Historical Tidbits — Fort Washington taken by British

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. November 16, 1776         Fort Washington taken by British After winning a major victory on Long Island the British began to move against Manhattan in mid-September. Unwilling to abandon New York …

UPCOMING EVENT — Colonial Brewing in Lewes

Shipcarpenter Street110 Shipcarpenter StreetLewes, DE 19975 United States10:00 am – 4:00pm In the 18th Century, beer was critical to survival, even at sea. Join the Regimental Brewer for this, the last brewing session in 2024, in Lewes DE as we replenish ships stores. Samples of 18th Century beer will be provided and we will weave in a few …

Martha Washington’s Shrub

In the drink world, a shrub is a concentrated syrup that combines fruit, sugar, and vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is the most common base for shrubs, and herbs and spices are often added to create interesting flavor combinations. By the 18th Century, making shrub with no vinegar was considered passé but vinegar shrubs will make …

Historical Tidbits — Articles of Confederation

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. November 15, 1777 – Articles of Confederation, the first US Constitution, is passed on this date in 1777. Two days later, the Continental Congress sent the Articles to the …

Civilized Men Drink Their Beer from Glasses — and for good reasons!

Valentines Day(2/14) 1873, Joe Johnson of Lockport, New York was celebrating his good fortune. His friend and brewery owner John Gibson agreed to Johnson fulfilling a dream by spending a night in the brewery. It was a ill-conceived celebration; his body was found, head hanging down into a wooden, open-tank of beer. His glee over …

UPCOMING EVENT — Colonial Brewing in Lewes

Shipcarpenter Street110 Shipcarpenter StreetLewes, DE 19975 United States10:00 am – 4:00pm In the 18th Century, beer was critical to survival, even at sea. Join the Regimental Brewer for this, the last brewing session in 2024, in Lewes DE as we replenish ships stores. Samples of 18th Century beer will be provided and we will weave in a few …

The Scourge of Slavery (#7) — Lord Dunmore Weaponizes Slavery

Between the 17th and 19th centuries, enslaved Africans and African Americans in British North America and the United States staged hundreds of revolts.  Slave uprisings were daring, desperate, and inevitably doomed. The first known slave rebellion in one of England’s American colonies took place in Gloucester County, Virginia in 1663.  The Servants Plot, as it was known, …

Gov Franklin made each soldier brew their own beer.

On December 6, 1769 Governor of New Jersey William Franklin (son of Benjamin Franklin) worried about using the colony’s dwindling beer supply to provide British troops with rations. To address the crisis he issued a proclamation: ENACTED: That… in Lieu and Stead of Four Pints of Small Beer hereby allowed each man per day it …