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Image courtesy of Colonial National Historical Park, Yorktown.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Colonial Williamsburg and Museum of the American Revolution Collaborate on Reproducing George Washington's "Oval Office"
Preservation: Camp Security, PA
Exciting news at Camp Security, PA. This is the last
remaining undisturbed POW camp from the Revolution, located in York County,
PA. The site, currently owned by the Conservation Fund, has had limited
archaeology done in the past. A group known as the Friends of Camp
Security is raising money so that Springettsbury Township can purchase the
property to protect it.
For more information visit the website:
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Patrick Henry's Scotchtown: 2013 Events
Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown 2013
16120
Chiswell Lane, Beaverdam, VA 23015
804- 227-
3500, scotchtown@preservationvirginia.org
Admission: Preservation Virginia Members Free; General Admission $8;
Senior Citizens (55+) $6; Students $4, AAA Members $7
February 9, 2013 18th Century Costume Seminar
Saturday 10- 1
Join
us for a costume seminar on 18th century clothing.
Space is limited!
Tickets are $15 per person
Deadline for registration is Friday, February
1st, 2013
purchase tickets here: https://preservationvirginia.wufoo.com/forms/z7p8q9/
Please register with
jhurstwender@preservationvirginia.org
March 7, 2013 Community Meeting
Thursday 7pm- 9pm
Patrick Henry's
Scotchtown NEEDS YOUR HELP!
We are holding a community meeting to discuss our future.
All individuals who have an interest in this historic home of “the orator
of the American Revolution” are welcome to join us at St. Paul’s Episcopal
Church for an informal discussion.
Bring your ideas. Bring a friend. Bring a positive vision for the site!
ST. Paul’s Episcopal Church
8050 St Pauls Church Rd,
Hanover, VA 23069
March
9, 2013 Hands on Second Saturday: Candle Making
Saturday 10- 5
In the 18th
century, handmade candles were the only light source during long winter nights.
Although we now rely on electricity, you'll enjoy the simple elegance of your
own hand-dipped candles, as well as, have fun making them.
April
13, 2013 Hands on Second Saturday: Wood Working
Saturday
10- 5
Every second Saturday
of the month Patrick Henry's Scotchtown hosts a hands on event for all ages. In
April please come try your hand at 18th century wood working skills. Join us
the second Saturday in April at Patrick Henry's Scotchtown.
May 11,
2013 Hands on Second Saturday: Nature Hide and Seek
Saturday
10- 5
Every second
Saturday of the month Patrick Henry's Scotchtown hosts a hands on event for all
ages. In the month of May come explore the wildlife and birding on Patrick
Henry's Scotchown's special trail with this easy guided hike.
May 11,
2013 Mother Daughter Tea
Saturday
10- 12
Celebrate
Mother’s Day with your daughter(s). Enjoy special crafts,18th century games and
activities and a tea party on the lawn. Come dress your best ladies and join
us. May 11, 2013 10:00am through 12:00pm (noon)
Tickets are $25 per mother and daughter
Pre- registration required, no later than May
6th 2013
May 12,
2013 Mother’s Day
Sunday 1- 5
Celebrating
parent receives free admission when accompanied by his/her family.
AND FREE ICE CREAM CONES TO ALL!
June 8,
2013 Hands on Second Saturday: Textiles and 4H Day
Saturday
10- 5
Textiles
come in all natural types. Come learn a bit more about them and how in the 18th
century they were used.
4H Day: 4H plays an important role in life here
at Patrick Henry's Scotchtown and surrounding Hanover County. Come discover the
club's many activities and programs.
June
16, 2013 Father’s Day
Sunday
1- 5
Celebrating
parent receives free admission when accompanied by his/her family.
AND FREE ICE CREAM CONES TO ALL!
July 13, 2013 Hands on Second Saturday: Floor Cloths
Saturday 10- 5
Floor
cloths were made and used in the 18th-century Virginia as simple but attractive
ways to protect the floor. Recently, these floor coverings have re-surged in
popularity in interior decor magazines and blogs. Come learn how to make your
own floor cloth just like the colonists.
