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Fort Osage 2017 Calendar of Events

Here is the 2016 calendar of events for Fort Osage National Historic Landmark. Check back often for changes and new events!

Napoleonic Muster
Saturday, March 18
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Join Napoleon’s Army for a unique experience depicting the life and times of the Napoleonic Wars as seen through a French Line Infantry Regiment, Les Grenadier du 57eme. Understand how the Napoleonic Wars had such a great impact on the history of the United States and in particular the War of 1812. Learn about the history of the unique relationship between the United States and France and how important France was in helping establish and preserve America’s independence. The Regiment will demonstrate the French drill, musket firing, uniforms and tactics of the French Army.​
Historic Cemetery Bus Tour
Saturday, April 15
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Cost: $25.00 Per Person

Visit some of the earliest cemeteries in Jackson County, dating from the early 1800’s, and learn about some of its famous interments from a knowledgeable historian who will serve as your tour guide. Advanced reservations are required. Please call (816) 229-8980 ext. 106, or CLICK HERE to make a reservation.
Coalition Of Historical Trekkers National Gathering
Wednesday, April 19 – Sunday, April 23
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Explore the skills necessary to be self-sufficient in the rugged wilderness of the American frontier as skilled interpreters from around the country gather. Witness arts, crafts, and customs from the 18th and 19th centuries
Paranormal Investigation at Fort Osage
Saturday, April 29

Time: 5:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., & 10:30 p.m.
Cost: $15.00 Per Person (Ages 12 & Up Only)

Visitors will participate in a search for paranormal activity with trained ghost hunters! Observe the tools the professionals use to interact and detect spirits that inhabit this historical site. Visitors will search for spirits throughout the Fort and the factory building. Feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up straight! Advanced reservations are required. Please call (816) 229-8980 ext. 106, or CLICK HERE to make a reservation.
Spring Nature Walks
Saturday, May 6

Time: 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Learn about the flora and fauna surrounding Fort Osage and enjoy a guided hike along the Banks of the Missouri River. Special attention will be given to local species found during the Lewis & Clark Expedition of 1804-1806.
Artifact Identification & Archaeology Day
Saturday, May 13

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Visitors may bring their arrowheads and other artifacts to have authenticated by professional archaeologists. Visitors will gain a better understanding of how the science of archaeology helps us to understand the past. The nationally recognized significance of Fort Osage will be discussed along with a presentation of artifacts recovered from the site over the last 70 years!
American Military Timeline
Saturday, May 20 – Sunday, May 21
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Witness the historic military past of the United States Armed Forces. Reenactors from throughout the Midwest will gather to accurately portray soldiers from the Revolutionary War through the modern era. Camps will be set up throughout the fort grounds, and tactical demonstrations will be held each day
Flag Day
Saturday, June 10
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Special presentations at 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Learn about proper flag etiquette and explore a display of flags representing different periods of American history. Our knowledgeable staff will answer questions and provide valuable historic information about our nation’s enduring symbol.
Grand Festival of Chez les Canses
Saturday, September 23
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Explore how early French settlers lived at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers in the late 1700s. Re-enactors will interpret everyday life skills common on the frontier. Artisans will display custom made wares, both decorative and utilitarian, which were essential to these early settlers.
Annual Fall Muster
Saturday, October 28 – Sunday, October 29

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Experience the trepidation felt by the soldiers and civilians living at Fort Osage in 1812 as news of imminent war with Great Britain reaches their remote frontier outpost. Unsure if the small garrison can successfully defend the fort, the soldiers form a civilian militia to augment their meager resources. Women begin to store rations and help bolster the military capacity, not knowing if they will have to fight or evacuate, fleeing for their lives! Cannon practice, musket practice and infantry drills keep the soldier “at the ready” for action. This annual event is nationally recognized as one of the most authentic interpretations of the period
All events are subject to change.
Updated: 23 FEB 2017

“The War of 1812: The Camp and the Home” Exhibit at Fort Osage

The "Camp" scene from "The War of 1812: The Camp and the Home" exhibit.

The “Camp” scene from “The War of 1812: The Camp and the Home” exhibit.

Now on display at the Fort Osage Education Center, “The War of 1812: The Camp and the Home” features artifacts that could be found in the homes and in the camps of civilians and soldiers during the War of 1812. “The War of 1812: The Home” features an original 1810-1815 rocking chair, a wash stand (ca. 1800 - 1820), a water crock (ca. 1780-1800), an original Newspaper published in 1808, as well as other artifacts that could be found in a home during the War of 1812. “The War of 1812: The Camp” features a hand sewn reproduction common tent, standing orders of the 1st Infantry and other items that would have been found at a camp site during the War of 1812.

