Authentically clad and equipped reenactors bring the American Revolution to life on the grounds of Historic Cold Spring Village on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event will feature encampments, weaponry and demonstrations from living history groups including Continentals, Loyalists and Hessians. Visitors can experience an artillery demonstration both days at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Historian Mike Kochan will be at the Dennisville Inn in character as Benjamin Franklin demonstrating some of Franklin’s famous inventions and experiments. Children can search the Village for clues in the Cold Spring Patriot Spy game on both Saturday and Sunday. “This is one of my favorite events,” said Jim Stephens, HCSV Deputy Director for Education and Interpretation. “New Jersey played a vital role in the Revolution and the re-enactors do a fantastic job of bringing that story to life for our visitors.” Stephens will also give a special presentation, “The Story of Old Glory,” a fascinating look at the origins and history of our nation’s flag, at noon on both Saturday and Sunday. At 2 p.m. on both days, Todd Braisted will discuss his new book, “Grand Forage 1778: The Battleground Around New York City,” a fascinating look at the last great British military operation in New Jersey and the Hudson Valley during the Revolution.
Historic Cold Spring Village is a non-profit, open-air living history museum that portrays the daily life of a rural South Jersey community of the Early American period. It features 27 restored historic structures on a 30-acre site. Tuesday through Sunday from late June to early September, interpreters and artisans in period clothing preserve the trades, crafts and heritage of “the age of homespun.” Fun and educational activities for children are featured, with special events every weekend through September.
The Village is located on Route 9, three miles north of Victorian Cape May and a mile and a half west of the southern terminus of the Garden State Parkway. Admission during the season is $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free. Unlimited free admission is available with Village membership. The Village Nature Trail at Bradner’s Run is open to the public for free self-guided tours. Visit the Country Store, Bakery, Ice Cream Parlor, Brewery and Cold Spring Grange Restaurant. For more information on events, membership, volunteering or booking private affairs, please call (609) 898-2300 ext. 10, or visit the Village website at www.hcsv.org.