Revolutionary War Days at Nevada City, CA 2014

"Revolutionary War Days"

12-14 Sep 2014

Nevada City, CA

After Action Report

On September 12^th through 14^th, 2014, the "Revolutionary War Days" event was held for the second year at Pioneer Park in the Gold Rush town of Nevada City in Northern California. Certainly small by Eastern standards, but by all measures for a relatively new event in Northern California, it was highly successful. The event was conducted by the Haslet's Delaware Regiment unit in Northern California, and was sponsored by the Nevada City Constitution Day Commission. Nevada City celebrates Constitution Days that weekend, including a parade on Sunday afternoon. A Friday afternoon was added to the event to gauge public interest and schools interest, for possible future school programs.

This was a living history event, without battles. The encampment included tented stations of Revolutionary War era civilian life and activities, Fife & Drum station, and a line of soldier tents.  Demonstrations included flag raising and lowering to fife & drum, weapons inspection, soldier drill and firing, fife & drum music, kids drill with replica muskets, apothecary/surgeon, textile making, milliner, making of chocolate beverage, stories of the Revolution from our University historian, a station depicting soldier uniforms, weapons and equipment with a map of the colonies showing a timeline and battle locations of the War, and a Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) station. Soldiers included the Delaware Regiment, 33^rd Regiment of Foot, Loyalists and French.

 

Our historian "Town Crier" announced demonstrations during the day, provided "context" and background to a variety of demonstrations, and read portions of the Declaration of Independence during flag raising.

The California Consolidated Drum Band (the official California State Fife & Drum Band) played inspirational period music at flag raising and lowering, during the event, and during the parade.

 

Public attendance was estimated to be over 400; good considering very hot weather during the event, and those attending stayed at the encampment a long time asking questions and taking in the atmosphere. A local newspaper conducted interviews, and the event was on the front page of Saturday paper. Many visitors collected pamphlets of the US Constitution & Declaration of Independence at the event.

Reviews from the public were enthusiastic regarding the knowledge of the living historians and their enthusiasm. Friday afternoon attracted one school group and several groups of homeschoolers.

Drilling the public with muskets was again a huge hit and amusing to watch for spectators. Two very

young ladies were dressed perfectly and were lovely young ladies with charming manners complimented on by the public.

 

The event is starting to attract enough soldiers to consider addition of a small "skirmish" in next years' schedule.

 

One of many comments from the public: "My family of seven came Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to participate in the event and the Constitution Day parade. We had a great time! My 11 year old daughter Olivia especially enjoyed the Chocolate discussion: hearing it three times, and also the wool/spinning/knitting discussion - please let the “lady that had a farm in Pennsylvania, who was a widow” know that Olivia enjoyed her talk, and has started collecting Onion Skins [for dyeing textile]."

The event concluded on Sunday afternoon with a Constitution Day parade with all the reenactors through downtown Nevada City. The Delaware Regiment and California Consolidated Drum Band were awarded First Place in the Parade.

 

All in all a splendid several days helping children and adults understand and appreciate the story of the courageous men and women who lived these times, British, French and American.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Huzzah!