April 19, 2022

The fields of Sandy Hollow will be alive with Revolutionary War re-enactors to mark the 245^th anniversary of the Battle of Brandywine.

“This will be one of the major historical events for 2022 in this area, if not the nation,” said Randell Spackman, chair of Brandywine 2022. “Five years ago, our last re-enactment at Sandy Hollow, we had a large crowd to witness the commemoration of this important event in our history. This year we expect the turnout will be greater.”

The two-day event takes place on Sept. 24 and 25 at Sandy Hollow Heritage Park, South New Street, and Birmingham Road, Birmingham Township. The final schedule for the two-day event is being completed.

“We are looking for event volunteers and for sponsors,” Spackman said. “Our mission is to make community history accessible to everyone. Brandywine 2022 will be a springboard for those wanting to learn history.”

The Brandywine 2022 organizing committee is meeting regularly and invites interested persons to contact Spackman through the Brandywine 2022 Facebook page or send an email to communications manager Bruce Mowday at mowday@mowday.com.

Officials of both Birmingham and Thornbury townships are supporting the event, along with Chadds Ford Historical Society and Thornbury Farm CSA. The liaison to the British troops is Paul Loane of the 43^rd Foot while Tom Bowen is the Continental forces liaison.

“We are putting together dynamite programs for both days. More than 1,000 soldiers and camp followers should participate,” Spackman said. “Besides the battle demonstrations, the camps of the two armies will be open for inspection by the public. Historical interpreters portraying George Washington, Lafayette, and Alexander Hamilton will be available for conversations with visitors. And, some entertaining talks on historical subjects will be staged.”

The Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, will set up George Washington’s tent during the event.

“This will be an immersive historical experience,” Spackman said. “The sutlers will be selling time-appropriate goods. The vendors will have a historical connection. Colonial games for children will be played. It will be an opportunity to walk back in time. You can’t do that very often.”

There will be a performance element, according to Spackman, including singers from area schools and organizations.

Artists and authors will be taking part. Adrian Martinez, who produces wonderful paintings with historical themes, has just completed his second painting on Lafayette. Authors Gene Pisasale and Bruce Mowday have both written on local history. Mowday did the first book on the Battle of Brandywine and Barricade Publishing has released his Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero.

“This is our third re-enactment at Sandy Hollow,” Spackman said. “The first two were in 2014 and 2017. The first two were very successful. You won’t want to miss Brandywine 2022.”