Trailblazer Workshop

For the 13th year, Fort Scott National Historic Site will offer its annual Trailblazer Workshop.

The workshop exposes youngsters to the mission of the National Park Service -- caring for the nation's crown jewels.

Kids who sign up will take part in an archaeological dig, work in the prairie and gain knowledge of methods used to preserve the buildings and artifacts of the fort.

They will also learn about living history and interpretation and work on a play to be presented t the end of the week.    There will also be activities related to adaptive use of natural resources and keeping the planet clean.

This year's Trailblazer Camp will be held June 18 to 22 from 8:30 a.m. to noon each day.     Registration starts June 1.

To sign up, contact Fort Scott National Historic Site at 620-223-0310.  

Participants must be age 9 to 12 as of the beginning day of the camp.    An informational packet will be sent after registration is complete.    There is no charge for the workshop.    Space is limited to 12 people; since space is limited, those who are new to the workshop will be given preference over those returning.

Civil War Encampment Weekend

Come to the Fort Scott National Historic Site on April 14 and 15, as we honor the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War.    This weekend re-enactors will represent Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery soldiers of the year 1862.    Programs for both days will include army drill and historic weapons firing demonstrations.

On Saturday, come listen to music performed by Hawthorne String Band.   At 2 pm volunteers will present a period fashion show representing Civil War clothing of both military and civilian.    Come join in and participate in War Meeting Program as Senator Jim Lane and General James Blunt call for volunteers to fight against the Confederate threat from Missouri.   At 6:30 p.m. come as guests to attend a period wedding representing a soldier tying the knot before he goes off to war.

On Sunday at 10 a.m. learn more about the logistics of freeing soldiers with "Salt Pork and Hardtack.   Feeding the Army on the Border."   You are more than welcome to attend a period church service on the parade ground as volunteer Jim Gallon will inspire you with worship during the troubled times of the Civil War.   The last program of the day will feature a talk focusing on a major military military expedition leaving Fort Scott in order to restore pro-Union Cherokee their land which they were forced to abandon in 1861 by pro-Confederate Cherokee.  

Saturday, April 14

9 am            Flag Raising

10 am          Calvary Drill

11 am          Infantry Drill and Weapons Demo

12 noon       Artillery Drill and Weapons Demo

1 pm            Civil War Music - Hawthorne String Band

2 pm            Civil War Fashion Show

3 pm            War Meeting Program

4 pm             Flag Retreat

630 pm        "Till Death Do Us Part" - Civil War Period Wedding

Sunday, April 15

9 am             Flag Raising

10 am           Salt Pork and Hardtack - Feeding the Army on the Border - talk

11 am           Infantry Drill and Weapons Demo

12 noon        Artillery Drill and Weapons Demo

1 pm             Cavalry Drill

2 pm             Infantry Drill and Weapons Demo

3 pm             Homeward Bound - The Indian Expedition of 1862 - talk

Christmas Ornaments

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site are selling Gary Hawk Christmas Ornaments. We have both the new 2011 ornament as well as a few left of the 2010 ornament.

They are all numbered and the certificate of authenticity is signed by Gary Hawk.

They make great Christmas presents so call Martha Scott at 620-224-9924 to get your ornament!!!

Our Wonder is Now an Eighth Wonder

History

The winners were announced this morning and we are proud to announce that Fort Scott National Historic Site was voted one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas History!

We are proud of our Fort and proud of the small part that we played in getting out the vote. We also want to thank each and every one of you for your votes to make it possible that the Fort Scott National Historic Site is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas History.

The other 7 --

• Boothill Museum/Historic Dodge City
• Historic Fort Riley, Junction City
• Historic Fort Leavenworth, Leavenworth
• Council Grove/Santa Fe Trail National Historic Landmark
• Kansas Museum of History, Topeka
• 1930's Dust Bowl To Glass Exploration, Historic Adobe Museum, Ulysses
• Kanza Tribe and Lewis and Clark's Independence Creek, Atchison

Congratulations to the other winners in the contest. And for the other 16 that were not selected -- you are winners as well and all of you played an important part in the history of our State.