WHAT'S NEW IN HISTORY? TECHNOLOGY

SACKETS HARBOR — The Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site is featuring a few new exhibit tools this summer.

The first is a six-minute informational DVD on the history of the site, which runs continuously in the ice house.

"It's ready, it's open," said Constance B. Barone, battlefield manager. "It's really very, very nice."

The DVD contains images from several historical collections, including the battlefield's. Mrs. Barone said former WWNY-TV photographer James M. Redmond created the DVD.

The second is an expanded cell phone audio tour, supported by the Battlefield Alliance. The battlefield introduced the tour in July with five stations. The tour now includes 11 stations, 10 of which are newly recorded. Guests can get information and give feedback by pressing the numbers corresponding to the station.

Some of the stations feature the voices of students from Sackets Harbor Central School. Mrs. Barone said future plans include recording Fort Drum soldiers for some stations and muskets and cannon fire for others.

"They were so popular last year, we decided to continue with them," she said. "I don't know of anyone else in Northern New York using cell phone tours."

She said there are three or four state historic sites using the technology.

Battlefield staff members also have redecorated the Commandant's House, which is done yearly. And they have added merchandise and revamped the gift shop.

Last year, the total attendance at the battlefield was about 102,000. This year, Mrs. Barone expects a slightly different crowd.

"I think last year we did quite well," she said. "If the weather holds, I think with the price of gasoline, we'll probably have a lot of people locally."

The battlefield also is solidifying its schedule for "living history" presentations, said Stephen R. Wallace, interpretive programs assistant. "I'll open living history as soon as I can," he said. "The regular things are all in place."

The battlefield's historic buildings are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday until July 1. The battlefield also will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day. From July 1 to mid-August, the battlefield is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.