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Rifle Firing Demonstrations and programs take place on the Parade Ground. Cannon Firing Demonstrations take place at the Upper Gun Platform.
9:30 a.m.
Morning Cannon Salute/Fort Mackinac Open for the Day
Here’s your chance to add your name to the record books!
10:00 a.m.
Rifle Firing Demonstration followed by Changing Face of Fort Mackinac Program
Learn about the changing technology of the US Army and find out why the army put an emphasis on marksmanship and changing tactics. Includes a live demonstration! Then, learn how Fort Mackinac has changed architecturally over the 115 years it was an active fort.
11:00 a.m. Mackinac National Park: 150 Event!
Cannon Firing Demonstration followed by Mackinac National Park Program
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon! Fort Mackinac was headquarters to the United States’ second national park, established in 1875, 150 years ago this year. This program will introduce the rise of tourism on Mackinac Island and how the island and fort have been preserved.
12:00 p.m.
Rifle Firing Demonstration followed by The Army of the 1880s Program
Learn about the changing technology of the US Army and find out why the army put an emphasis on marksmanship and changing tactics. Includes a live demonstration! Then, head with an interpreter for a deeper look at the army of the 1880s.
1:00 p.m.
Cannon Firing Demonstration followed by The People of Fort Mackinac Program
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon! Then, take a tour of Fort Mackinac while learning about the various people who called Fort Mackinac home.
1:30 p.m.
Guard Mount Program
Learn how soldiers would conduct Guard Mount in the 1880s and watch as interpreters act out this complex military ceremony.
2:00 p.m.
Drill Activity and Rifle Firing Demonstration
Muster into the army of the 1880s by heading out on the Parade Ground and taking part in drill, followed by a live demonstration!
3:00 p.m.
Cannon Firing Demonstration, followed by Soldier’s Uniform and Equipment Program
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon! Then, learn about the equipment issued to soldiers in the 1880s and learn more about the Quartermasters’ Storehouse.
4:00 p.m.
Dress Parade Program, followed by the Women of Fort Mackinac Program
Watch as soldiers are inspected and reviewed, then join an interpreter in exploring the role women played at Fort Mackinac in the 1880s.
5:00 p.m.
Cannon Firing Demonstration, followed by the Hospital Corps at Fort Mackinac Program
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon! While the Hospital Corps only came into being toward the very end of Fort Mackinac’s time as an active military post, it demonstrates another way Fort Mackinac experienced the changing times of the army.
6:00 p.m.
Rifle Firing Demonstration
Learn about the changing technology of the US Army and find out why the army put an emphasis on marksmanship and changing tactics. Includes a live demonstration!
6:30 p.m.
Cannon Firing Demonstration
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon!
7:00 p.m.
Fort Mackinac Closed for the Day
A downloadable version of the events schedule can be found by clicking here.
