Fort Henry National Historic Site is currently undergoing a restoration program to ensure the stability of this important part of Canada's heritage.

Beginning in the fall of 2002, the limestone entrance rampway leading into the Lower Fort was stabilized. Faults and weaknesses in the stone walls required replacement and reinforcing. This involved the excavation of the earthworks behind the walls and injecting a special grouting material into the voids of the historic stonework. The backs of the walls were then covered with protective waterproofing to allow any water penetrating down though the soil to drain away from the masonry. The walls facing into the rampway also required work. Both walls required extensive replacement of damaged stonework. Finally, to provide stability, steel anchors were inserted through the walls and into the limestone bedrock. When completed, the rampway retained its historic character and appearance, while being structurally stronger and more stable.

The project for the winter of 2003 - 2004 was the repair of the historic roofs on the Commissariat Buildings of the Advanced Battery. Investigations revealed that while the original 1840's roof trusses and rafters were still in place, they were in a weakened state after over one hundred and sixty years. In order to strengthen these wooden elements, a process known as sistering was used. This involved attaching new wooden supports to the historic timbers. The decking boards that form the platform for the shingles are replaced only where necessary to provide a secure hold for the shingling nails. Atop the decking, modern roof sheeting was laid prior to the installation of the shingles.

The new shingled roof presents a different look for Fort Henry. The familiar red roofs of the Commissariat Stores were put on during World War One. During structural investigations of the attics, pieces of the original roof shingles were discovered. These were parts of the original 1840's tinned metal shingles and following historical research, it was decided to replicate this historic roof finish. Over 98,000 metal shingles were fabricated and were applied on an angle, in a style known as "tole a la canadienne". When completed in the Spring of 2004, the roof returned the Advanced Battery of Fort Henry to its historic, mid 19th Century appearance.

• Click here to see Photos of the restoration work!