Maine's Capital Area

Old Fort Western, the 1754 National Historic Landmark fort, store, and house museum on the Kennebec River in downtown Augusta, invites children of all ages interested in local history and stewardship to register for one of our Summer Youth Programs: Apprenticeship Program (ages 8-12) or the Jr. Interpreter Program (ages 13 and up). These one-week sessions start Monday, June 20th and continue through September 2nd.

Children in the Apprenticeship Program will experience what life was like in the 18th century by exploring daily life at home, the varied world of work (blacksmithing, midwifery and storekeeping), the life of a French & Indian War Soldier and what children and adults did for entertainment. Graduates are eligible to participate in the Jr. Interpreter Program. Jr. Interpreters will assist with the Apprenticeship Program, learn about collections management and how to interpret the history of the Fort, develop necessary skills to demonstrate 18th century hands-on activities to the public, and how to conduct research through reading and deciphering original documents.

All program participants will learn what is involved in taking care of this historic site to ensure continued enjoyment of the fort for themselves and future generations. By learning proper maintenance and interpretation of our museum, the objects and archaeological collections, we ensure the continued enjoyment of the fort by future generations. Junior Interpreter graduates are eligible for volunteering at open visitations and special events held at the Fort.

Registration forms can be obtained on line at www.oldfortwestern.org or stop by the Old Fort Western Administrative Office in the Augusta City Center. Space is limited. Payment must be received in full by 4:00 p.m. Friday the week prior to the registered program session. A maximum of twelve participants may register for any given week. Discounts are available for Augusta residents and siblings attending the same week program. For more information, please call Old Fort Western at 626-2385 or e-mail us at .