The event offers a glimpse into how Christmas might have been celebrated in the 18th century, providing a historical perspective on the holiday. Visitors can tour the fort, see demonstrations of 18th-century life, and potentially witness reenactments of colonial Christmas traditions. This event is one of the many activities and attractions that make up the […]
WHERE WERE THEY FROM? Verger? Trichel? Mezieres? Brevel? Grappe? And More? Have you ever found yourself down the rabbit-hole of genealogy? Fort staff have searched some of the available records […]
To celebrate spooky season, Fort staff will offer pumpkin painting. Individual-size artificial pumpkins will be available for visitors to decorate. Anyone visiting the site will have the opportunity to decorate a pumpkin and take it home. All ages are welcome. While supplies last!
Looking to earn a new Junior Ranger Badge? Join Fort staff as we showcase the stops along the El Camino and bring you the chance for your child to become a Trail Junior Ranger! Ages 10 and older welcome. Materials and instructions will be provided to send off for your Junior Ranger Badge. Call for […]
To celebrate Louisiana Archaeology Month, join Fort staff as we simulate an archaeology site. Using modern materials, we will show you the basics of sieving through a sandbox for treasures! For more information, call 318-357-3101.
Join Fort Shire and Natchitoches' own Shire of Loch Bach as we step back in time to the Renaissance Period. This historically accurate Renaissance Faire will aim to demonstrate skills and trades of the time period.
Join park staff as they build a 18th century style workman's toolbox. The program will also include a discussion of the history of the various tools used to create the toolbox.
Join the staff at the Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site for an experiment with bousillage as a sculpting medium.
We have all noticed a flag that has faded colors or a long loved shirt that is not nearly as vibrant as it originally was. That is usually caused by […]
Join Interpretive Ranger Felicia as we explore beginner knitting techniques and stiches. Anyone who works with yearn and textiles are invited to join in and share your knowledge with the group. Participiants are encouraged to bring your favorite pattern or even one you are interested in creating! Please bring your own knitting needles and any […]
The leather belt pouch was a tool of everyday carry in the 18th century. Join park staff as they demonstrate how a simple version of these pouches were made.
People have used maps for centuries to find their place from one way to another. Today we have a nice app that allows us to get turn by turn directions, but beofre the cellphone these maps were drawn by hand. Luckily some of those paper maps have survived all this time and allow us to […]
Join Interpretive Ranger Felicia as we explore beginner knitting techniques and stiches. Anyone who works with yearn and textiles are invited to join in and share your knowledge with the group. Participiants are encouraged to bring your favorite pattern or even one you are interested in creating! Please bring your own knitting needles and any […]
Join park staff in a discussion on the documented dye colors produced or imported into the Natchitoches colony with examples of raw materials and select finished products.
Visitors to the site are welcome to tour and visit with trade's skill crafters ranging from 18th, 19th, and 20th century crafts, and experience how they have changed and stayed the same.
Salt has been part of daily life for millennia. Today we can go to a grocery store and buy pounds worth with little thought on how that salt ends up on those shelves. During the time of the Fort, people knew who was collecting the salt and most likely the process of collecting it. Join […]
Today along any interstate there are various towns and trade points. For the 18th century Spanish in the new world The El Camino Real was that interstate. Join Fort staff […]
