Wednesday, August 5, 2009

August 8 & 9 at Crown Point, NY

August 8 & 9 - French and Indian War - 27th Inniskilling - Crown Point, NY.


This weekend is the annual French & Indian War encampment at Crown Point, NY. At this site you get to see the ruins of not just one but two forts. The French Fort Frederick is the older of the two - and the French blew it up in 1759 when the British approached it, as they knew they couldn’t hold it and didn’t want it used against them. Once the Brisitish arrived, they decided to build their own fort…not on the ruins of the first, but in a slightly different spot. The British fort was never formally named and is known as "His majesty’s fort at Crown Point". This much larger fort has the walls of two of the barracks buildings still standing, and a small narrow path at the top of the earthen walls, so you could indeed walk around on the tope edge of the fort in most places.

The French forces are typically encamped over by Fort Frederick, and the British are usually parked out near the water’s edge. Originally this was a "maybe attending" event for our group; however it seems we have several folks interested in coming out to play, so there should be more than just one or two Grenadiers to be seen. Bring comfy shoes, a cooler, and plenty of sunscreen to spend the day exploring the site and checking out the encampments. Originally there was no battle here but tactical demonstrations will be held mid-day for folks to see how it might have happened, as well as some naval interaction with period boats.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

July 11 & 12, Hubbardton VT

July 11-12 - Revolutionary War - 23rd Royal Welch Fusilers - Battle of Hubbardton, in Hubbardton, VT.

This weekend we have a small and fun event happening right here in VT. The Battle of Hubbardton is one the colonists lost; however their delaying actions at Hubbardton gave the army the time needed to set up to defend the supply post at Bennington. If the British had captured Bennington, Saratoga would have been a much different event. Without Saratoga, the colonists may not have had France's support and therefore won the war. So although a losing battle, Hubbardton is important to our history.

This is one of the least disturbed revolutionary war battlegrounds anywhere, and the only one in Vt. There is a small vistors centor and a walking tour you can take on the grounds. There is a small fee to view the encampment and battles will occur mid-day Saturday, as well as 8 AM (yes 8AM!!) and 12:30 on Sunday. The size of the event really lends itself to seeing the camps and the people up close, a great place to talk to folks about what they do.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

July 3, 4 & 5 - Fort Niagara, NY

French & Indian War - Fort Niagara, NY - We'll be headed out to Western NY this weekend. I have been to this site before; Its got lots to see besides the Reenactors. Visit the 'French Castle' or climb up in the blockhouse - lots of beautiful scenery and history to check out.This is the 250th anniversary celebration at the fort, more information can be found at
http://tiny.cc/8lwhP . We're right on the lake, and a side trip to Niagara Falls is easy enough to do while you're here. We expect the 27th Inniskilling will have a large turnout at this event as its one of our main events plus its a three day event which we don't do often.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

June 27 & 28 Fort Ticonderoga, NY

- June 27 & 28 - French & Indian War - 27th Inniskilling Regiment - Fort Ticonderoga, NY.

This weekend we'll be gathering at Fort Ticonderoga in NY where the British defeat the French as they did in 1759. There will be a battle Each day around 2, but the camps will be open all day for visitors. The museum is full of things to see and if you have the time I hear the King's garden is also worth the walk through it. Some really good shopping to be had too. Typically Fort Ti is a fun event for everyone, plenty to see with plenty to do for all.

I can be found with the British Grenadiers - look for the "pointy hats" if you care to stop by and say hello. Do be aware there's a fee to see the battle or wander through the fort structures. Bring a picnic/cooler with you and spend the day, there is certainly lots to do!

You can read about more about the Fort at http://www.fort-ticonderoga.org/

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Quadricentennial Family History and Heritage Day

This weekend's event - June 7 - French & Indian War - 27th Inniskilling Regiment - Crew of the HMS Dark & Stormy - Saratoga Springs, NY.

Quadricentennial Family History and Heritage Day in Congress Park - A free, fun event will have something for everyone including children's games, historical lectures, and period demonstrations. Reenactors from the French and Indian War(this is us!), Native Americans, the War of 1812 and the Civil War will bring history to life. There will be games, face painting, crafters, demonstrations of period domestic crafts and more. Local museums and non-profit organizations will be present to talk about their missions and how they have been a part of Saratoga history.

http://www.saratogahistory.org/programs.cfm

~UPDATE~

We had a fine group of us show for the Family fun day. The new location definitely was bigger and so was the crowd. Many folks took an interest in the HMS Dark & Stormy. Johanna often had a crowd around her as she spun. Eddie was our sole 27th soldier, he was showing folks the types of things a soldier might have had with him on the campaign. Folks seemed to enjoy talking with all of us, and we had fun getting out and chatting with folks.