The Museum is located in the Village of Fort Plain and Town of Minden. The village of Fort Plain was originally named after the fort, an important military outpost in the Revolutionary War.
At that time the museum began archaeological field work on the Fort Plain hilltop, unearthing 18th century period artifacts relating to the fort’s history. On April 26, 1963 the museum received a “Provisional Charter” from the State of New York and a designation as a 501C3 not-for-profit educational institution. Archaeology continued in 1964 as additional sites relating to colonial Fort Plain/Fort Rensselaer were unearthed. In 1968 the organization received an “Absolute Charter” from the University of the State of New York Making the institution a permanent member of the museum community. Archaeological investigation and research continued in 1975 under the auspices of Wayne Lenig who excavated the site of the original fort’s stockade. The exploration uncovered barracks buildings, a dining hall, officer’s quarters, a small blockhouse and sentry posts.
Currently the museum’s exhibits span the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries covering such topics as the Mohawk and Oneida Indians, German Palatines of the Mohawk, Victorian Era in the valley and the Erie Canal. Recently the Board of Directors decided the museum should refocus its efforts on the original colonial Fort Plain/Fort Rensselaer story. Research is again underway focusing on the fort’s role in American history as the defender of the Mohawk Valley.
The museum property encompasses a park of approximately 75 acres and contains the following site and features:
In 2009 the museum débuted new indoor and outdoor exhibits on Fort Plain’s role in the Revolutionary War and the defense of the Mohawk Valley.
Join friends, neighbors and fellow museum supporters for a local author event & a fun filled gathering in the spirit of the Holiday Season.
Visit our Museum Shop with a selection of handmade and colonial period toys. Browse the largest selection of period history books in the region. Enjoy the George Duffy Christmas Card Exhibit along with Mohawk Valley Colonial Era Exhibits in an atmosphere of period holiday music, homemade cookies.
Refreshments and Christmas Cheer will be served with German Beer from Eisenadler Brauhaus.
40% – 50% Off Clearance Book Sale with many titles to choose from. All other books and gift shop items will have 20% off the entire purchase. All book sale proceeds go to historic preservation, artifact acquisition, exhibit building and educational programming.
Nancy Bradeen Spannaus
Wanda Easter Burch
Ken Jones
Kiersten Marcil
Rosemay Nichols
Jeff O’Connor
Veronica Pastecki
Don Rittner
Heidi Sprouse –
Phillip D. Weaver
Don Williams
Wayne Lenig
Norman J. Bollen
Thank you for supporting the Fort Plain Museum & Historical Park, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All book sale proceeds go to historic preservation, artifact acquisition, exhibit building and educational programming.
Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association
