SUNBURY - The warm glow of candle lanterns and the dancing flames of a crackling campfire will add to the ambience of the evening as tour guides attired in 18th-century period clothing conduct Lantern Tours from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the site of Fort Augusta.
The Northumberland County Historical Society will host this free event, which is open to the public, at its headquarters at 1150 N. Front St. Visitors will view the two remaining fort features on the property - the well and the powder magazine, and the Hunter-Grant cemetery.
Those attending will also see several scenes from Fort Augusta's history portrayed by members of the Augusta Regiment and other re-enactors which will focus on the relationships between traders, soldiers and the Native Americans as well as everyday life at Fort Augusta. The fort served as a frontier stronghold along the banks of the Susquehanna.
In addition, the Fort Augusta exhibit in the Hunter House will be open. It features an extensive collection of artifacts recovered on the fort site during a number of archaeological digs over the years. Volunteers will serve light refreshments
Constructed by the British in 1756 as part of its defense against the French and Indians moving eastward from the Allegheny region, Fort Augusta was Pennsylvania's largest provincial fort. It later served as the headquarters of American forces in the upper Susquehanna Valley during the Revolutionary War and protected area settlers from the attack of Native American tribes who were allies of the British. The fort was never under siege and was dismantled in 1794.
The evening Lantern Tours is the final Living History Days event planned for 2012. Living History Days is an educational program series designed to appeal to all ages.
The Northumberland County Historical Society is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging awareness and stimulating interest in the county's rich history, heritage and diverse culture through its educational facilities and programs.