The Chadds Ford Historical Society will be hosting a reenactment and colonial festival celebrating the Sept. 11, 1777, anniversary of the Battle of Brandywine hosted by the Chadds Ford Historical Society this coming weekend.
The two-day reenactment/festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16-17, on the grounds of the Historical Society at 1736 Creek Road, Chadds Ford.
Ever wondered what it would be like to be in 1777, along the Brandywine River, hearing the roar of cannons and sounds of armies skirmishing in the hills? Well, this is your chance to experience it.
The weekend events include skirmishes, military drills, battlefield encampments, reenactors, camp followers, colonial demonstrators, artisans, authors, non-profits, youth activities and lectures by noted historians. Get a glimpse of what it was like to experience the largest single-day battle of the American Revolution, the Battle of Brandywine. On Sept. 11th, 1777, an estimated 30,000 American and British soldiers reconvened in Chads’ Ford, then a crossing along the Brandywine River.
Continental regiments from the 1st Delaware, 1st Maryland, 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 9thPennsylvania, as well as those from the King's army and loyalists to the crown of the 43rd Regiment of Foot, Von Wreden’s feldJagar, 1st New Jersey Volunteers, and the Queen’s Rangers will take part in skirmishes and firing demonstrations. Experience the sights and sounds of a booming cannon and musket fire as these foes engage on the battlefield.
Additional reenactors will play the part of “camp followers” for either the Continental or British armies. Visitors will have a chance to learn what life was like “on the road,” trailing behind their respective armies, setting up camp, and assisting in the daily needs of the troops.
Witness “living history” of the 18th century featuring reenactors and colonial craftsmen demonstrating trades such as flax production, candle making, gunsmithing, chair caning, fabric dyeing, woodcarving, and lace making, to name a few. Enjoy the sounds of an 18th century dulcimer, join in with colonial dancers, and converse with sutlers and reenactors such as “Ned Hector,” one of a handful of Black soldiers who fought with Washington’s Army at Chadds Ford.
Enjoy traditional festival food and treats from local vendors, such as Fletcher’s Kitchen, Sabatino’s Pizza, Vintage Kitchen and Scooped Ice Cream as well as local wine and beer from the Chadds Ford Winery, Sly Fox Brewery all while listening to live music from “Kenny Thompson and Friends” and “The Campton Shakers” in the outdoor seating area.
Shop from local artisans selling their unique items such as wood products, pottery, candles, jewelry, artwork, and more.
Local non-profits will be present, along with many authors. Take this opportunity to purchase a signed copy of their latest book.
Numerous youth activities including colonial dress-up, candle, marble, pin cushion, and sampler making, along with tin punching will be available. Each child will make their own treasure to take home and enjoy for the future. They will also have an opportunity to experiment with papermaking with staff from the Brandywine Battlefield Park and drill with the soldiers of the 1st Delaware.
Skirmishes take place at 11:30 a.m. and at 3:30 p.m. in the open fields behind the historical society’s headquarters.
The firing demo will take place at 1:30 p.m. utilizing muskets and cannon; observe reenactors prime, load, and fire their firearms and artillery. Learn about the drilling, training and military techniques used at that time and speak with the reenactors following their drills.
A series of lectures by noted historians will take place on the hour in our main building Meeting Room and last approximately 20 minutes. Many will have signed copies of their latest books available.
Lecture Series - Saturday
11 a.m.
Jim Christ, board member of numerous historic sights and President of the Paoli battlefield Preservation Fund, Inc, will present a lecture about this historic battle that has been largely overlooked in American history. “Remember Paoli”, is the nation’s first battle cry and was born of this battle that was fought in Malvern, PA on the night of September 20th, 1777.
