Supporting Living History at Fort Monroe: The Canoe Project

Fort Monroe is a place where history is experienced, explored, and brought to life through dynamic programming that connects people to the land, the water, and the stories that shaped this remarkable site.

One of the most powerful examples is the Fort Monroe Canoe Project, a hands-on living history initiative that brings students and visitors into direct relationship with the Chesapeake Bay and the region’s Indigenous heritage. Through guided instruction, participants learn about traditional canoe craftsmanship, maritime history, and the cultural significance of waterways long before Fort Monroe became a military installation. The result is immersive, place-based education that feels immediate and meaningful.

The Canoe Project is made possible through generous support from the Fort Monroe Foundation and Huntington Ingalls Industries, whose investment in educational programming ensures that young people in our region have access to transformative learning experiences. We are also grateful to the Hampton Education Foundation for their generous support in helping expand access to local students.

This work would not be possible without the extraordinary Museums, Education & Interpretation team at Fort Monroe. Their expertise, creativity, and dedication turn history into something tangible and engaging for audiences of all ages.

Living history programming like the Canoe Project demonstrates what makes Fort Monroe special: it is a classroom, a shoreline, and a storybook all at once. Through thoughtful partnerships and community support, history here is preserved, practiced, and passed on to the future.