Fort Union Announces Digital Rendezvous
Fort Union staff is inviting the public to join them online for a new virtual Rendezvous experience the week of June 18-21. Their planned digital content will follow the same order of events as the previously scheduled live rendezvous that was canceled due to COVID-19 safety concerns. All digital content will be available on www.nps.gov/fous and at facebook.com/FortUnionTrading-PostNHS/.
On Thursday, June 18, will be kids day. Every half hour, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central Standard Time, staff will release a new do-at-home kids art project. Youth will learn Fort Union history by making their own winter count, constructing a tipi, decorating a historic weapon and other activities. Participants are encouraged to share their completed activities on the Fort Union Facebook page.
According to park ranger Lisa Sandenm, participants who complete five projects will receive a special digital surprise from Fort Union.
Friday, June 19, will be demonstration day. Staff will share a series of short videos featuring programs and demonstrations from past rendezvous. After viewing the videos, staff ask that you let them know what other historical demonstrations you would like to see in the future.
Saturday, June 20, is set for photo check in. Visitors can check-in digitally via the group’s Facebook page by liking your favorite photo or sharing a favorite photo from a past rendezvous in the comments section. If you have period attire, share a photo of yourself dressed up in your historic best. A photo gallery of past rendezvous will also be available on the park website. Staff will also debut a new podcast episode of “Five Minute Fur Trade.”
Sunday, June 21, is set aside for thanking volunteers and celebrating rendezvous 2021.
Said Sanden, “Volunteers make the rRendezvous a success. Even though we were not able to host the live 2020 Rendezvous this year, we want to thank the volunteers who spend considerable time and effort to bring history alive at Fort Union Trading Post. We will share a video dedicated to why our volunteers love this park, an interview from 2016’s StoryCorps NPS Centennial and debut a new podcast series called Stewards of History.
Updates about NPS operations will be posted on nps.gov/coronavirus. Check with individual parks for specific details about park operations.