“The War of 1812: The Camp and the Home” exhibit is free of charge and will be on display through the third weekend of October in the Fort Osage Education Center. The Fort Osage Education Center is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00a.m. to 4:30p.m. year round. The exhibit is co-curated by the 1st U. States Infantry Living History Organization and Jackson County Parks + Rec.

Military Appreciation Days at Jackson County Parks + Rec

Jackson County Parks + RecJackson County Parks + Rec is once again offering Military Appreciation Days every Wednesday now through Veterans Day. Veterans and Active Duty military personnel will receive free admission to various Jackson County Parks + Rec attractions. The free admission includes Fort Osage National Historic Landmark and Missouri Town 1855. Active duty and retired service men and women can also receive complimentary boat rides, golf and free admission to the beaches at Lake Jacomo, Blue Springs Lake and Longview Lake.

For more information visit the Jackson County Parks + Rec website at www.makeyourdayhere.com

200 Years Of The American Soldier

Veterans memorial during the 200 Years of the American Soldier in 2003.

Veterans memorial during the 200 Years of the American Soldier event in 2003.

A fascinating look at the government issued equipment provided to the American soldier from the early 19th to the early 20th century. From canteens to muskets, authentic pieces will be on display. Special emphasis will be placed on how these accoutrements were essential to the soldier’s well being. The exhibits will be displayed in the Education Center. The event will take place Memorial Day weekend (Saturday, May 28 – Sunday, May 29). The event will feature exhibits from the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. For more information on this event, please contact Fort Osage National Historic Landmark.

Teaching Archaeology through the Common Core at Fort Osage

A portion of the Big Shoal Baptist Church foundation. Photo taken during Project Archaeology 2014.

A portion of the Big Shoal Baptist Church foundation. Photo taken during Project Archaeology 2014.

Jackson County Parks + Rec, the Truman Library, and the Atkins-Johnson Farm & Museum will be offering a class for Teachers, Interpreters & Museum docents to learn how to incorporate Archaeology into the classroom.

Practice the basics of scientific inquiry using archaeological data. Learn how archaeologists investigate and interpret past cultures and peoples. Finally, learn how to incorporate all of this into your classrooms or other settings. Archaeology is an excellent tool for engaging youth in science education.

Participants will receive full instruction in archaeological science for the classroom and a complete curriculum guide and materials.

Participants also have the option to receive up to 2 graduate credit hours from Lindenwood University. Tuition is $60 per credit hour.

Teaching Archaeology though the Common Core will be offered June 20-24, 2016

GET YOUR REGISTRATION FORMS IN TODAY!

CLICK HERE for the Teaching Archaeology though the Common Core registration form.

Dispatch Canoe & Kayak Race

16 Miles on the Historic Missouri River!

Start at: LaBenite Park, MO-291 HWY, Sugar Creek, Missouri
Finish at: Fort Osage River Access, Atherton-Sibley Rd., Sibley, Missouri

The Missouri River below Fort Osage.

The Missouri River below Fort Osage.

The U.S. government controlled the Native American trade on the Lower Missouri River by establishing Fort Osage (1808-1827). Both civilians and soldiers resided in the fort, and a common activity was sending letters, both personal and business, to St. Louis and points beyond. Couriers in dugout canoes and keelboats would deliver the mail, or dispatches, downriver. In St. Louis, these couriers would then collect the mail for the fort occupants and deliver them back upstream to Fort Osage.

Fort Osage National Historic Landmark

Fort Osage National Historic Landmark

In the spirit of delivering Dispatches to Fort Osage, racers will be handed copies of actual Fort Osage dispatches, which were written during the fort’s occupation in the early 1800’s, by a soldier re-enactor. The racer will be given the task to deliver the Dispatch to another Fort Osage soldier re-enactor at the Fort Osage boat ramp, 16 miles away. The soldier will give every person who delivers their Dispatch a finisher’s coin, which will be the size of a silver dollar and will be a replica of the Jefferson Peace Medal. Racer’s may also keep their Dispatches.

