Independence Day at Mystic Seaport Museum

Kick off your Fourth of July weekend with drills and demonstrations by Continental and British soldiers during the Revolutionary War!

On July 1st, 2023, reenactors from several Connecticut and British Regiments will take over our quaint seaport town at Mystic Seaport Museum for a day. We invite you to witness what it was like to be a member of a Continental Regiment or British Regiment during these tumultuous times in American history. Learn what it was like for a British soldier to live aboard ship during the long voyage to the colonies and hear about 18th-century medical practices from a ship’s surgeon. See how British rule affected the everyday life of continental families and watch demonstrations of sewing, cooking, and carpentry. Join in the Grand Celebration Parade at 12:00 as news of the signing of the Declaration of Independence reaches the seaport! Which side will you choose?

Schedule:

Unless otherwise noted, all activities take place on the Village Green, and are ongoing throughout the day:
- Flags and Artifacts of the Revolutionary War
- Life of a Continental Soldier and Militiaman
- Life as a camp follower; Women and the Army

British and American Camps
- Colonial Clothing
- British Ship’s Surgeon
- Life Aboard Ship as a British Soldier
- Life as a British Regular in the Colonies
- The Quartering Act

Buckingham-Hall House (#11 on map)
- Artillery Demonstration

10:30 AM and 1:30 PM
- Cooking Demo at American Camp

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- American Military/Militia Drills & Musket Firing

11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
- Kids Militia Drills – Join in and learn how to march and carry a musket 11:30 AM and 1:00 & 2:30 PM
- Grand Celebration Parade around the Village Green

12:00 PM
- British Military Drills and Musket Firing

12:30 PM and 3:30 PM
- Exclusive Member Event – Meet the Commanders and Nathan

Hale (Membership Patio)
3:00 PM