AUGUSTA — Old Fort Western, the 1754 National Landmark Fort, Store and House on the Kennebec River in downtown, will re-open for the 2016 season on May 28 and 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Memorial Day, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Monday the Daniel Savage Company will demonstrate life as 18th century Revolutionary War soldiers and their role at Fort Western. They will be joined by Augusta Mayor David Rollins, KVC President Ross Cunningham, LCDR, USN, Ret, Brigidier General Douglas Farnham, and Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Ret., Patrick Eisenhart for a Memorial Day Ceremony at 1 p.m. to remember all soldiers and to sign a special Community Covenant recognizing Augusta as a Military Friendly Community. During the Ceremony, there will be the raising of the colors, a musket volley by the Daniel Savage’s Company as well as music by the Liberty String Band and a Military Band.

Fort Western is best known as the French and Indian War fort built in 1754 as part of Massachusetts military and settlement expansion into the Kennebec River Valley. However, in 1775 it was also the staging area for Benedict Arnold’s ill-fated Expedition, and in 1778-1779, Capt. Daniel Savage under the Command of Col. William Howard, operated a scouting company out of it. The men of the Savage Company are among the original combat soldiers of Augusta. During its two hundred and sixty two years of existence, Fort Western has served as not only a fort, but also as a store, home, and tenement and has played a central role in the founding of Augusta.

Admission rates: $10 for adults, $6 for children (6-14), $8 for seniors and veterans, $25 for family. Augusta residents and active military are free of charge.

For more information visit www.oldfortwestern.org or call 626-2385.