What religious story most resonates with the spirit of the American Revolution? Yes, there are many stories in many religions that people overcoming atrocities and oppression. But consider for just a moment the story of Judah Maccabee. In the late 6th century BCE, the Persian emperor Cyrus the Great let the Jews go home after …
Monthly Archives: December 2025
SinterKlaas
During the American War of Independence, the inhabitants of New York City, formerly New Amsterdam), celebrated the tradition of Sinterklaas as symbol of the city’s non-English past. In the 1770s the New York Gazetteer noted that the feast day of “St. a Claus” was celebrated “by the descendants of the ancient Dutch families, with their usual festivities.” Sinterklaas is …
Did Jews Participate in the American Revolution? Well here are a few stories. (Haym Salomon)
I am going to conclude this short series with a note on someone I consider to be one of the nation’s unrecognized Founding Fathers for without the sacrifices of Mr. Salomon, the Revolutionary War would have likely ended in New Jersey in 1776 as the Continental Congress ran out of funds to support the army. …
The 2026 Calendar of Events
While I am still accepting bookings, here are the events currently on the docket fo the Regimental Brewmeister in 2026: 2026 Calendar of Events for Regimental Brewmeister[1] January 4Battle of PrincetonPrinceton BattlefieldJanuary 24History MattersINHPJanuary 28Talk on Importance of Taverns in Colonial AmericaBlue Ball TavernFebruary 28Tavern NightRittenhouse TownMarch 21Tavern NightHermitage MuseumApril 9Talk on Women Spies of …
Historical Tidbits — Washington resigns as Commander in Chief
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 23, 1783 Washington resigns as Commander in Chief “Having now finished the work assigned to me, I retire from the great theatre of action; and bidding an affectionate …
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Texas and the American Revolution
In discussions on the American Revolutionary War, the contributions of Texas are seldom brought up.[1] But in the 1770s, Texas, inhabited by Spaniards and Native Americans, was a hub of activity. While the signing of the Declaration of Independence occurred on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia, Tejanos (Texans) manned outposts, guarded New Spain’s claims, and reconnoitered neighboring …
Louisiana Purchase finalized 12/20/1803
On December 12, 1803 the United States completed the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from Frans for $15 million. This territory encompassed 530,000,000 acres of territory. As the United States spread across the Appalachians, the Mississippi River became an increasingly important conduit for the produce of America’s West (which at that time referred to the …
Britain’s Failed Attempt at Peace Talks
Stunned by Britain’s defeat at Saratoga and fearing that its former colonies would enter into an alliance with France, Lord North reversed direction in early 1778 and proposed to Parliament that Britain send a peace commission with powers to negotiate with the Continental Congress. Parliament approved the “Royal Instructions to the Peace Commission” on 16 …
Historical Tidbits — Encampment at Valley Forge
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 19, 1777 Encampment at Valley Forge With the campaign season ending and cold weather rapidly approaching, Washington moved his army into winter quarters. For his winter encampment, Washington …
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The American Crisis
The American Crisis, or simply The Crisis, was a pamphlet series by Thomas Paine between December 19, 1776 and April 19, 1783 to “recharge the revolutionary cause” during the American Revolution. Sixteen numbered pamphlets were published between 1776 and 1783 in various newspapers. Paine believed ordinary Americans were more apt to continue under the protection …
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 