Historic Fort Steilacoom
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an Events listing for 2012!
located at:
9601 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
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Welcome to Historic Fort Steilacoom
Fort Steilacoom occupies an important position in the history of early America and the Pacific Northwest. The fort played a significant role in the settling of Washington Territory. Beginning with its construction in 1849 and ending with its closure in 1868, Fort Steilacoom served as a beacon of American power and promise, promoting the migration of settlers to Washington & securing American interest in the region.
Located in the south Puget Sound, Fort Steilacoom was a part of an early network of settlements including Forts, Camps and Military Posts which were owned by either the United States or the Hudson Bay Company. (see map below, by Alan Archambault)
Today, the Historic Fort Steilacoom Association seeks to interpret and preserve the fort’s remaining structures, reminding current and future generations of the fort’s contributions to the history of the United States.
Fort Steilacoom
Event Schedule 2012
February 11, 2012: Valentine Tea with Abigail & Elizabeth Casey
Reenactors will portray daughters of the fort Commander Col. Casey and Mrs. Casey, and friends from Steilacoom, Fort Nisqually and the Territory. Tea and cakes will be served at 2 p.m. There will be a “Fancy Fair” silent auction and a spinning demonstration. Quarters 2 at 2 p.m. Reservations required with paid fee of $15.00. Call (253) 582-5838.
March 11, 2012: Laura Belle Downey Bartlett
Nancy Covert will portray Laura Belle, a true renaissance woman. Born in 1851, she traveled with her family from Missouri to Steilacoom in 1853 via Naches Pass. She wrote books, music and a musical play, was a translator of Chinook and a mining engineer. The program will begin at 2 p.m. in Quarters 2. Donations accepted.
April 14, 2012: Military Swap Meet and Display
Original and reproduction military goods from multiple time periods will be on display and for sale. The event is open to the public free of charge in Quarters 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sellers must pre-arrange booths at $10 per table or half price if wearing period attire. Sellers call (253) 312-8732.
May 4, 2012: School Visitation Day
In cooperation with local schools, children are invited to participate in an interactive experience at Historic Fort Steilacoom. Arrangements for participating schools may be made by calling (253) 582-5838.
May 5 & 6, 2012: Living History Open House
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. reenactors in period dress will show the historic buildings and answer questions about the U.S. Army during its occupation of the fort between 1849-1868. Donations accepted.
May 19, 2012: Armed Forces Day at JBLM
Members of Fort Steilacoom will support the event at Joint Base Lewis McChord by sending a group of reenactors to perform military maneuvers.
June 10, 2012: History of Psychiatric Hospitals in America
Kathleen Benoun, librarian at Western State Hospital and curator of the hospital museum, will present this program with a focus on local history in quarters 2 at 2 p.m. Donations accepted.
July 4, 2012: Independence Day
Members of Historic Fort Steilacoom Association will support the cities of Steilacoom and DuPont celebrating our nation’s independence. We will have a booth with fort information and gift items to buy in front of the Steilacoom Town Hall.
July 8, 2012: The Pig War
John Roten, from a soldier’s point of view, will talk about the so called “Pig War” dispute in the San Juan Islands between the Americans and the British. Quarters 2 at 2 p.m. Donations accepted.
August 19, 2012: Founders’ Day Picnic
Open to members of Historic Fort Steilacoom Association and their families. Bring your favorite main dish, salad or dessert and enjoy the fellowship and a tour of the displays in the four museum buildings. Quarters 2 from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
September 22, 2012: Living History Day
Fort Steilacoom will come alive as reenactors live and work as soldiers, officers, their wives, children and friends. Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations accepted.
October 14, 2012: Annual Meeting & Program “Women Who Wait”
Historic Fort Steilacoom Association will host its Annual Meeting and election at 2 p.m. in Quarters 2. After the short meeting Karen Haas, using letters, diaries and songs, will portray the struggles of women waiting for the return of their loved ones from the Civil War. Donations accepted.
November 18, 2012: You Are There
A moderator from the present will interview historical persons of Fort Steilacoom’s past, including Col. Silas Casey, Lt. August Kautz, Lt. E. Porter Alexander, and Maj. Alvord. The program will begin at 2 p.m. in Quarters 2. Donations accepted.
December 8, 2012: Christmas at Fort Steilacoom
Reenactors will present a period candle-light Christmas in the four remaining officers’ quarters. There will also be children’s craft activities, and the gift shop will be open for Christmas shopping. Tickets will be available at the Fort Steilacoom Interpretive Center in Quarters 4 during the event, 4 to 7:30 p.m. Adults $5, children $3, family $10.