Noon
Helen M. Sipala, former owner and now tour guide for Painter’s Folly, will share the history and stories of this beautiful home now owned by the Chadds Ford Township. Andrew Wyeth spent two decades of his life with the Sipala’s producing eighteen of his amazing paintings from Widow’s Walk to Marriage. Also available is Helen’s latest book Buttercups & Gratitude about Andrew Wyeth, Painters Folly and those 20 exciting years that Andy shared with Helen and her late husband George. Signed copies will be available.
I p.m.
Gene Pisasale, historian, and author has written eleven books on the history of Chester County and mid-Atlantic region and gives historical lectures on a wide variety of topics. His latest book Heritage of the Brandywine Valley tells a captivating narrative of the area’s 300-year history where statesmen, inventors, soldiers, and artists helped to create the America we know today. Through stories of the Lenape Indians, early settlements, conflicts, grist and powder mills the Underground Railroad and world-changing events, you’ll meet E. I. du Pont, William Darlington, Bayard Taylor, Gilbert Cope and others – ‘going behind the scenes’ exploring their fascinating lives and achievement...Signed copies will be available.
2 p.m.
Adrian Martinez, a nationally recognized artist will bring four of his major historic paintings depicting the interaction of Native Americans and Quakers in Pennsylvania. Despite being a time of religious, political, and cultural turmoil William Penn founded a new type of colony that eventually became the richest and most politically influential state among the 13 colonies. During his tenure as a Colonial Land Lord William Penn respected the Lenni Lenape and described their culture as “extraordinary”. This relationship between Penn and the local Native American inhabitants proved to be both inspiring and tragic. Martinez, in his unique combination of art and scholarship, will bring this remarkable and complex time alive.
3 p.m.
Chuck Ulmann, Curator of the Sanderson Museum since 2006, will present a fascinating look at the artifacts of the Sanderson collection contained in their exhibit “Battle of Brandywine”.
Lecture Series – Sunday
11 a.m.
Catherine Quillman author and Chadds Ford Historical Society board member will give an illustrated program based on her recent book titled The Brandywine Battlefield: The Untold Story of Its History and Preservation. Her program will highlight the generational effort to save the vanishing battlefield of September 11th, 1777, now spanning Chester and Delaware Counties, Pennsylvania. Signed copies of her book will be available.
Noon
John Ebenreiter, author of ‘Bye George: Blazing a new Nation – US War of Independence and Brandywine Battlefield tour guide, will discuss Five Interesting Fellas Who Fought at Brandywine, James Monroe, Light Horse Harry Lee, Casimir Pulaski, john Andre and Anthony Wayne. Signed copies of ‘Bye George will be available.
1 p.m.
Noah Lewis, portrayer of Edward “Ned” Hector, will share thoughts on the topics of “The Battle of Brandywine” and “Black People in Washington’s Army”. Ned Hector was a bombardier and teamster for Proctor’s 3rd PA Artillery that fought in the Battle of Brandywine and Germantown.
2 p.m.
Chuck Feld, Renowned horticulturalist, teaching at both Longwood Gardens and Williamson College will present “American Roots Horticulture in 18th Century America”.
Discussing early plant explorers such as Marshall, Prince, and Bartram and the crucial role they played as the Founding Fathers of American horticulture. Learn how plants were shipped to England, the trading of these plants between the two continents, and the binomial system of plant nomenclature. Also, how early American nurseries began with grafting, seed, or division. Observe a demonstration of grafting that was done in the 18th century and is still in use today.
3 p.m.
Bruce Mowday, an award-winning newspaper reporter and author, will speak on his latest book Lafayette Returns to Brandywine, 1825. Signed copies of his book will be available for purchase.
Enjoy this annual tradition as you travel back and immerse yourself in the 18th century. This family-friendly festival features battlefield reenactments, colonial demonstrators, reenactors, artisans, authors, non-profits, live music, food, and libations. Dogs are welcome, but owners should check the schedule for skirmishes and firing demos when noise levels are high.
Cost $10 for adults 18 and older; $5 for children 7-17; free for members and children 6 and under. Parking is free.
www.chaddsfordhistory.org
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