What religious story most resonates with the spirit of the American Revolution? Yes, there are many stories in many religions that people overcoming atrocities and oppression. But consider for just a moment the story of Judah Maccabee. In the late 6th century BCE, the Persian emperor Cyrus the Great let the Jews go home after …
Category Archives: Ideas
Historical Tidbits — Washington resigns as Commander in Chief
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. December 23, 1783 Washington resigns as Commander in Chief “Having now finished the work assigned to me, I retire from the great theatre of action; and bidding an affectionate …
Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — Washington resigns as Commander in Chief”
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 …
Continue reading “Hire the Regimental Brewmeister for your Event or Site”
Britain’s Failed Attempt at Peace Talks
Stunned by Britain’s defeat at Saratoga and fearing that its former colonies would enter into an alliance with France, Lord North reversed direction in early 1778 and proposed to Parliament that Britain send a peace commission with powers to negotiate with the Continental Congress. Parliament approved the “Royal Instructions to the Peace Commission” on 16 …
Historical Tidbits — Encampment at Valley Forge
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. December 19, 1777 Encampment at Valley Forge With the campaign season ending and cold weather rapidly approaching, Washington moved his army into winter quarters. For his winter encampment, Washington …
Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — Encampment at Valley Forge”
The American Crisis
The American Crisis, or simply The Crisis, was a pamphlet series by Thomas Paine between December 19, 1776 and April 19, 1783 to “recharge the revolutionary cause” during the American Revolution. Sixteen numbered pamphlets were published between 1776 and 1783 in various newspapers. Paine believed ordinary Americans were more apt to continue under the protection …
Historical Tidbits — XYZ Affair
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. December 18, 1801 XYZ Affair The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic incident between French and United States diplomats that resulted in a limited, undeclared war known as the Quasi-War. …
Bill of Rights Day — December 15, 1791
On December 15, 1791, the new United States of America ratified the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, confirming the fundamental rights of its citizens. The Bill of Rights draws influence and inspiration from the Magna Carta (1215), the English Bill of Rights (1689), and various later efforts in England …
Historical Tidbits — General Lee captured
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. December 15, 1776 General Lee captured General Charles Lee left his army and rode to Widow White’s Tavern in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, with a minimal guard. The following …
Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — General Lee captured”
Debtors’ Prison
Well, Tis the Season when many of you are in a Dickens of a mood so let’s talk about 18th Century debtors in England. Prior to the Bankruptcy Act (1869), missing even a small debt payment could lead to decades of imprisonment. If you are familiar with Charles Dickens’ novel Little Dorrit, originally published as …
