven Years War.
The fort is accessible through the museum, and was reconstructed according to maps and accounts of the era. The staff said they replicated it within six inches of the original location. They even discovered an old underground bunker where the gunpowder was stored and kept dry.
There is usually a worker at the fort who will tell you all about the history, the era, even the types of clothing and lifestyles of the different kinds of enlisted or contracted soldiers of the time. The fort is spacious with separate buildings marked for officers, food supplies, etc.
Inside the museum there is a large room containing weapons, military uniforms, and other items and materials from different countries around the world used in during the Seven Years War. How so much was able to make it into this museum is...
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