Colonial Heritage Festival

July 1, 3, 4 of 2023

PDF version of this schedule
09:00 AM
Continental ArtilleryBegin the day as Continental forces load and fire the cannon typical of the Revolutionary War
10:00 AM
Continental Muster & DrillWatch the American forces muster, maneuver, and fire volleys
Patriots in PetticoatsContributions of lesser-known women to American Independence.
Colonial SchoolChildren attend school for academic, etiquette, and moral lessons of the day
10:30 AM
Dance DemonstrationSee popular dances of the colonial era performed by villagers
James MadisonA conversation with the Father of the US Constitution
Swordplay with Col. BirchWatch as the Colonel demonstrates offensive and defensive technique
Lucet ClassLearn to work this ancient tool to make cord for laces, draw-strings, etc.
limited seating
Shut-the-BoxEnter a tournament playing a popular game of chance and skill for a prize
limited seating
11:00 AM
Continental ArtilleryContinental forces load and fire the cannon typical of the era
Never CaughtHear the adventures of Ona Judge, escaped from servitude at Mt. Vernon
ChocolateWatch 18th century chocolate preparation techniques and taste the result
limited seating, donations urged
Dance InstructionJoin this favorite pastime and learn some favorite colonial dances
11:30 AM
Tea Tax Debate arrive early to participateDecide if you will march on the ships in the harbor that carry the King’s tea
Calligraphy IBeginners use pencil to learn the basic strokes that form 18th century script
limited seating
Colonial SchoolChildren attend school for academic, etiquette, and moral lessons of the day
Noon
John AdamsA conversation with the titan of American Independence
Unfurling HistoryLearn the history of the flags of the American Revolution
Saturday only
Children’s MilitiaYoung patriots join the militia to muster as they march through the Colonial Village and fire some rounds
arrive early to participate
Patrick HenryA conversation with one of the revolution’s top orators.
12:30 PM
Revolution: from a “Billy” point of viewPerspectives on the American Revolution by two African Americans: Billy Lee (enslaved) and Billy Flora (free)
Colonel HasbrouckFind out why the American militia was so critical to the revolution
British Muster & DrillThe King’s forces maneuver and drill, preparing to suppress the rebellion
01:00 PM
Continental ArtilleryContinental forces load and fire the cannon typical of the era
Lucet ClassLearn to work this ancient tool to make cord for laces, draw-strings, etc.
limited seating
Colonial SchoolChildren attend school for academic, etiquette, and moral lessons of the day
01:30 PM
Swordplay with Col. BirchWatch as the Colonel demonstrates offensive and defensive technique
Patriots in PetticoatsContributions of lesser-known women to American Independence
Declaration of IndependenceHear the Declaration of Independence as read by Founding Fathers and others affected by its ideas.
02:00 PM
Swordplay with Col. BirchWatch as the Colonel demonstrates offensive and defensive technique
Never CaughtHear the adventures of Ona Judge, escaped from servitude at Mt. Vernon
Dance DemonstrationSee popular dances of the colonial era performed by villagers
02:30 PM
Madison vs. HenryA spirited discussion over ratifying the US Constitution
Shut-the-BoxEnter a tournament playing a popular game of chance and skill for a prize
limited seating
Colonial SchoolChildren attend school for academic, etiquette, and moral lessons of the day
03:00 PM
Continental ArtilleryContinental forces load and fire the cannon typical of the era
Unfurling HistoryLearn the history of the flags of the American Revolution
Saturday only
03:30 PM
Liber-teaEnjoy colonial herbal teas, biscuits and tarts while you sit and visit with the founders about the ideas of the revolution
limited seating, donations urged. ages 16 & older
Dance InstructionJoin this favorite pastime and learn some favorite colonial dances
Hog-theft Trial arrive early to participateOne colonist is accused of stealing a hog. Watch the wheels of British justice turn and help decide the fate of the accused
Calligraphy IIQuill and ink instruction appropriate for adults and mature youth (small fee)
limited seating
British Muster & DrillThe King’s forces maneuver and drill, preparing to suppress the rebellion
04:00 PM
Children’s MilitiaYoung patriots join the militia to muster as they march through the Colonial Village and fire some rounds
arrive early to participate
Colonial SchoolChildren attend school for academic, etiquette, and moral lessons of the day
04:30 PM
Benjamin FranklinHear the Sage of america, the Prophet of Tolerance, the Newton of Electricity, Poor Richard himself—Dr. Franklin
05:00 PM
Closing CannonClose the day with the Continental troops (and a big boom!)
07:00 PM
Colonial Dance monday onlyJoin a country colonial dance hosted by Ron and Brooke Shaw. Recommended for adults and children old enough to follow instruction and participate in dancing