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 …

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 …

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 …

The Regimental Brewmeister is Seeking a New Billet

Well, after many years of faithfully serving Fort Mifflin, I sent them my notification that I am moving on to new opportunities. For most of you, this will mean that the libations at Cannonball tavern and Siege Weekend will be different. I am sure alternative arrangements will be made. If, however, your site, unit or …

Calling all Home Brewers and Beer Lovers in the Delaware Valley!

Saturday, June 17Colonial Brewing Workshop10 AM-4 PM$100 Due to the current air quality crisis, we are rescheduling this event for June 17! Yes, I know this is the weekend of Monmouth and I certainly appreciate why you might want to engage in a battle with more casualties due to the heat than gunfire but Monmouth …

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 …

US Marines in the American Revolution — Ohio River Row Galley

Summer 1782 As Rogers Clark was faced with the monumental task of maintaining military control over the Ohio River valley. With few men at his disposal, he decided to construct an armed row galley for use in securing the navigation of the Ohio, particularly at the mouths of the Miami River and Licking Creek. By …