Okay, like the other spirits at Fort Mifflin, we cannot definitively tell whether this rum exists. Some people have had very close and memorable encounters but there are true deniers as well. This is a robust concoction distilled in the manner similar to how John Hancock would have made bootleg rum. Rumbustion is rumpus uproar, …
Monthly Archives: February 2024
My kind of Retirement
Shortly after departing the presidency in March of 1797, George Washington set out on an entirely new endeavor. He opened a whiskey distillery at Mount Vernon. Encouraged by his farm manager, James Anderson, Washington set out to simplify his farming operations. Always keen to enterprises that might earn him extra income, Washington was intrigued by …
18th Century Parlor Games
Just like today, people of the 18th Century enjoyed parlor and tavern games, often gambling. At most Living History events, there are long periods between major events. One of the best ways, asside from giving talks and meeting the public, to pass the time is with a game. There are two primary types of parlor …
THE BILL OF RIGHTS: A BRIEF HISTORY #10
Insurrections often are propagated upon misinformation. So too are the most recent band of domestic terrorist who like to hide behind our most sacred American institutions. In this series, I want to explore the Bill of Rights and why some of the hype and hyperbole thrown around by the extremist is not just wrong but …
Making Food Safe but Easy to Ship to Soldiers
In the late 18th century, the French army was looking for a way to keep food edible long enough to get it to soldiers on the front lines throughout Europe and beyond. Napoleon’s government offered 12,000 francs to anyone who could develop a proper food preservation system. In 1795, Nicolas Appert, a French chef, candymaker, …
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UPCOMING EVENT — Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknown
Sat. February 17, 202411:00 amWashington SquarePhiladelphia, PA 19106 Washington Square was one of Philadelphia’s five original squares as laid out in 1682 by William Penn’s surveyor, Thomas Holme. It was then called Southeast Square, as Quakers did not believe in naming places after people. Within 25 years of Penn’s arrival, however, the square was being …
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THE BILL OF RIGHTS: A BRIEF HISTORY #8
Insurrections often are propagated upon misinformation. So too are the most recent band of domestic terrorist who like to hide behind our most sacred American institutions. In this series, I want to explore the Bill of Rights and why some of the hype and hyperbole thrown around by the extremist is not just wrong but …
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 …
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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 …
Je Me Souviens – What exactly do they remember in Quebec?
In 1978, the province of Quebec added “Je me souviens” to their automobile license plates. For those of you who are language challenged, this Translates simply as “I remember.” Most of us have seen a car from Quebec with their blue and white license plates but have you ever wondered what exactly it is that …
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Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 