Birth of the US Post Office

On July 26, 1775, the Second Continental Congress declared “…that a Postmaster General be appointed for the United States, who shall hold his office at Philadelphia, and shall be allowed a salary of 1,000 dollars per annum…”  Benjamin Franklin was not, however, the first Postmaster in America nor was this the first time he would …

Colonial Surveyor at the Richard Wall House August 25, 2024

Colonial Surveyor at the Richard Wall HouseWhen: Sunday, August 25, 2024; 1:00-4:00 PMWhere: Richard Wall House, 1 Wall Park Drive, Elkins Park, PA 19027Who: Michael Carver as David Rittenhouse, Colonial SurveyorThe Richard Wall House, Cheltenham Parks and Rec, and the Elkins Park Library are hosting Michael Carver in his impression of the noted surveyor David Rittenhouse, to …

Historical Tidbits — Riot Act

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. July 15, 1715 – The Riot Act took effect in Britain.  Assemblies of more than a dozen people could be forcibly dispersed in order to maintain the peace.  The …

Historical Tidbits — Stony Point taken by General Wayne

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. July 15, 1779       Stony Point taken by General Wayne In a well planned and executed nighttime attack, a highly trained select group of Continental Army troops under the command …

Why did the Dutch support the American Revolution?

So, this summer while I have been looking for my next corporate role, which I just landed BTW, I have been supporting Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia as one of Historic Philadelphia’s history makers. Not only is this a great way to keep my historical personae sharp, history makers are 1st person interpreters, but …

Historical Tidbits — BASTILE DAY

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. July 14, 1789 – BASTILE DAY:  The crowd gathered outside the Bastille, a medieval armory, fortress, and political prison near the center of Paris, calling for the surrender of …

Historical Tidbits — NORTHWEST ORDINANCE

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. July 13, 1787       NORTHWEST ORDINANCE The Northwest Ordinance provided for the settlement and sale of lands acquired from Quebec in the Treaty of Paris.  The ordinance required the land …

Historical Tidbits — Washington meets with Rochambeau

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. July 11, 1780       Washington meets with Rochambeau in Hartford France supported the American war effort with money and material and formally joined as an ally in 1778. The French …

Historical Tidbits — French Fleet arrives at Newport

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. July 11, 1780                       French Fleet arrives at Newport Approximately 5,000 – 6,000 French soldiers commanded by Rochambeau arrived at Newport, Rhode Island.  The code name given by the French government …