Deerfield, Mass. (April 21, 2017) --- Travel back in time and rediscover the history behind the Patriot's Day holiday and the "shot heard 'round the world" at Historic Deerfield on Saturday, April 22.  The Patriot's Day Revolutionary Muster will offer a full day of activities for visitors of all ages throughout the village, including a colonial-era encampment.

Revolutionary times will come to life through demonstrations of period crafts and activities, fife and drum music, and a muster.  Historic Deerfield guides and cooks will interpret open hearth cooking and powder horn carving in the 1786 Hall Tavern.  Horse-drawn wagon rides will transport visitors through the village, and all historic houses will be available for touring.  Visitors can make a flag to wave during the afternoon parade, and then take it home as a memento.  A "Liberty Quest" will be available for adventurous participants who will receive a prize once completed. Family-friendly food will be provided by the Bement School. Lunch is also available at Champney's Restaurant and Tavern at the Deerfield Inn.

From the opening "Reveille" visitors can experience a typical day in a colonial encampment.  Highlights will include a parade accompanied by the fifes and drums to the Town Green and the reading aloud of an official "Muster."  On-going demonstrations include camp cooking, sewing uniforms, and children's toys and games.

The reenactment group, Nathan Hale Ancient Fifes & Drums, have been officially recognized by the State of Connecticut as the reactivated 19th Connecticut Regiment of Foote - Continental Line.  The Incorporated group consists of four units: The Field Music, Knowlton's Connecticut Rangers, Capt. Stephen Buckland's Artillery, and the Company of Artificers.  They have performed at a number of leading historic sites including Old Sturbridge Village, Heritage Plantations, Van Cortland Manor, and Valley Forge.

Also on view will be the exhibition Engraved Powder Horns from the French and Indian War and the American Revolution: The William H. Guthman Collection at Historic Deerfield's Flynt Center of Early New England Life.  One of the finest assemblages of this indigenous and unique American art form ever presented, these 75 powder horns offer a wealth of documentary information about the original owners and carvers who created them.

The Patriot's Day Revolutionary Muster will take place at Historic Deerfield on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.  Admission is $18 for adults (18+), $5 for youth (6-17), under 6, Deerfield/South Deerfield residents, and members are free.  

For more information, please log on to www.historic-deerfield.org, or call (413) 775-7214.