Ft. Ti grant launches Smith's Forge preservation

TICONDEROGA | Fort Ticonderoga has been awarded a Technical Assistance Grant from the Preservation League of New York State that will provide funding for the first phase in the preservation and stabilization of a significant piece of 18th-century architecture on Fort Ticonderoga's historic landscape. "The $4,000 grant funding will support a building condition survey for the remains of a c. 1761 Smith's Forge used by soldiers at Ticonderoga," said Margaret Staudter, Fort Ticonderoga director of archaeology. "The standing masonry wall is one of the few unrestored and untouched 18th-century architectural features still standing on the site that has miraculously withstood the test of time, despite the winter freezing and thawing cycles and the encroachment of vegetation." Shortly after establishing Fort Carillon (later named Ticonderoga), the French Army began the construction of a series of ancillary structures, including the Smith's Forge, to the south of the fort, beginning in early 1756. This area — known as the lower town, or the French Village — housed a number of proto-industrial structures that supported the military activities of the armies who garrisoned Ticonderoga in the 18th century. "Fort Ticonderoga is exceedingly grateful to the Preservation League of New York State for their support," said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga president and CEO. "This grant will support the critical first step in the preservation and stabilization of the Smith's Forge. The project will include a condition assessment of the wall as well as stabilization recommendations for its long-term preservation. Before the ruins can be safely stabilized, they must be carefully studied by professional preservation architects to analyze their current condition and environment, establish any needed mitigation measures, and create guidelines for stabilization. This grant project further advances our museum's vital work in areas of archaeology, preservation, and stabilization across this significant historic landscape." The Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program is a partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Preservation League of New York State, made possible by NYSCA with the support of the Office of the governor and the New York State Legislature. The Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area has provided additional support for the projects within the National Heritage Area boundary. The TAG program supports arts centers, historic sites, music halls, theaters, libraries, and other cultural nonprofit or municipal entities that steward historic buildings throughout New York State. "Now in its 10th year, the Technical Assistance Grant program has become a foundational part of the League's offerings," said Preservation League president, Jay DiLorenzo. "We have seen firsthand how these grants get preservation efforts off the ground, opening the door for bigger projects and further investment."

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Ft. Ti grant launches Smith's Forge preservation

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