TICONDEROGA -- Financially strapped Fort Ticonderoga has laid off some workers and is shortening its 2009 season.

The upstate tourist attraction and national historic landmark has struggled to make ends meet since billionaire Forrest Mars Jr. and his wife Deborah withdrew their financial support earlier this year.

Fort officials announced Monday that four out of about 15 full-time employees have been laid off. In another cost-cutting move, the fort will open later next year, on May 21 instead of the traditional May 10.

Longtime Executive Director Nicholas Westbrook is no longer involved in the fort's day-to-day operation. He announced in September that he would retire in 2009 and is using up accrued vacation time.

A search is under way for a new director.