A visit to the Fort Plain Museum and Historical Park

Heather Devitt, Economic Development Specialist for the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD) at the Fort Plain Museum

Fort Plain, NY – This week, Norm Bollen, board member of the Fort Plain Museum and Historical Park invited the Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge (RPIC) team to visit the museum and park. This historic site is a well-known Mohawk Valley destination located in a picturesque setting on Canal Street. The RPIC team, led by Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD) Project Director, Dr. Mari Kate Mycek, was invited to take in the history of the site while learning about the museum’s long-term vision for the future. 

The Fort Plain Museum and Historical Park,  while open to the public, also hosts conferences throughout the year. Two conferences held this year offered attendees the opportunity to delve into the long and deep history of the Mohawk Valley including the “Sir William Johnson and the Wars for Empire Conference”  in addition to the annual “American Revolution Mohawk Valley Conference” that was offered in June. During the team’s visit, the museum was in the final stages of preparation for their upcoming event, Christmas at the Fort, this weekend on Saturday, December 3, beginning at 10:00 a.m. This seasonal event features an Author Book Fair complete with refreshments and cheer. 

While the Fort Plain Museum and Historical Park is rooted in history, it continues to look to the future.

Plans are underway for a phased expansion project with an official launch anticipated this coming spring. Meeting in one of two conference rooms on site, the RPIC team learned about the project’s potential impact for Fort Plain and the surrounding communities in Montgomery County.

Plan a visit to the Fort Plain Museum and Historical Park where you can view exhibits located throughout the stone farmhouse and learn about the role Fort Plain/Fort Rensselaer had in the defense of the Mohawk Valley during the Revolutionary War. Visit the museum bookstore to explore a selection of books by a variety of authors. If you’re looking to browse the bookstore any time, any place, books can also be purchased online at the fortplainmuseum.org.