“Keeping Fort Ancient open to the public, and ensuring that this valuable resource remains an effective and viable education facility, fits extremely well into our mission of educating and enlightening the public,” noted Mark J. Meister, president and CEO of the Society.
Under the agreement, the Ohio Historical Society retains ownership of Fort Ancient, including responsibility for maintenance, collections, security and capital expenditures.
The Society said it will expand access to the public, including adding 51 days of operation to the schedule, and change the admission fee structure. School field trips will continue, the Society said.
New schedule, fees
As of Aug. 1, Fort Ancient will be open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from April to November; from December to March, the museum will be open to the public on weekends only, except by appointment. The admission rates will also include a new senior discount and a reduced fee for adults:
- $6.00/adults (currently $8)
- $5.00/seniors, 60+
- $4.00/children, ages 6-12
- Children under 6 – FREE
Fort Ancient will continue to host a variety of long-standing special events, such as the annual Celebration, Boy Scout and Girl Scout activities, and the popular Triathlon, the Society said.
It added that as a benefit for Dayton Society of Natural History members, unlimited free admission to Fort Ancient will be included in the cost of annual membership, which also offers access to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and SunWatch Indian Village, as well as more than 300 institutions around the country through reciprocal privileges.
The price of annual family/grandparent membership begins at $69; military families receive a $10 discount. Ohio Historical Society memberships will be honored at Fort Ancient without interruption in benefits.
Information about Fort Ancient can be found at both BoonshoftMuseum.org and SunWatch.org, or by visiting OhioHistory.org. Additional questions can be directed to 937-275-7431, extension 130.
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