“Morning clear and cool. About 12 O’Clock we met the Chiefs and Warriors of the Big & Little Osages and the Kansas in Council and all Smoked the Pipe of Peace together…”
“After the council Mr. Prince with the Boat Started for St. Louis, by him I dispatched the Letters I wrote yesterday.”
-George C. Sibley, Fort Osage, September 27th, 1808

Race Information
Saturday, August 6, 2016 Start Times
9:00 am - Build your own boat Class and Fishing Kayak Class (with a River Bank Start)
9:30 am - Family Fun Class
10:00 am - All Other boat Classes

Entry Fee
Early Registration - $35/adults
Children - $10
Day of Event Registration - $40/adults


Race Entry Fee



 

REGISTRATION FORM

REGISTRATION CLOSED

 

Fort Osage 2016 Calendar of Events

Fort Osage National Historic Landmark

Fort Osage National Historic Landmark

Here is the 2016 calendar of events for Fort Osage National Historic Landmark. Check back often for changes and new events!

Historic Cemeteries Bus Tour
Saturday, April 16
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Registration for this event has closed. Unfortunately, all spaces have been filled.
Join us on a bus tour of eight historic cemeteries in the Fort Osage area. Cost is $20 and included lunch and admission to the fort, in addition to the bus tour. Space is limited to 20, and registration is required.

Historic Sibley Cemetery Tours
Saturday, April 23
Time: 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Explore Jackson County’s oldest cemetery, and learn about some of its famous interments, from our knowledgeable curator. The symbolism behind some of the historic gravestones will also be shared during the guided tour.

Artifact Identification Day
Saturday, May 7

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Have you ever wondered about the history of old arrowheads and other artifacts you might have collected? Professional archaeologists will inspect your treasures and tell you their approximate age and by whom they were crafted.

Spring Nature Walks
Saturday, May 14

Time: 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Learn about the flora and fauna surrounding Fort Osage and enjoy a guided hike along the Banks of the Missouri River. Special attention will be given to local species found during the Lewis & Clark Expedition of 1804-1806.

200 Years Of The American Soldier
Saturday, May 28 – Sunday, May 29
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A fascinating look at the government issued equipment provided to the American soldier from the early 19th to the early 20th century. From canteens to muskets, authentic pieces will be on display. Special emphasis will be placed on how these accoutrements were essential to the soldier’s well being. The exhibits will be displayed in the Education Center.

Flag Day
Saturday, June 11
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Special presentations at 10:30 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Learn about proper flag etiquette and explore a display of flags representing different periods of American history. Our knowledgeable staff will answer questions and provide valuable historic information about our nation’s enduring symbol.

Independence Day
Monday, July 4

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the anniversary of American Independence at Fort Osage. Interpretive demonstrations highlighting life on the early 19th century frontier to include musket and cannon demonstrations, and patriotic speeches, make this a perfect place to celebrate our country’s Independence!

Dispatch Canoe & Kayak Race
Saturday, August 6

Time: Race Starts at 9:00 a.m.
A sixteen mile canoe and kayak race on the historic Missouri River! The race will start at LaBenite Park, in Sugar Creek, Missouri. The race will finish at Fort Osage National Historic Landmark. CLICK HERE for more information and to register for the race!

Archaeology Day
Saturday, August 13
Time: 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Professional archaeologists will present an overview of over 60 years of investigations which have enabled historians to establish both the historic and pre-historic history of this nationally recognized historic site.

Grand Festival of Chez les Canses
Saturday, September 24
Time: 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Explore how early French settlers lived at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers in the late 1700s. Re-enactors will interpret everyday life skills common on the frontier. Artisans will display custom made wares, both decorative and utilitarian, which were essential to these early settlers.

30th Annual Fall Muster
Saturday, October 22 – Sunday, October 23

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Executed with historical accuracy, this annual re-enactment relives events surrounding the prelude to the War of 1812, as Fort Osage hears for the first time war has been declared with Britain. Musket and cannons are made ready, civilians are conscript, and both residents and soldiers stationed at this remote frontier outpost are on alert. Visitors can literally feel the tension of the unknown and share the fear and excitement with our re-enactors as Fort Osage prepares for war!
CLICK HERE for the participant registration form.

All events are subject to change. For more information on Fort Osage please visit their website at www.makeyourdayhere.com.

UPDATED: 3 AUG 2016

Fort Osage Volunteers Form The Society of Friends of Fort Osage

FOFO logoThe Fort Osage Volunteers have formed The Society of Friends of Fort Osage. The group will work with Jackson County Parks + Rec to support Fort Osage National Historic Landmark. The Society of Friends of Fort Osage hopes to raise money for items needed at the Fort and to help develop new programs that will interest visitors. Everyone is welcome to join and you do not have to be a Fort Osage Volunteer.

