In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Old Fort Erie will host a new five-part lecture series that explores a wide range of themes and topics related to this pivotal time in history, titled The 1776 Forum: Old Fort Erie in the Revolutionary Era.

The oldest British military fort built in Ontario, Old Fort Erie served as a vital British supply outpost supporting soldiers, Loyalist Rangers and Haudenosaunee warriors during the American Revolution.    
 

America and NYS at 250: What Comes Next?
Speaker: Rich Pyszczek

Saturday, April 18, 2026 – 2:00 p.m.

This session will be presented by Rich Pyszczek, a Buffalo native and longtime educator, who will explore New York State’s vital role in shaping the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence.

Guest Speaker: Peter Meyler

Sunday, May 3, 2026 – 2:00 p.m.

Richard Pierpoint: Soldier, Settler, Survivor

Follow the extraordinary life of Richard Pierpoint, an African Canadian who survived the Trans‑Atlantic Slave Trade and participated in the French and Indian War, the American Revolution and the War of 1812.

Guest Speaker: Betsy Bashore

Sunday, June 7, 2026 – 2:00 p.m.

Frontier Elegance: Women’s Fashion on the Edge

Step into the dress culture of women living on the North American frontier, where resilience, resourcefulness and remarkable style defined daily life.

Betsy Bashore has more than 40 years of hands‑on experience researching and recreating War of 1812 and Regency-era clothing. Her work focuses on historical accuracy, fit and the realities of frontier life, informed by close study of original garments in major museum collections across North America. Based in Maumee, Ohio, she balances her passion for historic fashion with her career as a process engineer specializing in government process improvement.

Rick Hill Sr.
Saturday, June 27, 2026 – 2:00 p.m.

From “Merciless Indian Savages” to Treaty Allies

Explore how relationships with the Haudenosaunee shifted throughout the American Revolution, from efforts to keep them neutral, to recruitment, to violent campaigns and finally to treaty making aimed at peace and friendship.

Rick Hill Sr. is a member of the Beaver Clan of the Tuscarora Nation at Grand River and holds a Master’s Degree in American Studies from SUNY Buffalo. He has served in leadership and teaching roles at major institutions, including the National Museum of the American Indian, the Institute of American Indian Arts and SUNY Buffalo. Recently retired as Senior Project Coordinator for the Deyohahá:ge: Indigenous Knowledge Centre at Six Nations Polytechnic, he now works as an interpretive specialist developing exhibitions for the renovated Mohawk Institute, Canada’s oldest residential school.