Preparing for Winter, Preparing for War!

October 12 & 13
Hartwell Tavern
9:30 am – 4:30 pm

After a summer of growing tensions between British soldiers in Boston and radicalized patriots in the countryside, the political crisis engulfing Massachusetts turned into preparations for war. Autumn in Colonial New England was a time of change and transition when many gathered to share the fruits of summer labor and prepare for the coming winter. In 1774 it was also a time of preparation for the coming conflict. Join park staff and living history volunteers for two days of special 250th commemoration programs at Minute Man’s Historic Hartwell Tavern covering the experiences of everyday people as they prepared for winter and for war in 1774.

Schedule of Events:
Saturday (Patriot Perspectives)

9:30am – Site opens with ongoing living history demonstrations throughout the day

11:00am – The Militia Muster: Preparing for war (drill and firing demonstration)

1:00pm – Women in politics 

2:00pm – The Militia Muster: Preparing for war (drill and firing demonstration)

2:30 pm – “The attempts of a wicked administration” Crisis in the Autumn of 1774

3:00pm – Muster the Minute men (Interactive drill program)

4:30pm – Site closed

Sunday (British Army and Loyalist Perspectives)

9:30am – Site opens with ongoing living history demonstrations throughout the day

11am – As If an Enemy’s Country: The British Army in Boston (drill and firing demonstration)

11:30am- Loyalist Women

1:00pm – Enemies to their Country

2:00pm – As If an Enemy’s Country: The British Army in Boston (drill and firing demonstration)

2:30 pm – Join the British Army (Interactive drill program)

3:00pm – Neighbors at Odds

4:30pm – Site closed

This event is co-sponsored by Minute Man National Historical Park and the Friends of Minute Man.