I Need Your Help!

I need your help with the Moland House. After 15 years of tireless effort and superb leadership, Jo-Anne Mullen has decided to step down from organizing the annual reenactment at Moland House. In order to make sure this event continues uninterrupted, I am taking the reins of organizing the event (sadly this means I will not be …

Like Newton, Rittenhouse Ran the Mint

On February 24, 1775, Rittenhouse delivered a lecture on the history of astronomy to the American Philosophical Society, in which he linked the structure of nature to the rights of man, liberty and self-government. Rittenhouse also used the occasion to decry slavery.   So impressed were those in attendance that the American Philosophical Society commissioned the …

Historical Tidbits — Marbury vs Madison

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. February 24, 1801            Marbury vs Madison Politics in 1800 were contentious. Thomas Jefferson and his political party, the Democratic-Republicans, had soundly beaten John Adams, a Federalist, in the …

Historical Tidbits — The United States Buys Florida for $5MM

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. February 22, 1819            The United States Buys Florida for $5MM On February 22, 1819, Spain ceded Florida to the United States under the terms of the Adams-Onís Treaty. …

Historical Tidbits — Pennsylvania Statehouse cornerstone laid

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. February 22, 1732            Pennsylvania Statehouse cornerstone laid Construction of Independence Hall, then known as the Pennsylvania State House would begin in 1732. The construction of the building was …

Happy Birthday General Washington

General Washington had the first public celebration of his birthday done by his wife, Martha, at the encampment at Valley Forge in the winter of 1778.  The next official acknowledgement of Washington’s birthday would not occur for fifty-four years.  At the recommendation of Henry Clay of the Senate and Philemon Thomas of the House, Congress …