Looking for ways to get your kiddos to appreciate history and what things were like, way back when? You know, when there was NO wi-fi, and no screens of any kind! There are a number of awesome upcoming events at the newly reopened Fort Nisqually at Point Defiance.
This living history museum invites visitors to see what life was like in the 1850s right here in Tacoma. The exhibits include crafts of the 19th century, games, award winning National Historic landmark buildings, and more!
Each month there is a special event put on by the museum. Mark these on your calendar for a fun, family outing that’s frugal and educational. Each event is only $8/adults $5/children and FREE/ages 4 and under, and includes museum admission.
Queen Victoria’s Birthday
Saturday, May 21, 11:00am-5:00pm
Relive the festive 19th century celebrations surrounding a royal holiday during Queen Victoria’s Birthday. A merry mood permeates the Fort on this occasion. At noon, bagpipes announce the start of the traditional tributes to the queen. The pipes are followed by a musket volley, toasts to the queen, and a cannon salute. Many of the Fort’s ladies and gentlemen will be dressed in their finest, 1850s fashion. Throughout the day, guests can join in croquet and other 19th century games.
Heritage Foodways
Saturday, June 18, 11:00am – 5:00pm
Discover farm to table, 19th century style, as informative speakers mix with 1850s reenactors to inform and demonstrate heritage foodways. Speakers will give a variety of presentations and demonstrations on heritage food topics such as pickling and smoking, foraging for native plants, and raising chickens. Visitors can tour the fort’s heritage kitchen garden and chicken coop, orchard, and grain patch and learn how these relate to the agricultural history of the Fort. Throughout the day, the Fort’s reenactors will be creating 19th century meals on a wood stove, over campfires, and in a brick bake oven. The reenactors will compete for the coveted “Golden Skillet,” doing their best to impress a panel of judges with the taste and presentation of their dish.
19th Century Family Fun Night
Friday, July 15, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Children will be racing for saltwater taffy fired from the candy cannon. Several cannon firings punctuate an evening of 19th century fun with the Fort’s re-enactors. Families are invited to bring a picnic dinner and join in scavenger hunts, games, contests, and dancing of the mid-1800s. Lemonade and ice cream available while supplies last!