Many great things happened at Fort Monroe over the spring and summer and we are looking forward to an exciting fall and winter. There has been an increase in visitor traffic this year and it is in large part due to a wide array of special events that have become very popular with the public.
On Thursday evenings this summer, Fort Monroe was again proud to host its Music by the Bay Summer Concert Series featuring military bands and patriotic music. To kick off this year’s concert series, the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band performed a special commemorative concert for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. As a complement to the summer concert series, the Casemate Museum implemented the Discover Fort Monroe: Pre-Concert Walking Tour Series. Casemate Museum staff and National Park Service Rangers conducted 45-minute walking tours of Fort Monroe, emphasizing the history of the site, prior to each concert. Again, we were thrilled to conclude our summer concert series with the stirring performance of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
Fort Monroe’s Fourth at the Fort Celebration was again a huge success. An estimated 17,000 visitors enjoyed food vendors; free, family-friendly activities; musical entertainment provided by the United States Navy Fleet Forces Wind Ensemble and a spectacular close-proximity July 4th fireworks show.
As fall and winter approach, Fort Monroe is excited to provide three additional opportunities to explore the site and learn the history of one of the nation’s oldest treasures. On October 24 and 25, costumed storytellers will share classic Fort Monroe ghost tales during Fort Monroe Ghost Walk: Where History Meets Mystery. Holiday events at Fort Monroe will include a free concert by the Hampton Roads Philharmonic Orchestra and a tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, December 7, as well as a Holiday Homes Tour on the afternoon of Saturday, December 13. (Read more about these events here.)
Finally, the Fort Monroe Foundation would like to extend its appreciation to our sponsors who make special programming possible and to the public for attending. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, it is our hope that your enjoyment of historic Fort Monroe will often include attending our special events. From all of us at FMA, thank you for your support. We hope to see you again—and again.
Sincerely,
G. Glenn Oder, ASLA
Executive Director, Fort Monroe Authority
