New Era at Historical Site Will Open Gates Wider Than Ever

The Fort at No. 4 at 267 Springfield Road in Charlestown has long been much more than a historical site on the Connecticut River. Stories live there. They're inspiring stories of courage and survival from one of colonial New England's most contested frontiers. As 2026 begins and a new season quickly approaches, The Fort is welcoming a fresh chapter of expanded programming, revitalized exhibit spaces and community involvement as it enters this new chapter. The Fort at No. 4 is the site of the northernmost British fortification in the Connecticut River Valley and its public offerings have invited visitors to forge a new relationship with the past with its commitment to making history accessible, engaging and meaningful for families, educators, re-enactors, scholars and visitors. "At its core, our mission has always remained the same: to connect people to the realities of 18th-century life in meaningful ways," said Director of Operations Alissa Bascom. "The upcoming season feels like a natural evolution of our mission. We have always been dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of this frontier community, but in 2026 we are deepening that commitment by expanding the stories we tell and how we tell them." The year's programming will emphasize the lived experiences of daily survival, community resilience, family divisions during the Revolution, the role of women and Native perspectives, she explained, adding that they've broadened interpretation while strengthening historical accuracy. The first event of the year was held on Feb. 21, and The Fort will participate in the Colonial Trade Fair in Dover on March 7 and 8 in efforts to strengthen regional connections and raise awareness of the Fort's mission. Then, a Clash of Cultures weekend on April 11 and 12 will be an immersive program designed specifically for those curious about re-enacting or volunteering with a hands-on introduction to The Fort that includes thoughtful context. Volunteers assist with interpretation, education, maintenance, gardening, events, research and visitor services at The Fort. The Fort's Opening Weekend happens May 2 and 3 as the grounds once again come alive with activity. Education and skill-building programs include a Hearth Cooking Class with Becky Hendricks on May 16 and 17 that demonstrates the skills required to cook over an open hearth. The Original Rendezvous happens May 22 to 24 and is a weekend that celebrates commerce, craftsmanship and cross-cultural exchange through the realities of frontier life. Other events of the season include: The Echoes of 1776 Revolutionary War Series will be offered on the last Saturdays of each month, May through October. Family-friendly and youth-focused programming includes Allies & Adversaries: The French & Indian War at The Fort at No. 4 on June 6 and 7 and Children's Living History Day on July 18, as well as hosting River Theater's production of "Charlotte's Web" for two weekends in June. John Maynard Day on July 4 and 5 will commemorate 280 years since Maynard's map creation and 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. Artillery School with Jon Soule happens Aug. 1 and 2 and Abenaki at the Trading Post & Pequawket Garrison is on Aug. 8 and 9. Return to No. 4: Revolutionary War on Sept. 12 and 13 will offer a re-enactment of the Revolutionary War on the banks of the Connecticut River, and Out of Time on Sept. 26 covers multiple historical periods in a single day. Homestead 1777 will be held on Oct. 10, and the popular Harvest Dinner returns on Oct. 17 as a ticketed event that blends food, history and community. The season ends with Native Heritage Weekend on Nov. 7 and 8 in an honoring of Indigenous histories and living cultures with respect and depth. When asked which event she's most looking forward to, Bascom struggled to choose just one but remarked, "The Echoes of 1776 series is particularly exciting this year. While many sites are honoring the battles and military aspects of this anniversary, our setting allows us to move beyond battlefield narratives and explore the personal and social impacts of the Revolution. Those programs invite visitors to reflect on identity, loyalty, hardship and liberty in ways that feel remarkably relevant." Family programs are another area of enjoyment for Bascom, who added, "One of our absolute favorites is always Children's Living History Day. ... Seeing our youth connect with history through curiosity and play is always one of the most rewarding aspects of the season." She said that most events are designed to be family-friendly, with multiple points of engagement for different age groups, but that some programs naturally involve more complex themes like political division, frontier conflict or military interpretation, which might resonate more strongly with older youth and adults. "That said, even our more serious programming is presented thoughtfully and responsibly," she stressed. "Families are always especially close to our hearts, and we take great care to ensure that our interpretation is thoughtful, informative and welcoming for all ages, and never gratuitous or overwhelming." Updated exhibits were also a goal for 2026 with improved interpretive signage, refreshed interiors and spaces designed to be more interactive, inclusive and accessible. "The exhibit updates are not a finished project; they are a living process," Bascom explained. "Throughout this season and beyond, we are thoughtfully reworking spaces, refining interpretation and deepening the stories told within each building. ... We want returning guests to discover something different each time they visit." Above all, The Fort is meant to be experienced and immersive rather than simply observational, encouraging children to step into history and educators to discover an environment that brings context and curriculum to life. "Our goal is always to make history tangible and personal," Bascom added. ... We want (visitors) to remember how it felt to stand in that space and imagine the choices people once faced there." Visit fortat4.org or on Facebook @fortat4 for the most updated events and schedules.