DEERFIELD — Travel back in time and rediscover the history behind this week’s 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.
It takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is $18 for adults (18-plus), $5 for youth ages 6-17 and under 6, Deerfield/South Deerfield residents, and Historic Deerfield members are free.
Demonstrations of period crafts and activities, fife and drum music, and a muster are just part of the day. 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.
The re-enactment group taking part, Nathan Hale Ancient Fifes & Drums, has 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.
For more information, please log on to www.historic-deerfield.org, or call 413-775-7214.