Fort Ti recognizes dedicated volunteers at annual reception

TICONDEROGA | Fort Ticonderoga recently held its annual Volunteer Reception to thank volunteers and recognize their many hours of effort and dedication. Volunteers help support many areas of operations, augmenting the museum staff's work, including in the museum store, reenactments, gardening, museum collections, event assistance, junior fife & drum, and numerous other activities. So far in 2025, volunteers have given an impressive 10,000 hours of service to Fort Ticonderoga. Many volunteers will continue their service this year to support the remainder of Campaign Season into Winter Quarters Season. "Fort Ticonderoga's Volunteers Count! Program engages individuals from diverse backgrounds in a host of activities that helps serve Fort Ticonderoga's mission of preservation and education," said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. "We are exceedingly grateful to our dedicated volunteers for sharing their passion, time, and talent throughout the year. They are all part of our extraordinary team who work tirelessly to serve our audiences, both on-site and online through our Center for Digital History." The following awards were presented at the Annual Volunteer Reception: Mary Brownstein of Ticonderoga and Raistlin "Raz" Blackstone of Crown Point received the "Dynamic Duo Award." The award was presented with gratitude for the nearly 200 hours of heroic summer support from this "Dynamic Duo" volunteering in Fort Ticonderoga's Museum Store. For over 100 years, volunteers and staff have welcomed excited visitors of all ages into the historic Log House to shop for special mementos from the Museum Store. The tremendous efforts of Mary and Raz have been instrumental in continuing the Log House legacy. Patricia Edson of Ticonderoga received the "Biggest, Brightest Purple Heart Award." Patricia goes "all in" when she volunteers for Fort Ticonderoga and community programs. How fitting that her favorite color is purple, as the Ticonderoga school colors are purple and white. Whether helping with conference registration or directing parking for major events, Patricia does it with a smile. She brings her colorful and vibrant personality to everything she does, including being one of the biggest cheerleaders for Fort Ticonderoga's Fifes and Drums program. Robert "Bob" Hanley of Schuyler Falls received the "Jay Fiedler Memorial Award." Bob has volunteered over 1,000 hours supporting Fort Ticonderoga's reenactments, living history events, and daily visitor programming. His dedication to building each year's portrayal and willingness to volunteer whenever an extra hand is needed is greatly appreciated. These traits combined with his generosity and positivity all reflect the spirit of this award, established in honor of Jay Fieldler, a much revered and missed member of the Fort Ticonderoga volunteer community. Colton Williams of Clemons received "A Hard Day's Off Award." In just a few short years Colton has volunteered over 700 hours for Fort Ticonderoga's Public History program, in addition to his position working in Guest Services and being a full-time student. His passion for history and quickness to learn has made him a fixture of the most challenging events, whether crossing rural Vermont as a Green Mountain Boy in the driving rain or holding down the fort as the Continental Army drove Onward to Canada. New volunteers are welcome to join the Fort's Volunteers Count! Program. Information and applications are available at www.fortticonderoga.org/volunteer or by calling 518-585-2821. Volunteers who reach 10 hours of service receive free annual admission to Fort Ticonderoga and other special benefits.

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Fort Ti recognizes dedicated volunteers at annual reception

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