Upstate New York is steeped in history as evidenced by numerous attractions that generate plenty of excitement for family members of all ages. The following are several points of historical interest in the Upstate New York region that will make for both educational and fun journeys this summer vacation season.

Fort Ontario – Oswego

Fort Ontario has played a signifi cant role in the history of the United States, from the French and Indian War to the Revolutionary War to its status as a “Safe Haven” for Holocaust refugees during World War II.

It continues to be a main historical attraction on the shores of Lake Ontario in the city of Oswego.

Fort Ontario will be abuzz with activity Aug. 11-13 when “The Battle of Fort Ontario” takes place. It reenacts a major battle of the French and Indian War.

It is part of the 250th commemoration of the French and Indian War, and is considered a major event on the “I Love New York” tourism schedule this summer.

Paul Lear, historic site manager, said the fort is becoming a vital part of the local economy as it draws in tourists from across the globe.

“This is our summer to shine,” he said.

Lear said the fort represents an “engine for the economy” and businesses are joining fort supporters in making it a success.

“Our main thing is preserving the site as a shrine, but also making it a signifi cant part of the economy,” he said.

The French attacked, captured and destroyed British-occupied Oswego during the epic battle in August of 1756.

Special reenactments of artillery bombardments and large-scale confrontations between the Indian-backed French and British will be held over the weekend to underline the ferocity of the battle.

Featured at the historic event will be lecturers, music, children’s activities and games.

Also on hand will be sutlers, or merchants selling items such as relics, clothing and children’s games.

A fur trader will also be in attendance.

The fort is open May through October, Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

Admission is charged.

For more information, call (315) 343-4711 or go to www. fortontario.com.

Fort Stanwix National Monument – Rome

The monument is located at 112 E. Park St., Rome. Originally built in 1758 by the British, this reconstructed wooden stockade fort is a living history lesson of the nation’s early days. It was established to protect an overland portion of water routes that linked New York City to Canadian markets.

Although besieged by the British during the Revolutionary War, settlers at Stanwix held out against the 21-day onslaught.

The fort was also the site of many Colonial American and Native American treaties.

Today, visitors can view archaeological exhibits, check out the museum, explore the bookstore, and browse a 3-D map of the state.

The new Willett Center offers new exhibits, a bookstore and housing for the fort’s museum collection.

Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from April through December. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children under 16.

For more information, call (315) 336-4448 or go to www.nps.gov/fost/.

Erie Canal Museum – Syracuse

The Erie Canal Museum is a private, nonprofit corporation founded in 1962. It is housed in the 1850 Weighlock Building, where canal boats were weighed during the days when they traveled through the center of Syracuse on the Erie Canal.

The address is 318 Erie Boulevard East in Syracuse.

A gallery of participatory exhibits gives visitors a look at canal life and promotes hands-on learning, according to its Web site. The museum has three special exhibits each year that draw on its nationally renowned artifact collection and historical research. Museum tours and specialty programs for all age groups are developed to entertain as well as educate. A variety of school programs are also offered by the museum.

In 1986, Syracuse was selected as one of New York State Parks Department’s 14 Heritage Area communities because the city captures a unique facet of state history.

Admission to the museum is free, but donations are appreciated.

Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. It is also open Monday by appointment for group visits.

For more information, call 471-0593 or go to www. eriecanalmuseum.org.

Museum of the Earth – Ithaca

The Museum of the Earth in Ithaca is a major new tourist attraction and source of economic development in Tompkins County and New York’s southern tier. I

t is an educational facility that stresses the interdependence of the Earth and its life, fostering greater public understanding of the environment, its history and its future.

The museum is regarded as an important new resource for teachers and students across central New York state for improving science teaching and learning.

The Museum of the Earth showcases a wide selection of fossils from the collection of the Paleontological Research Institution, which contains over 2 million specimens.

These relics of the past illuminate the ever-changing history of life on earth. The museum’s interactive, creative exhibits present ancient tales and offer clues to what the Earth’s future might hold.

The Museum of the Earth is located at 1259 Trumansburg Road (Route 96), Ithaca.

Summer Hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day) are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Rates are $8 for adults; $5 for seniors/students with ID; $3 for youth ages 4-17; and free for children 3 and under as well as members.

For more information, call (607) 273-6623 ext. 33 or go to www.museumoftheearth.org.

The Harriet Tubman Home – Auburn

Harriet Tubman was born a slave in 1820 near Cambridge on the eastern shore of Maryland. Once her own escape from slavery was behind her, through the use of the “Underground Railroad” Harriet made 19 trips south, rescuing more than 300 slaves. Her effective method of leading slaves out of the South depended on an ever-shifting series of hiding places. The secrets of the Underground Railroad were so well kept that, even today, not much is known about it.

During the Civil War, Tubman rendered invaluable service to the Union Army as a spy, scout and hospital nurse. After the war, William Seward encouraged Harriet to settle in Auburn, where she started a home for aged blacks. Today, as a meeting place for youth conferences and a cultural enrichment center, the Harriet Tubman Home fulfi lls Tubman’s dream by servicing all of her people. The Tubman Home was included on the “Save America’s Treasures Tour” and visited by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in 1998, and again with the President, in the summer of 1999.

The Tubman Home is being considered for inclusion in the National Park Service. The annual Tubman Pilgrimage and banquet is held on Memorial Day weekend.

The Harriet Tubman Home is located at 180 South St., Auburn. It has been a registered National Historic Landmark since 1975.

Regular hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

General admission is $3, while senior and student discounts are available.

Group tours can be made by appointment.

The Library/Orientation Room is handicapped accessible.

For more information, call (315) 252-2081 or visit www. nyhistory.com.