We often go to Independence National Historical Park just to see the big historic sites but its good to remember that this is also a very tranquil park (when you get away from the tourist). Next time you are there, take some time to visit the gardens. 18th Century Garden The 18th Century Garden showcases …
Continue reading “Tranquil Gardens within Independence National Historical Park”
There remains a stubborn perception that somehow Noah Webster wrote the first American dictionary. This is actually not true. There were many dictionaries written in the 18th Century and the premier edition was written by Samuel Johnson. In June 1746, Samuel Johnson signed the contract with a group of booksellers in London to write A …
Colonel Rudolphus Ritzema was an American officer in the New York Line during the American Revolutionary War, and later changed sides, serving as a lieutenant colonel in a British regiment. On June 30, 1775, Ritzema was appointed lieutenant colonel of the 1st New York Regiment. In July he seized British armaments in New York City. On November 28, 1775 he was …
Continue reading “Benedict Arnold was not Alone in his Treason”
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 29, 1767 The Indemnity Act –reduced taxes on the British East India Company when they imported tea into England. This allowed them to re-export the tea to the colonies more …
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 29, 1767 The Commissioners of Customs Act — created a new Customs Board for the North American colonies, to be headquartered in Boston with five customs commissioners. The …
There is a persistent myth that Spruce was added to beer in lieu of hops. Let me set the record straight, Spruce Beer is NOT Gruit! Gruit ale is an herbed beer, originating in the Low Countries (Netherlands, Flanders, and Rhineland Germany) and common in the 10th to 15th centuries. It was largely displaced by …
The Other Spy Ring — Mersereau Ring Because of the AMC Series TURN, everybody knows about the Culper Ring but there was another spy ring operating in New York at the same time — The Mersereau Ring. Like the Culper Ring, the Mersereau Ring operated throughout the New Brunswick and New York regions that gathered …
Continue reading “Spy vs Spy: George Washington’s and King George’s Spies (#18)”
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 28, 1776 Attack on Sullivan’s Island In early 1776, the British organized an expedition for operations in the southern colonies. Delayed by logistical concerns and bad weather, the …
Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — Attack on Sullivan’s Island”
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 28, 1778 Molly Pitcher “Molly Pitcher” was not a single historical figure, but a composite folk hero inspired by the actions of different people, most of them women …
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 28, 1778 Battle of Monmouth The new British commander, Lieutenant General Henry Clinton, received orders to follow a defensive strategy and consolidate forces in New York City. He …
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 