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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Support Colonial Plantation by Attending an 18th Century Masquerade

COLONIAL WINTER MASQUERADESaturday, January 27, 2024 from 5 PM to 9 PM Kings Mills 6000 Pennell RdMedia, PA 19063  From the Italian, a Masquerade is an assembly of persons wearing masks and usually other disguises, the word evolved from Arabic maskharah “buffoon, to make a mockery of.” Dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, …

The Scourge of Slavery (#11) — Gradual Manumission, a small step toward Abolition

Perhaps in no other state did the ideals espoused during the American Revolution take hold as much as they did in Pennsylvania. The gradual emancipation act was just one example of Pennsylvanians attempting to follow through on Revolutionary promises but trying to abolish slavery outright was very difficult. The Pennsylvania legislature, however, suggested a gradual …

Historical Tidbits — Congress adjourns to Baltimore

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 12, 1776          Congress adjourns to Baltimore In mid-December 1776 Congress decided to move to Baltimore to escape capture by the advancing British.  The time in Baltimore was a …

A Tavern for Elfreth’s Alley Deck the Alley

December 9, 20232:00 – 6:00 pm Public houses and taverns played an integral role in the commercial life of the American Colonies.  They weren’t simply places to drink. They were a place to meet like-minded individuals, meeting places at which to conduct business, and clearinghouses for news about both local and global events.  The local …