August
10, 2013 Hands on Second Saturday: 18th Century Games
Saturday
10- 5
Life
was not all work and no fun; try some 18th century games such as Hoop and
Stick, and Graces.
September
8, 2013 Grandparent’s Day
Sunday
1-5
Celebrating
grandparent(s) receive free admission when accompanied by his/her family.
September 14, 2013 Hands on Second Saturday: Chair Caning
Saturday 10- 5
Don't
throw your old chairs away! Come learn how to repair the caning and weaving
with us
October
12, 2013 Hands on Second Saturday: Hearth Cooking
Saturday
10- 5
Come
learn firsthand how 18th century cooking methods compare and contrast with
those used in kitchens today.
October 26, 2013 Haunted History
Saturday 6-9
Once
a year the eerie tales and mysterious legends that have come to rest on the
grounds of Patrick Henry's Scotchtown come to light. Visit if you dare!
Tickets $5 per person
November 9, 2013 Hands on Second Saturday: Weaving with a Loom
Saturday 10- 5
Learn
about the different types of looms. Try your hand at some of the 18th century
techniques of weaving!
December 14, 2013 Hands on Second Saturday: Colonial Holiday
Activities
Saturday 10- 5
Come
get ready for the holidays! Make boxwood wreaths, ornaments, and enjoy shopping
for those last minute gifts. (May be a small fee for some of the materials)
December 14- 15, 2013 Patrick Henry’s Colonial Christmas
Saturday 6-9, Sunday 1- 5
Celebrate
an 18th-century Christmas holiday at Patrick Henry's Scotchtown. Join us for
decorations, food and holiday surprises!
Tickets $5 per person
John Marshall House: 2013 Events
John Marshall House 2013
804- 648- 7998, johnmarshallhoue@preservationvirginia.org
Students
with ID $4; Children 3 and under Free;
AAA Adults $7
Fridays
and Saturdays 10- 5, Sundays 12- 5
Spring has sprung, and with it the
ladies of the house make changes to reflect the season.
Come share with us the opening of the house for the new year of 2013.
An open house, and themed tours with featured artifacts!
Come share with us the opening of the house for the new year of 2013.
An open house, and themed tours with featured artifacts!
May
17, 2013 Secret Garden Party
Friday
5:30- 8:30
Celebrate the urban garden at this progressive party in Richmond’s
historic Court End neighborhood. Each garden will feature a different beverage,
refreshments and entertainment. It’s like five parties for the price of one!
Reservations include admission to all museums and historic homes.
The White House of the Confederacy – 1201 E. Clay Street
The John Marshall House – 818 E. Marshall Street
Monumental Church – 1224 E. Broad Street
Becky's Healing Garden at VCU Massey Cancer Center - 401 College Street
Valentine Richmond History Center, 1015 E. Clay Street
Reservations can be made via PayPal for $30 per person until Monday, May 13, 2013 at 5 p.m.
After this date, tickets will be sold at each site for $35 per person.
Guests may begin or end at any location.
Guests must present photo id upon entry.
Parking is available at area lots or on the street throughout Court End neighborhood.
Please visit the website to purchase your tickets. www.rvasecretgardenparty.com or call (804) 643- 7404
The White House of the Confederacy – 1201 E. Clay Street
The John Marshall House – 818 E. Marshall Street
Monumental Church – 1224 E. Broad Street
Becky's Healing Garden at VCU Massey Cancer Center - 401 College Street
Valentine Richmond History Center, 1015 E. Clay Street
Reservations can be made via PayPal for $30 per person until Monday, May 13, 2013 at 5 p.m.
After this date, tickets will be sold at each site for $35 per person.
Guests may begin or end at any location.
Guests must present photo id upon entry.
Parking is available at area lots or on the street throughout Court End neighborhood.
Please visit the website to purchase your tickets. www.rvasecretgardenparty.com or call (804) 643- 7404
June 1, 2013- August 30, 2013 Summer in John Marshall’s Richmond
Fridays
and Saturdays 10- 5, Sundays 12- 5
The city of Richmond provides a good Southern summer. Imagine cool
breezes coming up from the James River, fans dangling from ladies' hands, and
gentlemen seeking the shade of large trees in the gardens. The John Marshall
house has what you need to cool off too, step back in time with us. The house is changing seasons, and providing
an open house, themed tours and featuring artifacts!
