Photo provided
Military living historians and authors will cover the grounds of the Hancock House in Ticonderoga on Saturday, Aug. 13 for a day-long event celebrating Irish history. The evening will feature a concert by “Hair of the Dog,” the well-known Celtic band pictured above.
TICONDEROGA – The Ticonderoga Historical Society will wrap up its Irish Historical Celebration with the Irish Grand Event on the Hancock House lawn on Saturday, Aug. 13.
The day starts at 10 a.m. with a bake sale and White Elephant Tent, then a reenactors military encampment on the grounds.
“This is a full day designed to celebrate and highlight our Irish-themed exhibit and programs of this year,” Historical Society President William Dolback said. “The reenactors on site will be portraying Irish-American soldiers from the Civil War and Fenian eras, as well as the Easter Rising. They will be talking with the public, showing military drill and camp life, and the afternoon’s activities include a firing demonstration.”
The afternoon will also include several brief programs called “The Irish in the American Civil War” and “How the Adirondacks worked for Irish Freedom.”
William L. McKone, author of “Vermont’s Irish Rebel – Captain John Lonergan,” and president of the Fenian Historical Society, will present a program and sign books.
Live music is from 6 to 10 p.m., with two of this region’s Celtic bands: Hair of the Dog and its opening band, Loose Monkey Band.
Originally formed as an acoustic trio in 1993, Hair of the Dog has become one of the world’s foremost Celtic rock bands.
The Loose Monkey Band, formed in 1992, is a local favorite featuring Matt Foley, Chris LaPointe, and Tom LaPointe.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. This is a lawn program, so attendees must bring their own chairs or blankets.
The events are part of the Gala 90th Anniversary of the dedication of the Hancock House.
The society was formed in 1897 to bring national awareness to the plight of the ruins of the old fort in Ticonderoga, and the need to preserve the ruins and grounds as a national heritage site.
“As a cornerstone of our community, we take our stewardship of this remarkable building very seriously,” Dolback said.
For more info, call 585-7868, email tihistory@bridgepoint1.com, or visit ticonderogahistoricalsociety.org.
