BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG – The Fort La Présentation Association is planning a roughly 6,000-square-foot welcome center and museum at the historic fort site,  according to a recent newsletter outlining a project the group says is intended to increase tourism and support economic activity in Ogdensburg.

The full article by Ted Como can be found here.

The proposed building would include museum exhibits, archaeological artifacts from the fort site, space for community gatherings and events, a catering kitchen, a fireplace based on 18th-century designs and a gift shop.

The association said it commissioned a feasibility study in 2018, in partnership with the city of Ogdensburg, to examine future development of the site. That study, conducted by LaBella Associates, recommended continued incremental improvements rather than construction of a visitor center at the time, citing the city’s limited capacity to support increased visitation.

The newsletter said the association has since completed site improvements, including shoreline stabilization, trail and deck expansion, creation of the Newell Family Archaeological Site, and access to an overlook point and pavilion. Future plans include a blacksmith shop and a digital presentation about the fort.

The newsletter also noted that United Helpers was awarded $9.8 million to redevelop the former Pythian Beach property into a community and recreation center.

The association says Ogdensburg needs an attraction to increase tourism and encourage demand for lodging and dining, alongside institutions such as the Ogdensburg History Museum and the Frederic Remington Art Museum.

LaBella Associates now supports moving forward with the project, according to the newsletter.

The association said the center would provide space to display artifacts recovered during archaeological excavations and currently held by the state, including cannons, and would serve as an interpretive center supporting long-term plans to recreate the fort and an associated Native American village.

According to the newsletter, the building would support cooking demonstrations, craft programs and events such as reenactments and fishing derbies. Design plans include a large room with a hearth and bake oven.

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