August 31,
2013- November 29, 2013 The Chief Justice in Richmond
Fridays
and Saturdays 10- 5, Sundays 12- 5
Leaves change with the season, and so
does the John Marshall house!
Come see the new changes for the season. We provide you an open house, themed tours and featured artifacts.
Come see the new changes for the season. We provide you an open house, themed tours and featured artifacts.
September
21, 2013- September 22, 2013 Celebrate John Marshall’s Birthday
Saturday 10- 5, Sunday 12- 5
John Marshall is turning 258 this year!
Come celebrate with the staff, there will be cake and an open house.
September 28,
2013 Museum Day
Saturday 10-5
In the spirit of Smithsonian Museums, who offer free admission everyday, Museum Day Live! is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian Magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket...for free.
November 30,
2013- December 31, 2013 A Federal Christmas
Fridays
and Saturdays 10- 5, Sundays 12- 5
Come celebrate the holidays with the
Marshall family.
There will be an open house, themed tours, and featured artifacts.
AND A NEW DOLL HOUSE!
There will be an open house, themed tours, and featured artifacts.
AND A NEW DOLL HOUSE!
December 9,
2013 Court End Christmas
The John Marshall House museum will
participate once again in Richmond's annual Court End Christmas event. This
event celebrates one of Richmond's oldest neighborhoods and represents a
consortium between The Valentine Richmond History Center, The Museum of the
Confederacy, The John Marshall House, the Virginia State Capitol, and St.
John's Church.
Includes historic house tour and special activities.
Includes historic house tour and special activities.
Next Meeting: May 22, 2013
“Treacherous Beauty: Peggy
Shippen, The Woman Behind Benedict Arnold’s Plot to Betray America,” Stephen Case
The meeting will be held in the Westhampton Room, Heilman Center (dining hall--building 34 on the campus map), University of Richmond, at 6:30 p.m. with dinner available for purchase in the dining hall beginning at 5:30 p.m.
University of Richmond campus map:
http://www.richmond.edu/about/directions/campusmap.pdf
The meeting will be held in the Westhampton Room, Heilman Center (dining hall--building 34 on the campus map), University of Richmond, at 6:30 p.m. with dinner available for purchase in the dining hall beginning at 5:30 p.m.
University of Richmond campus map:
http://www.richmond.edu/about/directions/campusmap.pdf
Preservation Update, Princeton
Battlefield Preservation Update:
The Princeton Battlefield Society's appeal of the Princeton
Planning Board’s decision is before the New Jersey Superior Court. This
involves the filing of the brief, reviewing and responding to the IAS
reply brief and making an oral argument before the court probably by May. The
critical point: If one or more of the seventeen counts prevails, the IAS will
be faced with a critical decision to continue - - either to appeal the decision
to the Appellate Division, go back to the drawing board on plans that it took
them almost 10 years to formulate and go through the hearing process all over
again, or, in our heartfelt wishes, to come to terms with us and plan faculty
housing on another site.
The Princeton Battlefield Society is also before the New
Jersey Appellate Division to insure that the watershed rules established by the
Delaware & Raritan Canal Commission (DRCC) which now prohibit the IAS from
carrying out its building plans cannot be waived without a public hearing
before a quorum of the DRCC. Finally, the Battlefield Society has evidence that
the IAS will be building its housing on wetlands and is planning on
bringing an action in federal district court under the Clean Water Act to stop
IAS from building on the battlefield.
Clark House Preservation:
In September 2012, the final version of the Thomas Clarke House
Preservation Plan arrived from John Milner and Associates (JMA). This
marked the end of a multi-year project to document the history of this
structure and to prepare for its stabilization and preservation. In order to
make the report's results more accessible for the general public, our
consultants created a 24x36" exhibit panel which features images of the
house over time as well as a brief text block summarizing the report's
conclusions. This panel is currently being fabricated and is expected to be
delivered to the Park within the next few months.
