Monthly Archives: December 2024

The Scourge of Slavery (#11) — Gradual Manumission, a small step toward Abolition

Perhaps in no other state did the ideals espoused during the American Revolution take hold as much as they did in Pennsylvania. The gradual emancipation act was just one example of Pennsylvanians attempting to follow through on Revolutionary promises but trying to abolish slavery outright was very difficult. The Pennsylvania legislature, however, suggested a gradual …

Continue reading “The Scourge of Slavery (#11) — Gradual Manumission, a small step toward Abolition”

Historical Tidbits — Retreats across the Delaware

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. December 8, 1776           Washington crosses Delaware (retreat) On 8 December 1776, after a long retreat through New Jersey under pressure from the British Army, American General George Washington …

Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — Retreats across the Delaware”

Curaçao

In 1499 the Spanish sent an expedition to the Caribbean island of Curaçao in an attempt to cultivate Seville oranges. Oranges were vital to naval operations in the region as they were used to fight scurvy.  The Seville oranges, however, struggled under the island’s harsh equatorial sun, arid climate, and infertile soil eventually evolving into a small, bitter, …

Continue reading “Curaçao”

Historical Tidbits — Delaware became the first state to ratify the US Constitution

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. December 7, 1787 – Delaware became the first state to ratify the US Constitution.  The Constitution was not ratified by all states until May 29, 1790, when Rhode Island …

Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — Delaware became the first state to ratify the US Constitution”

Could one of our Founding Fathers have been a Jew?

While writing the blog on Chanukah in Colonial America, I came across some lectures and articles by Andrew Porwancher, a professor at the University of Oklahoma, who has an interesting hypothesis.  It seems that while researching the early life of Alexander Hamilton, Porwancher uncovered some interesting facts. Alexander Hamilton is the son of Rachel Faucette …

Continue reading “Could one of our Founding Fathers have been a Jew?”

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 …

Continue reading “Hire the Regimental Brewmeister for your Event or Site”

The Scourge of Slavery (#10) — Concessions were made to slave owners in the US Constitution — the 3/5ths Compromise

At the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, it is important to remember that none of the delegates called for an actual the end of slavery.  While some of them expressed their discomfort with it — George Mason of Virginia called for anti-slave trade laws and Gouverneur Morris of New York called slavery “a nefarious institution – …

Continue reading “The Scourge of Slavery (#10) — Concessions were made to slave owners in the US Constitution — the 3/5ths Compromise”