Revolutionary Muster & Parade at Historic Deerfield Sat., April 13

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 13.The Patriot's Day Revolutionary Muster & Parade will offer a full day of activities for visitors of all ages throughout the village - including a colonial-era encampment.  

"Our intention is for visitors to gain a richer sense of what life was like in early America," said Amanda Rivera Lopez, Director of Museum Education and Interpretation at Historic Deerfield.  "The Revolution played out in different ways all across our state as people responded to the news of what happened on April 19, 1775 in Lexington and Concord."

Revolutionary times will come to life through demonstrations of period crafts and activities, fife and drum music, a re-enacted skirmish, and a parade and 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.  Self-guided "Revolution Walk" tours will be available.

From the opening "Reveille" at 10 a.m., 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, the reading aloud of an official "Muster," as well as a re-enactment of an attack.  On-going demonstrations include camp cooking, sewing uniforms, and children's toys and games.

"We are proud to welcome The Nathan Hale Ancient Fifes and Drums who will play a lead role in the day's activities and create the encampment," said Lopez.  "Their talented re-enactors in period costume will bring to life the sights and sounds of Revolutionary times."

The 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 & Parade will take place at Historic Deerfield on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.  Admission is $12 for adults (18+), $5 for youth (6-17), under 6 and members are free.   

For more information, including a detailed schedule of the day's activities, please log onto www.historic-deerfield.org, or call (413) 775-7214.

Group rates available by advance purchase-perfect for seniors, homeschoolers, scouts and anyone visiting with 10 or more people.  For group information and reservations, please contact Lillian Miskinis, Visitor Services Manager, at (413) 775-7132.