With the Preservation Plan complete, work has now begun on putting
it into action. On February 12th, Structures Committee Chair Will Tatum and
Curator John Mills met with representatives of JMA and Historic Building
Architects to discuss Phase 1 work on the Clarke House. The work will begin
with an investigation of the building's sill. In timber-frame structures like
the Clarke House, the sill is comprised of timbers set atop the stone
foundation, into which the house's framing connects. It is one of the two
primary entry points for water (the other being the roof), which is likely the
major cause of most of the deterioration in the building. Tatum is now working
closely with JMA to develop a schedule for a structural engineer to inspect the
sill in conjunction with a DEP work team, which will temporarily remove and
then re-affix the lowermost three levels of clapboard siding. Once this process
is a complete, we will have a more exact scope for the work to be done and can
move forward into the full project design phase later this spring.
To help with either effort, donations may be made to "The
Princeton Battlefield Society", PO Box 7645, Princeton, NJ 08543.
Meeting Notes: March 20, 2013
“Unnatural
Rebellion: Loyalists in New York City during the Revolution," Ruma
Chopra
For several centuries American history books and history courses frequently portrayed America’s loyalists as basically traitors to “The Glorious Cause” of our Founding Fathers and/or as greedy collaborators with the British Empire in order to make boatloads of money.
-Bill Seward
For several centuries American history books and history courses frequently portrayed America’s loyalists as basically traitors to “The Glorious Cause” of our Founding Fathers and/or as greedy collaborators with the British Empire in order to make boatloads of money.
In her March 20 program before Richmond’s
American Revolution Roundtable Dr. Ruma Chopra presented a much more complete
picture of the loyalists, including their backgrounds and what motivated them
to remain loyal to the British crown. Dr. Chopra, an associate professor of
history at San Jose State University, is the author of the book entitled
“Unnatural Rebellion: Loyalists in New York City during the American
Revolution”.
Dr. Chopra noted that loyalists were typically
found throughout the British Empire in all economic and social classes. Many of
the wealthy ones depended on strong trade ties with the mother country and
frequently wanted to maintain the status quo. Many of the middle and lower
class loyalists believed in devotion to the British Empire and shared pride in
their British ancestry. Regardless of one’s economic background many loyalists
were appalled at what they regarded as American rebels to the British crown, and
viewed many of those who are now considered America’s Founding Fathers as
little more than demagogues. Loyalists thought it was only natural to support
Great Britain because the British colonies and the mother country shared the
same ancestry, same skin color, same language, same religion and other natural
similarities to the mother country which helped to make the 13 American
colonies among the wealthiest in the world. As Dr. Chopra summarized, “Being
connected to the richest empire in the world was a good reason to remain
loyal.”
In 1776 Great Britain had 26 colonies in North
America, and in half of them the loyalists comprised a majority of support
among white colonials. For example, the white colonials in Jamaica strongly
supported the British crown because they depended on the British military for
protection. Approximately 94% of Jamaica’s population consisted of slaves so
the 6% whites feared a possible slave revolt far more than any political issues
with the mother country. In Canada the colonies were considered economically
valuable but politically weak, and therefore were easily ruled by Great
Britain. The white colonial governments in West and East Florida were dependent
on the British military since many of their residents were non-English, such as
Hispanics and Seminoles.
Not all North American loyalists to the British
crown were white colonials. Many slaves regarded the American Revolution as
their chance at emancipation in the event Great Britain won the war against the
colonial slaveholders. In addition, most of North America’s Indian tribes saw
the British as a means of preventing further white colonial expansion westward
onto what the Indians regarded as their land, and their way of life for many
centuries.
When the British military captured New York City
during the Fall of 1776, the local loyalists rejoiced at the arrival of what
they regarded as their liberators. During 1774-1776, relations between American
loyalists and rebels deteriorated very badly, and some New York loyalists were
tarred and feathered. While under British protection, New York City became a
major refuge for other loyalists who fled from nearby areas such as New Jersey,
the New York Highlands, New England and Pennsylvania. Toward the end of the war
New York City even became a refuge for loyalists who lived in the southern
colonies.
