Colchester Historical Society Presents Colchester 1775

The Colchester Historical Society, in partnership with Colchester Parks and Recreation, presents: Colchester 1775: The Revolution is Coming!

Please join us on June 7th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Colchester’s Town Green for an immersive living history event. This occasion commemorates both local and national heroes who played pivotal roles in our nation’s fight for independence. To inaugurate the celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, the Colchester Historical Society is honored to feature national hero Gen. George Washington and his aide, William (Billy) Lee.

The event will include reenactments of notable local figures. They include Col. Henry Champion, sole commissary general of the Eastern Department of the Continental Army, and Captain Levi Wells, one of Colchester’s first responders. Furthermore, it will highlight the contributions of Colchester’s lesser-known African American soldiers. Gideon Quash initially served with the 1st Rhode Island Regiment. Ned Carter served under Champion to defend Philadelphia.

Colchester 1775

At 11:00 a.m., General Washington will parade on horseback onto Colchester’s Town Green, accompanied by his entourage. He will interact with local Revolutionary War soldiers, including the 5th Connecticut Regiment reenactors and Ye Olde Lebanon Militia.

This free community event will feature demonstrations of 18th-century military drills, cannon fire, a skirmish with British troops, period music, traditional cooking, colonial crafts, and trade items, providing an authentic and immersive experience of life during the Revolutionary era. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and engage with the reenactors, learning about their personal stories and sacrifices. This all-day family event offers a chance to participate and discover the significant contributions made by the Colchester community during the American Revolution.

Please donate to the Colchester Historical Society to support our free community events. Contact us at [email protected], 860-537-4032, donate on our website www.colchesterhistory.org, or mail a check to P.O. Box 13, Colchester, CT 06415. Thank you.

For more information: Visit the organization webpage here.

Host Organization: Colchester Historical Society

Event Contact: Irene Watson [email protected] 860-537-4147; Gigi Liverant: 860-608-1207 [email protected]; Mary Tomasi: 860-705-5051 [email protected]

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Learn more Revolutionary history in this complete guide to Revolutionary War Sites in New England. Brought to you by the New England Historical Society. Click here to order your copy in paperback, here to order an ebook.