LECTURES, TALKS, WORKSHOPS & more

THE BRISTOL TOWN COMMON on Saturday, May 23 -- 9 AM to 3 PM

Did you know that Bristol’s population of over 1,000 people was directly affected by the American Revolution?

The year is 1776. The Revolutionary War has been going on for over a year. Bristol and the surrounding area have been attacked by the British Royal Navy. The ships have now left, and Rhode Island remains openly defiant of British rule. The Bristol Militia Company, commanded by Captain Jeremiah Ingraham, continues to prepare for when they return.

Participants will be able to learn more about the ways in which Bristol participated in the Revolutionary War and how this historic town felt during this major turning point in our history. 

Historic reenactors will take over a section of the Town Common for demonstrations of 18th century militia drills as well as the everyday occupations in which Colonial Bristolians worked. There will also be timed presentations about different parts of Bristol’s Revolutionary-era history, including flax work demonstrations and sword demonstrations. You might also be able to meet some figures from Bristol’s past! 

This event will be held at the Bristol Town Common from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

10:00 Militia Drill Demonstration

10:15 Young Recruits Muster (kids drill)

11:00 “The Politics of 1776” with Deputy Governor William Bradford

12:00 Lunch/Nooning

1:00 Militia Drill Demonstration

1:15 Young Recruits Muster (kids drill)

2:00 “Bristol in the Revolutionary War” with CJ Wolanski

It is free and open to the public. 

Sponsored by the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society and Bristol 250th Commission.

2 PM ON FRIDAY, JUNE 5

ROGERS FREE LIBRARY, HERRRESHOFF COMMUNITY ROOM, 525 HOPE STREET, BRISTOL

Are you interested in Bristol’s early architecture and the stories of those houses? 

Using the research that he has done for the BH&PS’s Historic Plaque Program, Battcher will talk about what we know about the construction of these houses, interesting events that occurred within them, and the history of some of the inhabitants that lived in them.

Rei Battcher is a historian, librarian, historical reenactor, genealogist, and deed researcher extraordinaire. He was born and raised in Bristol and holds BA and MA degrees in American history from Rhode Island College. He can be found at the BH&PS and the Rogers Free Library. Whether he is dressed simply as himself, or in the personas of historic Bristolian figures, he loves to walk visitors around town, pointing out interesting details while also revealing many secrets from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

This lecture is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Pease click HERE to register in person or virtually.

Sponsored by the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society and Rogers Free Library.