FOFA

Friends of Fort Atkinson

The Friends of Fort Atkinson (FOFA) is comprised of the living-history volunteers and patrons dedicated to the efforts of preserving and presenting the history and heritage of Fort Atkinson in the most accurate, educational and enjoyable manner possible for both the participant and visitor.  

We are a non-profit organization that is governed by our Council of Administration (COA). Although there have been volunteers presenting living-history interpretation at the fort for several decades, FOFA was officially organized in 1994 and incorporated in 1995. The COA is comprised of five voting representatives elected at large from the membership and two non-voting members consisting of representatives from the Fort Atkinson S.H.P. staff and the Fort Atkinson Foundation.

While the COA conducts the overall business of the organization and is the overseer of the living-history program as a whole, the groups have their own internal organization and conduct themselves according to the goals of the program and within the guidelines of our bylaws. 

The name of our governing body was chosen as a parallel and to carry on the namesake of the original Council of Administration that would oversee affairs of most Army posts of the time. The council would manage affairs such as setting prices for the regimental sutler so that a fair and equitable pricing of goods was established.

The official publication of FOFA is 'The Military Journal'. The Journal is named after and dedicated to the weekly journal that was printed at the original Fort Atkinson. The Military Journal is provided with a paid membership.  Membership dues are used to help offset the basic operating expenses of the living history events that take place at the fort.  

Want to Volunteer?

It's easy to start volunteering at Fort Atkinson!  CLICK HERE to fill out the Volunteer Interest Form.  We will have one of our Volunteer Coordinators contact you to discuss your interest in being a Volunteer.  

We also encourage you to attend a living-history weekend and see what goes on.  Be sure to stop by the Orderly Room and introduce yourself to the commanding officer.  

The next step involves becoming a member of The Friends of Fort Atkinson, which manages the operational affairs of all living history events.  To help get you started, the Fort has a limited supply of uniforms and accouterments available for check out and on-site use.  Contact Jason Grof or visit the Orderly Room for details.  

Dues are $15.00 for individuals or $20.00 for families.  

When you are ready to pay for a membership, please CLICK HERE to fill out the FOFA Yearly Membership form.  After you have filled out the form and wish to pay for a membership by credit card, contact us at fortatkinsononline[at]gmail.com to take your information to process the transaction.

If you wish to pay for a membership with a check,  please make your check payable to The Fort Atkinson Foundation and send to: 

     F.O.F.A.
     ATTN: COA
     PO Box 240
     Fort Calhoun, NE 68023

The membership dues collected are used to offset the basic operating expenses of the living-history events that take place at the fort.  Your membership entitles you to FOFA's monthly publication, "The Military Journal," the right to attend all membership and COA meetings, and (providing you meet all specified guidelines) the support and permission to participate in all living-history events sponsored by FOFA.

Pay Yearly FOFA Membership Fees

Pay Now

Volunteer Resources

Do you want to get involved?  This handbook is the place to start!  It is full of valuable information, including volunteer procedures, fort history, uniform and accouterment requirements, tips on establishing your persona, and more.

Below is a list of links to different sellers of historical wares that may be of use to help purchase period appropriate items.

Members

Want to Volunteer?

Volunteer Resources