Historical Tidbits — Battle of Cowpens

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. January 17, 1780               Battle of Cowpens Shortly after sunrise, the American rifleman encountered the lead elements of Colonel Balastre Tarleton’s British Legion, the 7th Regiment of Foot, 71st Regiment …

Benjamin Franklin was born on 17 Milk Street in Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony, on January 17, 1706.

Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706 in the city of Boston in a small house on 17 Milk Street, across the street from the Old Meeting House.  His father was Josiah Franklin, a chandler (soap and candle maker).  Josiah Franklin, emigrated from England in 1682. He had seven children with his first wife, …

Historical Tidbits — Cook Crosses Antarctic Circle

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. January 17, 1773 – HMS Resolution, under the command of James Cook, became the first vessel to cross the Antarctic Circle. The Royal Society and the government were eager …

The Scourge of Slavery (#15) — The Fugitive Slave Act Denies States the Right to Outlaw Slave Recovery

There were actually two Fugitive Slave Acts.  The first. passed by Congress in 1793 and the second in 1850 (and repealed in 1864). The 1793 law enforced Article IV, Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution in authorizing any federal district judge to decide without a jury trial the status of an alleged fugitive slave.  The second Fugitive Slave Act …

Fighting the War behind a Desk

History books are filled with glorification of exploits on the battlefield and we have all heard the story of Alexander Hamilton bristling at the role of Aide-du-Camp and demanding his opportunity to prove himself in the field.  The reality of military operations, however, is very different.  Much of the real WORK of a military commander …

Hire the Regimental Brewmeister for your Event or Site

Add excitement and authentic color to your special event, or create one for your site, with Philadelphia’s best Colonial Brewer and tradesman.  Whether it is a reenactment, motion picture, a tavern night for a private event, or other endeavor, I can bring can bring a real sense of authenticity and fun to your event and …

Basic Colonial Brewing — The Koelschip

The Regimental Brewmeister uses a 1 barrel brewery set up including a 30-gallon kieve (aka keeve) and a 30 gallon kühlschipp.(AKA koelschip).  As we strive for ever increasing levels of authenticity to both the beer and our experience brewing, this new equipment takes us back to the basics of 18th Century zymology. Modern breweries make …