Fort Ticonderoga will host its Sixth Annual “Material Matters: It’s in the Details” Seminar Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6. This weekend event focuses on the material culture of the 18th century and is intended for collectors,scholars, and people with a general interest in learning more about objects of the 18th century and what they can tell us about history.

A panel of material culture experts comes to Fort Ticonderoga for the weekend to share their knowledge of 18th-century material culture in a series of presentations. Designed for those who want a deeper understanding of the everyday objects that help tell the story of life and the contests for control of North America during the 18th century, the weekend’s informal approach enables attendees to interact with presenters and provides an opportunity to examine 18th-century objects up close.

Seminar topics include: “Heavy Metal History and Preservation” with Chris Sabick; “Faste Coloniaux: Military Pomp, Domestic Display, and State Power in the French Atlantic Empire” with Philippe Halbert; “Anglo-American Weaving Techniques of 18^th-Century New England” with Justin Squizzero; and “Army Wives and Refugees: The Material Lives of Women with Burgoyne’s Army in 177” with Eliza West.

The Saturday session concludes with a lecture and concert that showcases the relationship between functional military tunes and songs, dances, and other pieces enjoyed by the English speaking world. “The Harmony of War: Popular Music Adapted for Military use During the American Revolution” will be performed by; Erick Lichack (fife, drum, and harpsichord), Eliza Vincz (vocals), and Joshua Mason (fife and classical flute).

“Material Matters” takes place in the Mars Education Center at Fort Ticonderoga and is open by pre-registration only. The cost is $145 (Members of Fort Ticonderoga receive a discount, as do students and young museum professionals). Registration forms can be downloaded by visiting http://www.fortticonderoga.org/education/workshop-seminars/material-matters. A printed copy is also available upon request by contacting Rich Strum, Director of Education, at (518) 585-6370.