Revolutionary Revel! & book talk with author David M. Griffin

Raynham Hall Museum is holding a ‘Revolutionary Revel!’ on Sunday, September 17 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. History lovers will interact with members of the Order of the Ancient and Honorable Huntington Militia’s encampment and learn about 18th century crafts such as weaving and cooking. Musket firings, historic games, and more will engage people of all ages.

While event hosts will be dressed in historic clothing, guests can outfit themselves in period attire and preserve the memory at a selfie station. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their own period items. The festivities are free and open to the public, including admission to the Education Center and museum, but donations are appreciated, and refreshments will be available for purchase.

The Huntington Militia is a colonial living history re-enactment group that traces its roots back to Huntington’s founding in 1653 and is the official ceremonial guard of the Town of Huntington.

The History Twins, Carla Lynne Hall & Jim Keyes, will offer up two of their history programs. 1:00 pm: “Liss: Slave, Servant, Spy” is a fictionalized account that tells the story of Liss, an enslaved woman who may have also been a Revolutionary War spy. 2:00 pm: “Colonial Crossroads” is a musical presentation that demonstrates the intersection of African and European music.

Author David M. Griffin presents harrowing narratives of life during the British occupation of Long Island and the struggle for freedom during the Revolutionary War. Throughout the Revolutionary War, Long Island endured a harsh civil war, pitting Patriot and Loyalist neighbors against each other, all under the brutal yoke of a British military occupation. Locals were forced to endure troops camping on their farms and quartering in their houses. Refugees from confiscated lands on both sides of the war never returned home again. British dragoons and Hessian soldiers ingrained fear into the population through public floggings, plundering, and martial law. Violent raids and random killings throughout the countryside persisted throughout the era by Patriot sympathizers and errant British militias alike. David’s book talk begins at 3:00 pm.