Military living historians and authors will cover the grounds of the Hancock House in Ticonderoga on Saturday, August 13 for a day-long event celebrating Irish history. The evening will feature a concert by “Hair of the Dog,” the well-known Celtic band with a large fan base across the United States and Europe. Opening for the band is the popular local trio “Loose Monkeys.”

The afternoon will also include several brief programs highlighting the Irish in the American Civil War and How the Adirondacks worked for Irish Freedom. William L. McKone, author of Vermont’s Irish Rebel – Captain John Lonergan and President of the Fenian Historical Society, will present a program on the Fenians.

This year’s exhibits and programs at the Historical Society have included an examination of how citizens of the Adirondacks aided Ireland’s fight for freedom in both the 19th and early 20th century, and a series of free movie nights that looked at the way the Irish have been portrayed in film.

Originally formed as an acoustic trio in 1993, Hair of the Dog has become one of the world’s foremost Celtic rock bands. Their releases include 10 popular CDs including “At The Parting Glass”, “Let It Flow”, “Donegal” and “Liam Left The Lights On Again.” The group was also mentioned in Billboard as one of Irish Music’s biggest sellers. Hair of the Dog is frequently named “Best Band” by top regional newspapers and magazines.

The Loose Monkey Band, formed in 1992, is a local favorite featuring Mat Foley, Chris LaPointe, and Tom LaPointe. They have traveled throughout New England and Northeastern New York presenting an eclectic blend of Irish, Bluegrass, Rock, and Folk to Coffeehouses, Festivals, Town Greens, backyards and living rooms. The group features guitar, violin, mandolin, bass, and vocals in a pure and uncluttered mix of traditional, original and contemporary music.

The public is invited to the Hancock House free of charge for all daytime events. Tickets for the evening concert, which begins at 6 pm, are priced at $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Refreshments will be available.

Tickets and specific information can be obtained by calling the Historical Society at (518) 585- 7868, or by e-mail to tihistory@bridgepoint1.com.

Founded in 1897 and chartered in 1909, the Ticonderoga Historical Society advances the preservation and interpretation of history through its collections, programs and community outreach.