Annual War College of the Seven Years’ War | Fort Ticonderoga | May 15-17, 2026

Friday, May 15, 2026 9:00 AM
Sunday, May 17, 2026 5:00 PM

Fort Ticonderoga 102 Fort Ti Road Ticonderoga, NY, 12883 United States (map)

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Thirtieth Annual War College of the Seven Years’ War at Fort Ticonderoga

Historic Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain, site of Thirtieth Annual War College of the Seven Years’ War — Historic Fort Ticonderoga. Photo courtesy LakeChamplainRegion.org (ROOST).

For three days in May, the Adirondacks become an intellectual crossroads of global history. The Thirtieth Annual War College of the Seven Years’ War, held at Fort Ticonderoga in Ticonderoga, NY, is a premier historical conference and lecture series running Friday through Sunday, May 15–17, 2026.

Drawing scholars and enthusiasts from across North America and Europe, this long-running event offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with one of the most consequential conflicts of the 18th century—right where history happened.

Since its founding in 1996, the War College has evolved into one of the leading venues for serious study of the Seven Years’ War, also known in North America as the French and Indian War.

A premier Adirondack history conference at Fort Ticonderoga.

Set on the shores of Lake Champlain, Fort Ticonderoga is no ordinary backdrop—it is a central stage in the very history being explored. Over the course of the weekend, attendees will move between lectures, discussions, and informal gatherings with historians, all within one of the most storied military sites in the Adirondacks.

Image of the upper part of Fort Ticonderoga. — Fort Ticonderoga.

The program features a robust lineup of expert speakers covering topics that stretch far beyond the familiar narratives of North America. Expect sessions on British victories in Germany, French logistics in Pennsylvania, Marian symbolism in warfare, and Anglo-French conflicts in South Asia—underscoring the global scope of the Seven Years’ War.

After paragraph two or three, a reminder: ADK Taste is your weekly guide to Adirondack stories, food, and events—worth bookmarking before your next deep dive into the region.

What to expect from the War College experience.

This is not a passive conference. It’s an immersive, highly social experience designed for historians and curious minds alike.

The weekend begins Friday evening with an opening reception from 5:30–6:30 pm in the Pavilion and King’s Garden—an ideal setting to meet speakers and fellow attendees over light refreshments.

Saturday and Sunday feature a full slate of presentations beginning at 9 am, with topics ranging from regimental flags and battlefield strategy to gender roles and Indigenous diplomacy during wartime. Lunches are included, and a Saturday evening dinner (pre-registration required) offers another opportunity for conversation and connection.

For those unable to travel, the War College is also available virtually via Zoom, with full access to live sessions and recordings for two weeks after the event.

Why this event stands out in the Adirondacks.

The Adirondacks are often associated with outdoor adventure, but events like this reveal a deeper layer of the region—one rooted in global history, scholarship, and cultural exchange.

There’s something quietly powerful about discussing 18th-century warfare while overlooking the very waterways and landscapes that shaped it. Fort Ticonderoga transforms from museum to meeting ground, where past and present intersect in real time.

re-enactor at Fort Ticonderoga. — Barracks at Fort Ticonderoga.

ADK Taste insight.

The Seven Years’ War is often called the first “world war,” with battles spanning Europe, North America, the Caribbean, West Africa, and South Asia. This conference reflects that global perspective, offering Adirondack visitors a rare chance to explore how events here are connected to a much larger geopolitical story.

ADK Taste recommendation.

Plan to arrive early on Friday to explore Fort Ticonderoga before the opening reception. Admission is included with registration, and walking the grounds—especially the fortifications and shoreline—adds meaningful context to the weekend’s lectures.

Event details at a glance.

Event: Thirtieth Annual War College of the Seven Years’ War
Dates: Friday–Sunday, May 15–17, 2026
Location: Fort Ticonderoga, Ticonderoga, NY
Hours: Programming begins Friday evening; sessions run 9 am onward Saturday and Sunday
Format: In-person and virtual options available

Advance registration is required. Visit the official Fort Ticonderoga website for full schedules, speaker details, and ticket information.

Inside the War College experience at Fort Ticonderoga.

This short video offers a glimpse into the War College atmosphere at Fort Ticonderoga, highlighting the setting, scholarship, and community behind the event.

Scholars and attendees gather at Fort Ticonderoga for lectures, discussions, and immersive historical exploration during the annual War College of the Seven Years’ War.

This annual conference at Fort Ticonderoga in the Adirondacks brings global history into sharp, place-based focus.

FAQ: War College of the Seven Years’ War

What is the War College of the Seven Years’ War?
It’s a three-day historical conference at Fort Ticonderoga featuring expert lectures on the Seven Years’ War and related global history.

When is the event happening?
May 15–17, 2026, with programming beginning Friday evening and continuing through Sunday.

Where is it located?
At Fort Ticonderoga in Ticonderoga, NY, in the eastern Adirondacks along Lake Champlain.

Can the public attend?
Yes. The event is open to both scholars and interested members of the public, though registration is required.

How do you get tickets?
Register online through Fort Ticonderoga’s website or by mail. Both in-person and virtual tickets are available.

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