Join us for a day of revelry in honor of Queen Victoria's 181st birthday!
At noon, bagpipes announce the start of the traditional tributes to the queen, followed by a musket volley, toasts by the gentlemen of the Fort, and a cannon salute. Many of the Fort’s ladies and gentlemen will be dressed in their finest 1850s fashion. Throughout the day, guests can visit with our historical interpreters, join in a game of croquet, explore hands-on activities, and enjoy live music and dance performances.
At 1 p.m. guests will be treated to a performance by the Chief Leschi Elementary, Puyallup Tribal School Drum & Dance Group. These 4th and 5thgraders will share some of their coastal cultural teachings through songs and dances from the Puyallup Tribe.
The Tacoma Scottish Country Dancers will be on hand to perform traditional 19th-century social dances and teach visitors the steps to favorites like “Strip the Willow.”
Throughout the day, visitors can barter with clerks in the Sale Shop and watch the blacksmiths working at the forge. The public is invited to join a round of croquet, trundle a hoop, or engage in a spirited game of graces. There will be tea, lemonade, and cookies while supplies last.
The birthday of Queen Victoria (May 24, 1819-1901) was celebrated by her subjects throughout the British Empire. At Hudson’s Bay Company forts across North America, the custom historically called for the declaration of the day as a holiday — all the laborers and servants had the day off. Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837. She ruled for almost 64 years, longer than any other British monarch to date, and was the reigning monarch for most of Fort Nisqually's active period (1833-1869).
Event admission is $8-$10, children 3 and younger are free. For more information visit fortnisqually.org or call (253) 404-3970.
