A WARM WELCOME
Fort Necessity's New Interpretive and Education Center Opens This Month

WQED Multimedia is producing a four-part documentary that will bring to life the French and Indian War, a fascinating yet little-understood conflict. Produced and filmed locally, the production is an important, regional economic-development project. "The War That Made America" is planned for broadcast on Wednesdays Jan. 18 and 25, 9-11 p.m.

Fort Necessity National Battlefield, nestled in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, is the only National Park site dedicated to commemorating the French and Indian War. Located in Farmington, Fayette County, on the historic National Road, it is the site of George Washington's first battle. Separate components of the park also include Jumonville Glen (where Washington skirmished with the French before the first battle), Gen. Edward Braddock's grave site and parts of Braddock's road. And this month, a new visitors' center for the fort (and the National Road, the United States' first federally funded road) opens with exhibits and programs that chronicle the complex story of a formative chapter in our nation's history.

The new Interpretive and Education Center, a 14,000-square-foot facility designed by nationally acclaimed architect Susan Maxman of Philadelphia, is the result of a federal, state and private sector partnership. It includes 4,500 square feet of exhibit space, a 60-seat auditorium and theater, rooms for educational and special programs, and a library for scholarly research.

See the new center, and learn a little history in the process, during the grand opening weekend, Oct. 8 to 10. The highlight of the weekend is the dedication of the new center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring historian David McCullough delivering the keynote speech at 11 a.m. on Sat., Oct 8. Other events throughout the weekend include encampments, a market fair, craft demonstrations, book and print signings by David McCullough and artist Robert Griffing, and tours of the new exhibits.

For more information about events, parking and fees, call 724/329-5512 or check the park's Web site.

More information about the regional commemoration of the French and Indian War

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