I will be in Independence National Park all day on June 1st, 13th, 15th, 19th and 27th as part of the “Once upon a Nation” program run by Historic Philadelphia. I am portraying David Rittenhouse and will be happy to discuss Solar observations in the 18th Century, the US Mint, and any other revolutionary issues you …
Monthly Archives: June 2024
Spy vs Spy: George Washington’s and King George’s Spies (#2)
America’s Most Famous Spy — Nathan Hale In the early years of the Revolutionary War, spying was not exactly considered honorable. Nathan Hale, however, volunteered to spy on the British Army after reportedly confiding in his classmate that he longed to be useful to the American cause. He joined the Connecticut militia, becoming a First …
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Bier is der Wein dieses Landes
Most of us are familiar with the Jewish practice of Kiddush (blessing over wine). We even see remnants of this traditions in our Christian bother’s traditions of Eucharist. Wine stands for life that is good, joyful, and sociable. Throughout much of history, wine was a luxury good that was only consumed on certain days. What …
Why the US Capitol is in Washington DC and Washington DC is not one of the US States.
The American Revolutionary War, officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in September of 1783 but most of the fighting ended with the Siege of Yorktown in October of 1781. Because of the treaty negotiations, the Continental Army did not fully disband until 1783. Army service does not pay well and in …
Spy vs Spy: George Washington’s and King George’s Spies (#1)
America’s Most Famous Spy — Dr. Benjamin Church Long before Benedict Arnold defected to the British, Benjamin Rush committed treason against the Continental Congress and the Army. Like Arnold, Benjamin Church seemed the paragon of the patriot cause but he was likely paid for his treason and ultimately died in disgrace. Church was a member …
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Historical Tidbits — The Lightning Experiment
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. June 10, 1752 – Benjamin Franklin demonstrates that lightning is a form of electricity. This kite experiment will make Mr. Franklin one of the most famous men in the …
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Basic Colonial Brewing #11 — Managing Heat
A friend of mine recently comment that my 18th Century brewing demonstrations are so much more relaxed than what they see when modern methods are used. WOW! It must be like the duck on a pond – calm above and paddling like mad below. Even when you ignore the added complexity of simultaneously speaking to …
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Historical Tidbits — HMS Gaspee BURNED!
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. June 9, 1772 – The HMS Gaspee, a British customs ship that ran aground in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. The Gaspee, commanded by Lieutenant Dudingston, was engaged in a …
Historical Tidbits — Lord Dunmore Leaves Williamsburg
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. June 8, 1775 Lord Dunmore retires to British shipping. Dunmore and his family fled the Governor’s Palace in the middle of the night and took up residence aboard the Fowey. Want …
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A Proper Gentleman’s Club
A traditional gentlemen’s club was a private social club originally set up by and for British upper-class men in the 18th century. These clubs were, in effect, “second homes” in the center of London where men could relax, mix with their friends, play parlor games, get a meal, and in some clubs stay overnight. Expatriates, …
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 