The Stone Fort Volunteer Militia

The Schoharie County Historical Society invites you to step back in time, to explore the history of those who lived and fought in old Schohary District during the American Revolution.

Learning colonial military drill. Based on the British 1764 Manual Exercise, the militia drill covers the basics of the firelock manual of arms, marching, and field maneuvering.

Members of the Stone Fort Volunteer Militia learn how to make their own period clothing and accoutrements as the first step toward learning “living history” basics.

Planting spring wheat. Schoharie County is often referred to as having been part of the “Breadbasket of the American Revolution” because its tremendous wheat crop helped feed the Continental Army.

Two hungry militiamen stand guard over a boiling stew. Cooking, using colonial recipes and methods, is part of the daily routine during all-day meetings.

The volunteer militia celebrates the capture of an infamous Tory during Stone Fort Days

Preparing for a scout in the forest. The militia are dressed and painted like Schohary Rangers during the Revolution, who adopted the appearance and tactics of skilled Iroquois warriors.

Members take a hands-on approach to learning history. Here, they make wooden spoons and grain scoops.

A dedicated member pours molten lead into musket ball molds during Stone Fort Days. Part of the Volunteer Militia program is learning how to demonstrate skills to help educate the public.

A few hardy patriots brave a cold rain as they prepare to participate in the Duanesburg Memorial Day Parade. The militia participates in parades and special events, such as Independence Day at the Old Stone Fort, throughout the year.