The Fort Larned Old Guard's Mess & Muster is our annual meeting, typically held on the 4th Saturday at the month at Fort Larned. This unique event features living history, educational programs and an annual business meeting.

This year's Mess & Muster will be on April 25, 2026

Military Signals & Music 

and Recognizing Our Veterans

Register or make your dinner reservations here.

Schedule of Events

There is no deadline for registration but all meal orders must be received by Thursday, April 16, 2026.

12:30 Registration and Self-Guided Tour of the Fort 

Volunteers and staff will be at various locations provide information and answer questions.

Registration will be in the parking lot.

2:00  Welcome to the Fort and Recognition of Veterans and Active Duty Military

Fort Larned Old Guard Chair and Fort Larned National Historic Site Superintendent 

In the Quartermaster's Warehouse

3:15   Military Signals in the Frontier Army

Park Ranger Ben Long on the drum, Fort Larned Old Guard Member Janet Armstead on the bugle

On the Barracks Porch

4:00  Concert by Fort Riley 1st Infantry Division Band 

In the Quartermaster's Warehouse

5:00  Book signing by noted author John Langellier. John will be signing his two books about African American troops: 

More Work Than Glory: Buffalo Soldiers in the United States Army, 1866-1916

Fighting For Uncle Sam

5:30 Flag Retreat - Traditional Army Flag Lowering Ceremony 

On the Parade Ground

6:00 Dinner from Floyd's Smoke Shack 

6:45 Old Guard Business Meeting, Awards, Recognizing Veterans and Military Members

7:00 Frontier Army Bands.

Dr. John Langelier, noted author specializing in the history of the American West and the U.S. Military. Dr. Langellier holds a B.A. and M.A. from the University of San Diego in history and historical archaeology and earned his Ph.D. from Kansas State University with an emphasis on U.S. military history. He has written scores of articles and dozens of books about the American West and U.S. military history.

All programs are free and open to the public: however, there is a charge for meals.