Proper Salutes in the British Army

In 1740, the “French salute”, or greeting another by kissing them on the cheek, started to become fashionable in London.  With the Seven Years War (AKA French and Indian War), the “French salute” quickly became controversial, being called unEnglish. Encouraged instead was the “old English” way of “pulling off a Hat. For the British, removing your …

Captain James Cook Dies while trying to Kidnap the Hawaiian King in 1779

The Hawaiian flag still has a union jack in its canton and we often celebrate Captain James Cook as a great English explorer who discovered the Hawaiian Islands. Cook was a great explorer and scientist and he is known for his discovery of New Zealand, Tahiti, the observations of the Transit of Venus in 1769, …

Edward Jenner did not “Invent” Vaccination

We often refer to Edward Jenner as the ‘father of vaccination.’ He was not, however, the inventor of the process.  Jenner reported his famous story about inoculating young James Phipps with cowpox and then demonstrating immunity to smallpox.  Taken the pus from a smallpox blister and introducing into a scratch in the skin of an …

Hire the Regimental Brewmeister for your Event or Site

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 …

“New Wales?”

Pennsylvania isn’t named after William Penn. And if you’re confused, he deliberately wanted you to be. William Penn preferred the name “New Wales” for Pennsylvania to avoid the appearance that the commonwealth was named after him. It’s pretty to think that Pennsylvania was named after its founder, William Penn, who started the commonwealth as a …

Historical Tidbits — Battle of Bennington

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. August 16, 1777                Battle of Bennington The Battle of Bennington took place in Walloomsac, New York, about 10 miles from its namesake Bennington, Vermont. The American force was primarily …

The US Constitution has Endured for 236 years but It was Never Perfect.  In fact, 3 of the Authors, Refused to Sign it.

In order to get the new US Constitution ratified, many compromises were required.  Because of this, although they supported the effort, several of the delegates did not place their signatures on the document.  Some chose to leave before the conclusion of the convention, but three notable men fought to the end but ultimately refused to …

Hire the Regimental Brewmeister for your Event or Site

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 …