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. October 6, 1777 Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton taken On October 6, 1777, the British Army, led by Henry Clinton, attacked Forts Montgomery and Clinton, supported by cannon fire …
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If you make your tent out of ordinary “canvas” you are going to get wet in the rain. Canvas is a stout cloth, probably named after cannabis (Latin: “hemp”), made by tightly weaving material, mostly cotton, wool, and linen. This definition has not been that precise forever since the word canvas has come to signify …
Continue reading “Every Wonder Why We Call it a “Duffle” Bag?”
Sometimes the most interesting things are the things you learn by accident. So, I did my normal Spymaster program at Princeton on September 12, 2021 and in this program, I demonstrate invisible inks. My invisible ink (for cost and safety constraints) is a Na2HCO3 (baking soda) and turmeric reaction. Unfortunately, when the people who graciously …
A common procedure used by spies to pass information to their contacts is through the use of a “dead drop.” The spy places the message in a prearranged unattended location, often hidden, and leaves it. Later, his or her compatriot will come and collect the message. Using a “dead drop” means that the spy and …
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 …
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So, I had this idea. I was going to add a third punch bowl to my tavern. I already have the two from David Wondrich which are very similar to those common in the late 18th and 19th Century. I wasn’t going to be picky; I just didn’t want to spend a huge sum of …
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. On October 4, 1779, the home of James Wilson, a noted Pennsylvania lawyer, was attacked by the Pennsylvania militia. Wilson was accused of profiteering and being sympathetic to the …
Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — The militia attack on Fort Wilson – October 4, 1779”
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. October 4, 1777 Battle of Germantown After taking the American capital, British General Sir William Howe positioned two brigades and a contingent of Hessians troops in Germantown. Much like …
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In many parts of the British Empire the economy was dependent upon the brutal institution of chattel slavery. In America at the time of the Revolutionary War roughly one-fifth of the population of those colonies that would eventually separate from the tyranny of the King were themselves denied their own “unalienable” right to liberty. This lead …
Okay, we are now entering “ghost season” at Fort Mifflin. Not that there are particular times of the year when “sightings” are more common but in October we do Candlelight Tours and celebrate our “permanent tour guides.” This story is not about our fort but rather a true American Mythical creature of historic importance. First …
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 