The British Are Coming to Ellington!

ELLINGTON — Step into the world of Revolutionary America when the Nellie McKnight Museum hosts a Revolutionary War reenactment camp on Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 70 Main Street.

Members of the 54th Regiment of Foot and Ye Olde Lebanon Militia will bring the sights, sounds and tensions of the Revolutionary era to the museum grounds. Visitors can explore British and Colonial camps, meet reenactors and discover how soldiers and civilians lived during the struggle for independence.

The day’s adventure unfolds as British soldiers arrive in Ellington searching for deserters who may be hiding among the townspeople. They also have another mission: finding farmland owned by famed patriot John Hancock.

Children can become part of the story through military drills, a fencing tutorial, a mock battle, a spy game and an 18th-century soccer match. Will they join the Rebel cause or remain loyal to the Crown?

The day’s schedule includes:

• 9 a.m.: British and Colonial camps open.
• 9:30 a.m.: 18th-century British Army field hospital demonstration, Part 1.
• 10 a.m.: Military drills for children at the British camp; Register here.
• 10:30 a.m.: Firearms of the 1700s at the Colonial camp.
• 11 a.m.: British officer overview and fencing tutorial; Register here.
• 11:30 a.m.: Children’s mock battle;
• 12:30 p.m.: Children’s spy game; Register here
• 1 p.m.: Camp tours and lunch break.
• 1:30 p.m.: British Army field hospital demonstration, Part 2,
• 1:30 pm 18th-century soccer match; Register here
• 2 p.m.: Mock trial of deserters. Guests are encouraged to heckle the British officers as the story unfolds. Will the militia come to the rescue?
• 3 p.m.: Camps close.

Spaces are limited for several activities, and advance registration will help organizers prepare for participants. Families are kindly asked to sign up in advance for specific activities by clicking register here link. All activities are free.

Visitors are encouraged to dress for the occasion—costumes are welcome—and stop by the Rusty Canteen Snack Shack for fall treats and refreshments.

Bring your curiosity, choose your allegiance and join the Ellington Historical Society for a day of living history at the Nellie McKnight Museum, 70 Main St. Ellington.