New York City’s population skyrocketed during
the seven years of British occupation from approximately 5,000 in 1776 to
30,000 in 1783. This huge increase overwhelmed British military rule, and
British authorities had trouble distinguishing true loyalists from those who
were rebels, or those who were neutrals and simply wanted food, shelter and a
job. Much to the disappointment of the loyalists, martial law was declared by
the British when they captured New York City in the Fall of 1776 and remained
in effect throughout the British seven-year occupation.
Why didn’t New York City make the transition
from British martial law to a loyalist civil government? Dr. Chopra said the
British had several good reasons for maintaining martial law.
The first of these was the ease and efficiency
of martial law from the British perspective. Crimes such as arson and theft
were quite common, and the British felt it was easier to deal with criminal
suspects in their own manner rather than through a civil judicial process.
Secondly, the British feared a civil government where the loyalists would seek
revenge against those in rebellion to the British crown after the way many
loyalists were persecuted prior to the war. In its own strange way martial law
promoted a form of reconciliation between New York loyalists and rebels, in
that the British military and not the loyalists and rebels served as New York’s
legislative and judicial systems.
The British also tried to promote reconciliation
by discouraging loyalists from joining the British army. The British feared
reprisals by loyalists soldiers against rebel prisoners and civilians, however
the British also felt more comfortable with hiring Hessians and other European
foreigners to fill the British ranks. By hiring fellow European soldiers the
British felt they could maintain the chivalry, honor and gentlemanly traditions
typically found on the European battlefields rather than allow the American
Revolution to turn into some sort of savage guerilla conflict. The British
discouraged the hiring of black loyalists to serve in its military for fear of
upsetting many white loyalists.
Despite the obstacles of martial law and not
feeling welcome to join the British military, the loyalists remained remarkably
resilient in trying to win concessions from the British. The loyalists were
frequently successful in their petitions to British military authorities on
such issues as obtaining food, obtaining civilian jobs with the British
military and getting reimbursed for horses and other personal property taken by
British soldiers.
Not all of the obstacles which loyalists
encountered were with the British or against the American rebels. Loyalists
fought among themselves in New York City, especially between the New York City
natives and the New York City refugees over such issues as obtaining jobs, food
and other city provisions. Loyalists also fought with each other over who was a
more sincere loyalist----those who were loyalists as early as 1776 versus those
who became loyalists during the course of the war.
When the war officially ended in 1783,
approximately 60,000 loyalists fled the newly created United States.
Approximately 30,000 of them moved to Nova Scotia, and another 8,000-10,000
moved to Great Britain. Others moved to the British colonies in the Caribbean,
especially those loyalists who still owned slaves.
In many cases life was hard for the loyalists
who fled to Great Britain. The British natives frequently discriminated against
the loyalists, accusing them of being more American than British. Approximately
10 years after the war many loyalists began to return to America. Although
these loyalists had forfeited all of their real estate and considerable
personal property when they fled in 1783, the loyalists who returned 10 years
later were usually treated very well by their former rebel enemies. It seems
that time had healed some of the old wounds between loyalists and rebels, and
both groups tried to rebuild their lives as citizens of a new nation.
Dr. Chopra noted that the failure of the British
military to utilize the loyalists in greater military and civil capacities was
probably a major contributing factor to losing the war. By not establishing any
sort of model loyalist government in New York City or elsewhere in the 13
colonies, the British basically destroyed representative government in the
areas they occupied until the war ended in 1783. These dictatorial actions
frequently demoralized the loyalists who felt betrayed by their country---Great
Britain. Many loyalists also resented the frequent British attitude of treating
loyalists with suspicion, making the loyalists feel somewhat similar to
prisoners within their own country.
Dr. Chopra’s presentation brought insight to one
of America’s generally forgotten major political groups of the American
Revolution---those people who were “too British” to support American
independence and were “too American” to enjoy the same rights as other British
citizens while under British military protection/occupation. Yes, America’s
loyalists were caught in the middle and when the war ended in 1783, they
emerged as the war’s biggest losers.
-Bill Seward
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