Benjamin Rush’s Educational Campaign for Temperance Actually ENCOURAGED the Drinking of Beer, Cider, and Wine!

On September 16, 1808, Benjamin Rush, generally considered THE MOST IMPORTANT PHYSICIAN in North America, wrote a long letter to former President John Adams describing a dream in which he had been elected president of the United States. At the beginning of this dream, Rush is reluctant to accept the office; but he then realizes …

Donald Trump’s Financial Plan relies on the same strategy that caused Americans to rebel against the King.

Okay, this is a rant. If that offends you, delete this email or skip this blog article. It is unfortunately, election season and I have some tags left. <<< === Good Hunting! Duties on American Imports Caused the American Revolution New flash, for those of you who did not pay attention to history class, the …

Historical Tidbits — Siege of Savannah

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. September 16, 1779        Failed Siege of Savannah The Siege of Savannah was also known as the Second Battle of Savannah. The year before, the city had been captured by …

Is This the Way it Was Really Done?  My Policies on Historical Accuracy.

Okay, we are not LARPing.  I know there are some out there who are gung-ho for the fantasy or mythical reality of the American Revolution but we are trying to teach history so historical accuracy is a must.  At my events, I strive to be as accurate as possible with the following caveats: When being …

Blowing Smoke Up Someone’s Arse‡

Maybe I’m just having a bad day but after several government meetings, the term “Blowing smoke up someone’s ass” has been used way too much.  Just to set the record straight, this was not always a simple figure of speech indicating someone was being an insincere flatterer. Tobacco smoke enemas became a mainstream medical practice …

I Need a Couple of Helpers for the Tavern Night at the Morgan Log House

September 21, 20244:00 pm – 8:30pm (please come at 3:00)Morgan Log House 850 Weikel Rd Lansdale, PA 19446 Public houses and taverns played an integral role in the commercial life of the American Colonies.  They weren’t simply places to drink. They were a place to meet like-minded individuals, meeting places at which to conduct business, …

A Tavern Night at the Morgan Log House

September 21, 20244:00 pmMorgan Log House 850 Weikel Rd Lansdale, PA 19446 Public houses and taverns played an integral role in the commercial life of the American Colonies.  They weren’t simply places to drink. They were a place to meet like-minded individuals, meeting places at which to conduct business, and clearinghouses for news about both …

What Language is that written in? Understanding 18th Century Handwriting

Several years ago, I was giving tours at Independence Hall when one of the guests approached me outside Congress Hall to ask questions about the Articles of Confederations (BTW, volunteers love to be asked questions, that’s why we do this so don’t hold back.  If you ask us a question that we don’t know the …