Historic Fort Steilacoom
~Home Page and Events~
Next Event:
June 9, 2013: Author Richard Blumenthal
Author Richard Blumenthal will speak about his new book
MARITIME PLACE NAMES: Inland Washington Waters, 2 p.m. in Quarters 2.
Plan On:
July 4, 2013: 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.
Look Below (scroll down) for the entire Event Schedule for 2013!
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an Events listing for 2013!
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 2013
January 13, 2013: Magic Lantern & Civil War show
Larry Cederblom will present an introduction to the “Magic Lantern” followed by a lantern slide show of the Civil War presented by Ron Easterday. There will also be a display of various magic lanterns, sample slides, handouts, posters and Magic Lantern Society publications. Quarters 2 at 2 p.m. Donations accepted.
February 9, 2013: 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 hat and bonnet display. Quarters 2 at 2 p.m. Reservations required with paid fee of $15.00. Call (253) 582-5838.
March 16, 2013: Living History Swap Meet and Display
Original and reproduction military and civilian 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.
April 20, 2013: School Visitation Day and Living History Open House
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. Children will learn how to make a magic lantern slide from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also, 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. In addition, a special re-enactment of Idaho Territorial Governor William Wallace talking about his friend President Abraham Lincoln, who had just been shot, portrayed by David Leroy will take place at 2 p.m. Donations accepted.
May 18, 2013: 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.
May 26, 2013: Memorial Day
The Fort museum will be open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m.
June 9, 2013: Author Richard Blumenthal
Author Richard Blumenthal will speak about his new book MARITIME PLACE NAMES: Inland Washington Waters, 2 p.m. in Quarters 2.
July 4, 2013: 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 13-14, 2013: Summerfest at Fort Steilacoom Park
Fort Steilacoom reenactors will have an army tent and display at the park.
August 25, 2013: Founders’ Day PicnicOpen 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 28, 2013: 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 20, 2013: Annual Meeting & (Program to be announced)
Historic Fort Steilacoom Association will host its Annual Meeting and election at 2 p.m. in Quarters 2. After the short meeting a program will be presented. Donations accepted.
November 17, 2013: You Are There
A moderator from the present will interview historical persons of Fort Steilacoom’s past. The program will begin at 2 p.m. in Quarters 2. Donations accepted.
December 14, 2013: 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.
