Experience 18th-century life through costumed interpreters, hands-on activities, and military demonstrations. Aspects of colonial American life will be available for you to experience – agriculture, blacksmith, education, games, gunsmith, military, and much more.
1777 – Colonial Location – Danbury, Connecticut
The air crackled with a tension that burned hotter than any hearth. Fear, like a venomous serpent, coiled around the hearts of my neighbors. Word had reached us, carried on the wind like wildfire, that the British were coming. They were not coming as merchants or diplomats, but as conquerors, a force of nature bent on destruction.
Danbury, our peaceful town, nestled amongst rolling hills, was about to become a battleground. The British, seeking to disrupt the flow of supplies to the Continental Army, had set their sights on our armory and stores. We, a community of farmers and tradesmen, were ill-equipped to face such a formidable foe.
The morning of April 26th dawned, not with the promise of spring, but with the ominous rumble of distant cannons. Panic erupted. Women and children were herded towards the safety of the surrounding woods, their faces etched with terror. Men, armed with whatever they could find – muskets, pitchforks, even axes – prepared to defend their homes.
The attack was swift and brutal. The British, a disciplined force, overwhelmed our meager defenses. Buildings, once symbols of our industry and prosperity, were engulfed in flames. The smoke choked the air, turning the sky an eerie shade of gray. The cries of the wounded mingled with the roar of the fire, creating a symphony of despair.
I watched in horror as the library, a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment, was reduced to ashes. Years of accumulated wisdom, painstakingly gathered by our forefathers, vanished in a fiery inferno. The church, a sanctuary of solace and hope, met the same fate, its spire collapsing amidst a shower of sparks.
The British, their mission accomplished, withdrew, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Danbury, once a vibrant community, lay in ruins. The charred remains of our homes and businesses stood as grim reminders of the war’s brutal reality.
The aftermath was a time of profound grief and uncertainty. We, the survivors, were left to pick up the pieces, to rebuild our lives from the ashes. The scars of that fateful day would remain, a constant reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom. But amidst the despair, a flicker of hope remained. We were a resilient people, and we would rebuild, stronger and more determined than before.
— Fictional first person account.
18th-Century Military Demonstration – twice daily 11:40 AM & 3:20 PM
Both Continental and British troops will demonstrate 18th-century military maneuvers. Though similar, you will learn the differences between the two opposing forces. This will be introduced by a rousing fife and drum march and concluded with a booming artillery demonstration.
Medical Demonstration – Immediately after each battle
Stop at the apothecary tent to learn about 18th-century medicine. Several surgical techniques will be demonstrated, and none of them will be frightening to watch.
Projects – twice daily 9:30 AM & 1:30 PM
We offer optional hands-on crafts to make something special to take home. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
JOIN US!
When
April 25-26, 2025
Friday & Saturday
9:00AM – 4:00PM
Admission
$5/person (age 4+)
Max $20/family
Friday: Preregistration required for field trip discount.
Saturday: $4/person for homeschool groups, no preregistration required.
We require each family to fill out a Liability Waiver. Save time, and print at home. Print each guest’s name, and have each adult sign. Children under 18 are not required to sign, so long as a parent or guardian has signed.
