HAL to welcome Bob Emerson

Press release

The Historical Association of Lewiston welcomes Robert Emerson to its next meeting. He will present “It Will Answer the Purpose of a Fort Just as Well: The French Castle Turns 300” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah Fellowship Hall, 915 Oneida St.

Emerson’s presentation traces the history of Old Fort Niagara’s French Castle from its inception in 1726 through its restoration nearly a century ago, to its role as a popular attraction and educational institution today.

The government of New France established its first outpost on the Niagara in 1720 where Artpark stands today. Officials soon realized that a more substantial post was needed to protect French interests in the region. In 1725, the governor of Montreal, Charles Le Moyne Baron de Longueuil, journeyed to Onondaga (near modern Syracuse) to request permission from the Haudenosaunee to erect a more permanent facility beside the inadequate trading post known as Le Magasin Royal.

The colony’s chief engineer, Gaspard-Joseph Chaussegros de Lery, was dispatched with 100 soldiers and workmen to construct a defensible stone house capable of billeting about 30 soldiers. When de Lery arrived on the Niagara in June 1726, he decided to relocate the proposed fort to the river’s mouth, a more strategic position. Construction lasted from June 1726 to October 1727. Fort Niagara was born.

Emerson possesses a lifelong passion for history and has served as executive director of Old Fort Niagara since 1997. Prior to that, he served as a museum administrator for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for 13 years. He served as a commissioner on the New York State French and Indian War 250th anniversary commemoration commission and a member of the Binational War of 1812 Bicentennial Legacy Council. He currently chairs the Niagara County USA 250th committee.

In 2022, he was awarded the Ordre National du Mérite with the rank of chevalier by President Macron of France in recognition of his work in preserving and interpreting French history on the Great Lakes. Other awards include the Chairman’s Award from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; Chairman's Award and Businessperson of the Year, Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce; Friend of French Award, Western New York Chapter, American Association of Teachers of French; and Award of Excellence, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

This community event is free and open to all, but donations are greatly appreciated to help support the museum. Refreshments will be served.