Despite early morning rain, the Fort Malden historical site opened its doors for the summer on Saturday.
As the sun came out after lunch, so did visitors. From young families to older couples, a steady stream of people came thorough to check out the museum, army barracks and blacksmith’s shop.
Even if you missed out on opening day, there are plenty of things to do there this summer. Here are The Windsor Star’s top five.
Firing Demonstrations
Mike Danaher, left, and Lauren Stiers demonstrate a musket fire in front of the historic brick barracks at Fort Malden, Saturday May 16, 2015. Danaher portrays a British Indian Department sergeant while Stiers is dressed as an American soldier, 29th Kentucky circa 1814. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Even though you’re warned to cover your ears, it’s impossible to be fully prepared for the shock of hearing mortar fire for the first time.
About five seconds after the fuse is lit, a massive bang breaks the silence, followed by a cloud of grey smoke and the smell of sulphur.
A two-person gun crew loads and fires the weapon in almost the same way as soldiers during the War of 1812.
Along with the mortars, there are also hourly musket-firing exhibitions, showing off firepower from nearly two centuries ago.
Museum
Amherstburg, ONT. May 16, 2015 — Mark Feltde dressed as a gentlemen officer circa 1812 at the historic brick barracks at Fort Malden, Saturday May 16, 2015. Fort Malden opened for their 76th year. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
The museum has hundreds of artifacts with stories to tell — including the building itself.
It was built 150 years ago and was originally the bakery when Fort Malden was used as an insane asylum.
Exhibitions were revamped a few years ago, but structural issues with the building forced the museum to close in 2012. After a complete renovation, it’s ready for visitors again.
“In a lot of cases, what you’re going to be seeing is brand new,” said Alex Dale, Fort Malden’s interpretation officer. “A lot of new artifacts have been put out that haven’t been seen and a number of artifacts that haven’t been seen in a number of years are back out again.”
For military enthusiasts, the dozens of swords, guns and uniforms are a must-see.
Canada Day
Lucas Adams, left, and Connor Stott use wooden rifles, part of the mini-militia at Fort Malden Saturday May 16, 2015. Fort Malden opens for our 76th year. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
July 1, 2015 marks 200 years of peace between the United States and Canada and Fort Malden is marking the event with a historical re-enactment of this day.
Windsor-Essex holds the distinction of being the only part of Canada to have been occupied by a foreign army.
During the War of 1812, American forces crossed the Detroit River and took control of Fort Malden, occupying it until 1815.
Along with the re-enactment, there will be fireworks, military marches and traditional military music to cap off the celebrations.
Great War Encampment
Brent Angell, left, and Liz French go for a walk around Fort Malden on the south shore of the Detroit River Saturday May 16, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
When thinking of Fort Malden, the first thought is usually the War of 1812. But it was also used during the First World War as a recruiting office.
On the weekend of July 25-26, Fort Malden is holding its annual Great War Encampment weekend.
“We’ll be bringing in motorcycles, cook wagons, ambulances, scout cars, all kinds of cool things,” Dale said.
That weekend will definitely have a festival-like atmosphere. It lines up with the Amherstburg Mardi Gras and Amherstburg Gone Car-Crazy classic car show.
Army Barracks
Dressed in 1820’s Empire band dress, Nadine Joinville conversed with visitors inside the brick barracks at Fort Malden, Saturday May 16, 2015. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)
Get a rare look at where British soldiers lived, ate and slept during their time at Fort Malden.
From the soldiers’ beds, dining table, and even wash buckets, the barracks has everything soldiers used to survive while on the base.
Many of the guides are either local history enthusiasts or university students majoring in history. They’ll have an answer for almost any question you have.
By the time you leave, you’ll have everything you’ll need to know about being a 19th century recruit in the British Army.
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