Historic Fort Steilacoom
Upcoming Events, 2008
Colonel Silas Casey
- November 16, 2008
- Featured speaker will be our own Ken Morgan as he shares his in-depth knowledge and research about the life of Colonel Silas Casey, Ft. Steilacoom’s commanding officer from 1858–1861. Mr. Morgan will bring Silas Casey to life as he discusses both the military and domestic spheres of a man who contributed much to our nation’s military and our state’s history. Quarters 2 at 2 pm.
Christmas at Fort Steilacoom
- December 13, 2008
- Reenactors will present a period candle-light Christmas in the four remaining officers’ quarters. The Casey’s will be entertaining guests from Steilacoom, Fort Nisqually, and elsewhere as carolers, officers and soldiers stroll about, and ladies and gentlemen dance to the tune of fiddlers. There will also be children’s craft activities, and the gift shop will be open for Christmas shopping. Tickets will be available at the Fort Steilacoom Interpretive Center in Quarters 4 during the event, 4 to 7:30 pm.
Upcoming Events, 2009
Additional information coming forthwith!
Tea with Mrs. Casey
- February 21, 2009
School of the Regular
- February 28–March 1, 2009
Puget Sound Indian Wars Board Gaming
- April 19, 2009
Civil War Demonstration in Fort Steilacoom Park
- May 8–10, 2009
Armed Forces Day — HFSA to demonstrate at Fort Lewis
- May 16, 2009
Parades in the Towns of Steilacoom & Dupont
- July 4, 2009
Founder’s Day Pic-Nic
- August 16, 2009
Captain Bennett Hill & the Founding of Fort Steilacoom
- September 13, 2009
Immersion Living History Event
- October 17 & 18, 2009
Christmas at the Fort
- December 12, 2009
Past Events
Fort Nisqually 2008 — Troops from Steilacoom visit Ft. Nisqually to relive October 1855
On October 3–4, the HFS Living History Detachment (LHD) set-up an encampment at Fort Nisqually, a Tacoma Parks-operated reconstruction of the original Hudson Bay Company fort.
Portraying soldiers from Company A/4th Infantry, the LHD joined with over 100 other volunteers to recreate the sights and sounds of October 1855, a period of uncertainty and tension that would soon be transformed into bitter warfare between American settlers and Native Americans.
As a part of Fort Nisqually’s annual Candlelight Tour, the LHD braved the pouring rain of Friday night and the autumn calm of Saturday night to bring to life in first-person impressions the frustrations, dreams, and camaraderie of soldiers and an officer about to experience a winter that they would not soon forget.
HFS Living History Detachment
The embryonic HFS Living History Detachment welcomes those who are interested in first-person portrayals and immersive living history focusing on Washington State history of the 1840s–60s. If you’re interested in joining us, please contact Board Member John McPherson at historygeeks@verizon.net.
Immersion 2008 — The Fort comes back to life at our 3rd Annual Immersion Event
Volunteers spent Saturday, September 13 immersed in the personalities and activities of soldiers, families, and laborers common to Historic Ft. Steilacoom in 1860.
Officers enjoyed friendly conversation as their wives hosted a social gathering at the Casey home. Enlisted men and contract laborers made repairs to the fort’s buildings and chopped firewood for the post kitchen. Food was served in the impromptu mess hall (Quarters 2) while medicine was dispensed by the post surgeon from his office (located this year in Quarters 3).
All involved had a good time. Our public turnout elicited both positive and excited commentary. We look forward to doing this event again next year!
