History :

The Ticonderoga Festival Guild, Inc., was established in 1980 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the performing arts in the Ticonderoga area.

The very first summer the Guild brought the distinguished Soviet Emigre Orchestra as artists in residence. Members of the orchestra were housed and hosted by Guild members and friends.

The orchestra returned in 1981, but by 1982 the Guild members recognized that the program must have more variety, and other artists were booked. In 1983 a complete diversification expanded the program and the audience. Also in 1983, the Arts Trek series for children was introduced, receiving grants that permitted free Wednesday morning performances.

Concerts were held on the Village Green with the handsome Town Building as a backdrop. In 1984 a large yellow and white striped tent was purchased; this became the Ticonderoga Festival Guild logo. Contributions from Guild members, area businesses, and one particular benefactor made it possible to keep up tent payments and repairs. In 1993, through a generous Ronald McDonald grant, the worn-out tent was retired and a new one was purchased.

The Guild is now entering its second quarter-century of service to the Ticonderoga community. The support and effort of the founding members has been continued through memberships and volunteer time contributed by people throughout the area.

The mission of the Ticonderoga Festival Guild is to promote, develop, sustain, present, and advance a diverse program of performing arts in the Ticonderoga area.