J. L. BELL is a Massachusetts writer who specializes in (among other things) the start of the American Revolution in and around Boston. He is particularly interested in the experiences of children in 1765-75. He has published scholarly papers and popular articles for both children and adults. He was consultant for an episode of History Detectives, and contributed to a display at Minute Man National Historic Park.

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Saturday, January 14, 2017

Princeton in the Snow

I did some public history work last weekend: read in some books, participated in a meeting about this year’s Boston Massacre, drafted some Boston 1775 postings while sitting out the snow.

But I sure didn’t do what a bunch of dedicated reenactors and living historians did in central New Jersey. The Princeton Battlefield Society, Morven Museum & Garden, and Old Barracks Museum teamed with His Majesty’s 17th Regiment of Infantry, Charles Wilson Peale’s Company of Philadelphia Associators, historian Will Tatum, and other individuals to reenact the British army’s occupation of Princeton in 1776-77.

And then the snowstorm arrived. The same snow we got here in Massachusetts, but earlier. And my goodness, that was photogenic!

The image above appears in a Facebook gallery by Wilson Freeman of Drifting Focus Photography. I heartily recommend clicking through the whole gallery. If there are other online collections of photos from this event, please recommend them in the comments.

Here’s a report on the event from Kitty Calash. No fingers or toes were lost in the snow, it’s good to know. And the participants and local spectators seem to have enjoyed an unforgettable experience.

2 comments:

Historian said...

Outstanding photography! And, what a fantastic event. This would truly be unforgettable to the participants and the onlookers. Wish I'd been there. Well done, everyone.

Unknown said...

Thank you Boston 1775 for your recognition of the programs in Princeton commemorating the 240th anniversary of the Battle of Princeton. Our team worked all year to develop the three days worth of events, coordinating with the Morven Museum and Gardens, and the Historical Society of Princeton. The living historians where so dedicated and passionate. One highlight included an 18th Century "flash mob" with His Majesty's 17th Reg marching into Princeton's Palmer Square and "arresting" looters during the "Ravages of Princeton". Visit, and sign up for news at www.pbs1777.org We will be posting more photos and video.

I am the board secretary of the Princeton Battlefield Society., and a member of the Ten Crucial Days Associators, www.tencrucialdays.org, roger@tencrucialdays.org