Memberships are $10.00 for an individual, $15.00 for families and $6.00 for students. Some of the many benefits from joining include: free admittance to Fort Osage, a quarterly newsletter and events exclusively for Friends members.

To join, please complete the membership form posted below and mail it to: The Society of Friends of Fort Osage, PO BOX 195, Sibley, MO 64088.

The Society of Friends of Fort Osage Membership Application

The 29th Annual Fall Muster at Fort Osage

A Fall Muster at Fort Osage.

The Twenty-Ninth annual Fall Muster at Fort Osage will take place October 24th and 25th. This event is executed with historical accuracy and relives events surrounding the prelude to the War of 1812, as Fort Osage hears for the first time war has been declared with Britain.

Event Background: One Company of the 1st U. States Infantry garrisoned the post since September 1808, under the command of Captain Clemson, First Lieutenant Brownson and Ensign Bissell. With the news of the declaration of War arriving in late July of 1812 and the recent news of embarrassing defeats for the U.S. Army, the officers and men are clamoring to get into the fight. Long before the declaration of war against Great Britain, the Missouri Territory was already at war. Indian depredations seem to occur daily.

When the settlers at the Boonslick settlements were ordered to leave by Governor Howard, the Captain of the Militia, Sarshall Cooper replied:

“We have maid our hoams here. All we have is here. It wud ruen us to leave now. We be all good americans, not a tory or one of his pups among us. We have 2 hundred men and boys that will fight to the las and we have 100 wimen & girls…Makes a good force. So we can defend this settlement with God’s help we will do so. If we had a few barls of powder and 2 hundred lead is all we ask.”

Throughout the summer and early fall of 1812, Ranger companies were forming and the Militia were called out to drill, build fortifications and serve on keelboats as guard escorts.

The Soldiers Barracks at Fort Osage.

The Soldiers Barracks at Fort Osage.

Fort Osage is the Western most out-post in the United States. Men are enlisting in the regulars or enrolled into the militia. There is gnawing concern over the defense of the frontier. In the wide open space of the western territories, militia and rangers were serving side by side with the regulars. Captain Clemson again finds himself tasked with inspecting and training Militia and Rangers at Fort Osage. Clemson would also serve as General Howard’s Inspector general during the Peoria Indian Campaign of 1813. Fort Clemson was built by Missouri Rangers and mounted militia in late 1813 and named for the regular Army officer who gained admiration for the pluck of the rangers and the militia during the campaign against the Pottawatomie’s at Peoria.

EVENT SCHEDULE:
Saturday October 24
09:00 Troop Parade Guard Mount
10:00 Militia Musters into service - Ladies “Work Bag” Bee - Mrs. Clemson’s quarters.
11:00 Infantry Drill
12:00 Roll Call
13:00 Court Martial Blockhouse One
14:00 Artillery Drill - Ladies Tea in Sibley’s Dining Room
15:00 Blockhouse Defense
16:00 Retreat Parade & Evening gun

Sunday October 25
09:00 Troop Parade Guard Mount
10:00 Church Call
11:00 Inspection & Review
12:00 Roll Call
13:00 Artillery Drill
14:00 Infantry Drill
15:00 Retreat Parade & Evening gun

For more information on this event, please visit the website of the recreated Clemson’s Company of the 1st U. States Infantry at www.1stusinfantry.com or by contacting Fort Osage.

Grand Festival of Chez les Canses at Fort Osage

Grand Festival of Chez les Canses at Fort Osage.

Grand Festival of Chez les Canses at Fort Osage.

Explore how early French settlers lived at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers in the late 1700s. Re-enactors at Fort Osage, will interpret everyday life skills common on the frontier. Artisans will display custom-made objects, both decorative and utilitarian, which were essential to these early settlers.

This annual event will be held on Saturday, September 26th from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For more information please contact Fort Osage, by phone: (816) 650-3278 or visit their website: www.makeyourdayhere.com/fortosage.

 

An invitation to attend the Grand Festival of Chez les Canses at Fort Osage from King George II.

An invitation to attend the Grand Festival of Chez les Canses at Fort Osage from King George II.

An invitation to attend the Grand Festival of Chez les Canses at Fort Osage from King Louis XV. Note: this invitation is written in French.

An invitation to attend the Grand Festival of Chez les Canses at Fort Osage from King Louis XV. Note: this invitation is in French.

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