Get Involved
Member Registration Form
Children’s Program Registration Form
Youth Apprentice Registration Form
BECOME A MEMBER
If you would like to help support the Fortress of Louisbourg, either behind the scenes or as one of our animators, why not join the Fortress Louisbourg Association? Our members have special access to programs not open to the general public and the satisfaction of knowing they are helping to preserve our local history for future generations. Members also receive a special membership card that entitles them to a 5% discount at the Fortress of Louisbourg’s restaurants and gift boutiques.
Anyone can join regardless of age, though any children under the age of 18 will not be able to vote at the Association’s meetings. The fee for families is only $15.
Joining is easy! Fill out our online membership application form available below:
EXISTING MEMBERS
New and existing members may login and manage their family account, request dates for their participation in our various activities and programs. Notices, important deadlines for registration and various forms are also accessible.
After completing the application to Become a Member, you will receive a password to access your account by logging in below.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
Parents and teachers alike have experienced the frustration of trying to get children interested in our nation’s history. Historical textbooks tend to be dry and boring, but there’s one sure-fire way to have your child begging to learn more: enroll him or her in our Children’s Animation Program. It combines children’s love of make believe with a hands-on historical learning experience that’s not only fun for the child but also helps breathe life into the reconstructed Fortress.
For one week in the summer children as young as five dress up in authentic replica costumes and pretend they’re living in 1744. They’ll sing traditional French songs, play the games their ancestors played hundreds of years ago, and learn what it was like to live as a peasant child in Louisbourg during the 18th century. Our visitors love to see the children and the children love to be seen. Each year over 250 children participate in the program.
To enroll, children must be members of the Fortress of Louisbourg Association and be between the ages of 5 and 12, and have completed at least one year of school.
YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP
If you had fun dressing up in historic costumes and pretending you were from 1744 in the Children’s Animation Program but have gotten a little too old for it, the Youth Apprentice Program may be right up your alley. It carries over from the children’s program and is an exciting way to learn what it was like for peasant teenagers in New France that will only take up one week of your summer break from school.
The Youth Apprenticeship Program is a great way to build confidence, learn public speaking and communication skills, and develop your leadership and teamwork abilities. Not only will you learn a thing or two that might help you in school, but you will make friendships and form memories that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
For five days during the Fortress’ peak season, you will dress in authentic replica clothing and train with Parks Canada animators. Apprentices may choose from one of the two programs : A Working Classs Life or A Lady’s Life.
In A Working Class Life (max 4 participants per week), apprentices will receive instruction in several of the following activities*:
Morning: Cooking, Gardening, Domestic Crafts, Forge, Military, Bakery
Afternoon: Cleaning, Laundry, Gardening, Boat Building, Stacking / Chopping Wood, Rope Work
*Due to scheduling and availability some activities may not be offered on some days.
*Individual preferences cannot always be accomodated.
In A Lady’s Life (max 2 participants per week), apprentices specify one of the following projects:
– Bobbin Lace-Making (take-away bookmark)
– Sewing (take-away lingerie cap)
– Embroidering (take-away handkerchief)
To enroll, you must be a member of the Fortress of Louisbourg Association, be between the ages of 13 and 16.
MILITIA
Historical re-enactments aren’t just the purview of American Civil War enthusiasts. Dozens of people right here at home have banded together to help Parks Canada soldier-animators to bring the military aspect of 18th century Louisbourg to life for visitors as they defend the Fortress from its heated rivals: the English.
The original Fortress of Louisbourg militia assisted the regulars in times of emergency and was made up of fishermen, farmers, and townspeople from the Louisbourg settlement. Today members come from all walks of life in towns all over Cape Breton. They train regularly in marching, musket firing, and public demonstrations under the watchful eye of Parks Canada “regulars.”
To enroll, you must be a member of the Fortress of Louisbourg Association. You must also be at least 18 years of age to be certified under the militia’s black powder training program.
email at lbourgmilitia@gmail.com
ADULT VOLUNTEERING
The Milice de Louisbourg that existed in 1745 was made up of people from the town of Louisbourg, fishermen and farmers from surrounding areas. As is traditional with a militia group they assisted the military forces at Louisbourg during times of military emergency. The group of re-enactors called the Milice de Louisbourg (Louisbourg Militia) portrays this group.
Today a well-organized unit exists, which is limited to twenty members because of the availability of costumes. The Militia costumes are authentic, and this group also receives training from the Park in musket firing and demonstrations. Each member portraying an active militiaman must possess a Fire Arms Acquisition Certificate. This group meets on a regular basis and has developed a formalized program of training and activities. They participate in all special events at the Park, and represent the Park at a number of special events in the surrounding communities.
SCHOLARSHIP FORMS
2018 FORTRESS LOUISBOURG ASSOCIATION
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
$1000 Fortress Louisbourg Association Scholarship
The Fortress Louisbourg Scholarship is being offered by The Association as a tribute to a volunteer that has shown dedicated service. Download the $1000 scholarship application form for required criteria.
$100.00 Scholarship Awards
If you are graduating from Grade 12, in 2018 and are planning to attend a Community College or University in the 2018-2019 school year, you may be eligible for one of our $100.00 Scholarship Awards. To be eligible for the scholarship you must be a current member and have been a member of the Fortress Louisbourg Association, in good standing, for at least two years prior to 2018. If you meet this criteria please download and complete the information in the application form, and return to us, as soon as possible, with proof of acceptance to a recognized Community College or University. Download the $100 scholarship application form here.
YOUtH FIFE AND DRUM
We’ve created the Youth Fife and Drum Program to provide an outlet for military-minded youth with an interest in history and a talent for music. The fife and drum program provides a chance for teenagers who have participated in our Children’s Animation Program to take their training one step further and learn what it was like for a young soldier in a military band in 1744 Louisbourg.
Fifes and drums were the radios to the 18th century military. The fifer’s shrill notes and the drummers’ staccato beats could be heard all across the battlefield over the thuds of hundreds of soldiers’ boots and the clanging of their gear as they marched. When even a human voice shouting would go unheard, fifers and drummers sent out marching orders through their music that kept the regiment moving as a unit.
For one month or two months, ordinary modern teenagers like you can have this power. Dressed in authentic 18th century costumes, you will train with your regiment in marching, drum calls, and maintaining your instrument while playing your part for the visitors to the Fortress Louisbourg. Not only will it hone your musical skills, but it will also help you build confidence through public speaking and military discipline.
To enroll in the program you must be a member of the Fortress of Louisbourg Association, be between the ages of 12 and 16, and have some experience playing the drum or fife (flute). Applicants will also have to successfully audition in front of the Drum Major.