[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 111 (Monday, July 11, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REMARKS HONORING MR. BRIAN LEIGH DUNNIGAN

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                           HON. CHRIS COLLINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 11, 2016

  Mr. COLLINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
distinguished resident of New York's 27th District, Mr. Brian Leigh 
Dunnigan. Mr. Dunnigan served as Executive Director of Old Fort Niagara 
from 1979 to 1996. During his 17-year tenure, he greatly improved 
operations and programs at the site, and conducted groundbreaking 
research that made the Fort a leader in historical interpretation. He 
researched and authored numerous books and articles on the history of 
the Fort and the region, setting new standards for historical accuracy. 
His works include the definitive history of the Siege of Fort Niagara 
in 1759 and seminal works on the history of the French Castle and the 
North and South Redoubts. He also authored the Fort's guidebook, which 
is currently used as guidance for visitors to the historic site.
  His proudest achievements include the creation of professional 
interpretive programming focused on the British occupation of the Fort 
in 1779, the organization of a series of special events based on events 
of the Fort's history, the inception of a collections storage facility 
and archaeology lab, and the acquisition of the Fort's most-prized 
artifact, the 1812 Garrison Flag. Mr. Dunnigan's research on the Battle 
of la Belle Famille determined the true location of this historic 
engagement, which will be dedicated this year in a special ceremony. 
For his scholarship, leadership, and dedication to historical accuracy 
and authenticity, we honor him today.

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