For over 150 years, Fort Niagara protected the strategic point at the mouth of the Niagara River. Four nations struggled to conquer it, and thus control that critical water artery. On Wednesday, April 21 at 8 pm, FORT NIAGARA: THE STRUGGLE FOR A CONTINENT explores the story of the long-standing landmark in Youngstown, New York. This WNED-TV production was developed in cooperation with the Old Fort Niagara Association.

Today, Old Fort Niagara is a popular attraction noted not only for its importance within this region, but its longevity. Modern visitors to the site have always been able to explore one of North America's largest collections of original 18th century military architecture. Using rare archival materials, expert commentaries, spectacular videography and live reenactments, viewers can experience the history of Fort Niagara from its beginnings through modern times.

WNED was selected by the Old Fort Niagara Association to produce this 30 minute documentary and a 15-minute orientation video. They were commissioned as part of the Gateway to History Campaign, a six million dollar project to create a Visitor Center and Museum at Old Fort Niagara. Construction is expected to begin this year.

“We are very pleased with the quality of both the broadcast documentary and the 15-minute orientation piece which will be shown in our new Visitor Center,” said Robert Emerson, Executive Director of the Old Fort Niagara Association. “Both productions will be valuable educational tools for Old Fort Niagara. The broadcast piece will be very helpful in developing heritage tourism for our region. This is a wonderful example of collaboration between cultural entities in Western New York.”

“WNED is very pleased to be involved in this important collaborative project,” said Donald K. Boswell, President and CEO of WNED. “The project provides an opportunity to showcase one of our region’s historical gems as well as the High Definition production capabilities of WNED.” The High Definition format will not only produce the highest quality images, but make the documentary more marketable to PBS stations throughout the country.

The production of FORT NIAGARA: THE STRUGGLE FOR A CONTINENT was made possible with the generous support of M&T Bank.