Historical Tidbits — British Retreat from Boston

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. March 17, 1776 – EVACUATION DAY:  Following a protracted siege by the Continental Army, and the emplacement of artillery upon Dorchester Heights, the British retreat from Boston. On March …

The Irish in the American Revolution

It was coincidence only that Evacuation Day in Boston and St. Patrick’s Day fell on the same date.  No one appreciated this concurrence more than George Washington who surrounded himself with officers of Irish birth, an whose army was estimated to be at least 48% Irish born Catholics.  It was noted that the Commander-in-Chief made …

Historical Tidbits — Battle of Guilford Courthouse

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. March 16, 1780                 Battle of Guilford Courthouse The Battle of Guilford Court House was fought at a site which is now in Greensboro, North Carolina. A 2,100-man British …

How was Colonial Beer Different

We recently held a brewing class at Fort Mifflin and one question was asked that deserves clarification in this blog: “How were beers of the 18th Century different from what we drink today?” I hope the table below adds some clarification. Colonial Beers vs Modern Beers:  Key Differences  Colonial BeerModern BeerMaltMixture of malted grains including …

Beer Recipe: Air and Exercise — Rattleskull

“Air and Exercise” = being whipped with a Cat-o-Nine-Tails. Prior to the arrival of Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, American officers often imitated their British peers. In a rather startling example, George Washington once lobbied congress for permission to allow 500 lashes — “Air and Exercise”– as punishment to maintain discipline the Continental soldiers! Congress …

TWO “OUT OF THIS WORLD” EVENTS

Join David Rittenhouse as he observes the SOLAR ECLIPSE Richard Wall House1 Wall Park Drive, Elkins Park, PA 19027Sunday, April 7 11:00 – 3:00 and Historic Rittenhouse Town208 Lincoln Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19144Monday, April 81:00 – 4:00 pm There were two total eclipses of the sun visible in the occupied regions of North America during …

UPCOMING EVENT — The Purging of the Kegs: A Fundraiser for Fort Mifflin

Fort Mifflin on the Delaware6400 Hog Island Rd Philadelphia, PA 19153Saturday, March 302:00 – 4:00pm A Beer Lover’s Nightmare – we’re dumping beer into the river. Okay, the Regimental Brewmeister has a robust schedule of brewing planned for 2024 and unfortunately last year’s beer has got to go.  The reality is I brew way faster than …

Historical Tidbits — Newburgh Address

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. March 15, 1783                 Newburgh Address General George Washington, having learned that his officers planned to meet to discuss a fiery petition to mutiny if Congress failed to provide them …

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 …