What We Do

“A support group formed because of a tremendous love and passion for the history of what took place here, but also a desire to pick up the baton from 1915 and follow through with an actual reconstruction of the fort.” – Darrell Markijohn, Vice President, Zoar Community Association

Background

In 1915 legislation was passed in the Ohio General Assembly and signed by then-Governor of Ohio Frank B. Willis which required the state “to purchase for the state the lands upon which Fort Laurens [was] located…to property restore said fort and works…”

Nearly 80 years later, the Friends of Fort Laurens Foundation (FFLF) formed not only because of a tremendous love and passion for the history of what took place here, but also because of a desire to support the site and pick up the baton from 1915 and follow through with an actual reconstruction of the fort.

After 28 years of fundraising, a major milestone was reached in the summer of 2022, when the Ohio History Connection announced plans to reconstruct Fort Laurens by America’s 250th birthday in 2026.

Who We Are

The Friends of Fort Laurens Foundation, Inc. is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit educational and historic preservation foundation, incorporated in Ohio in 1994.

The Foundation’s charter is organized to promote the charitable, educational, archaeological, scientific and historic preservation purposes of Fort Laurens. Specifically, the Foundation seeks to promote the general awareness and educational importance of Fort Laurens, its role in both Ohio’s and America’s history, and to raise public and private contributions for the reconstruction of Fort Laurens.

What We’ve Achieved

  • Raised nearly $160,000 to rebuild Fort Laurens.

  • Created an endowment of over $125,000 to aid in the future upkeep of a reconstructed fort.

  • Financed $50,875 and contributed to major archaeological site explorations and excavations.

  • Contributed $36,000 ($5,000/year) to cover all museum and grounds electrical costs.

  • Obtained costly surveys through time and work donated by Bramhall Engineering (Avon, Ohio).

  • Donated 1000s of volunteer hours to upkeep and maintain grounds, improve museum interior, host events and conduct school programs.

Our Mission Statement

To advance the charitable, educational, archaeological, scientific, and historic preservation purposes of Fort Laurens for current and future generations.

Join our Cause

All contributions help educate the public and preserve Ohio history.