Once Upon a Nation BATTLE REENACTMENTS & LIVING HISTORY DEMOS Watch as American history comes to life with battle reenactments, weapon demonstrations, and living history experiences at battlefields, forts, and museums throughout the state. sought to take over Philadelphia, the capital of the newly formed nation. In defense, General George Washington arranged his army along the Brandywine Creek in Chadds Ford—an effort that ended in defeat. Experience the Battle of Brandywine, the largest land battle of the American Revolutionary War, with annual events throughout the year, such as living history encampments and military weapon demonstrations. FORT NECESSITY NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD, Farmington French, British, and Native American cultures clashed at the 1754 Battle of Fort Necessity, which is regarded as the opening action of the French and Indian War, ultimately paving the way for the American Revolution. Visit during the summer, when daily living history programs include costumed staff performing firing demonstrations of black powder weaponry. FORT LIGONIER, Ligonier An important link for British supplies and communication, this fort was essential during the French and Indian War. Watch costumed interpreters, Colonial activities, and artillery and battle demonstrations at the annual 18th Century Military History Weekend every Memorial Day weekend, Living History Weekend during Labor Day weekend, and Fort Ligonier Days in October. BRANDYWINE BATTLEFIELD HISTORIC SITE, Chadds Ford In September 1777, advancing British troops GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK, Gettysburg Stand in the very place where 160,000 Union and Confederate soldiers fought in the heat of battle in 1863. Cannons boomed and thousands died, making it the Civil War’s bloodiest battle. Every weekend from April to October, costumed historians encamp at Gettysburg Battlefield for living history programs, bringing this era to life. Interact with these knowledgeable interpreters to learn about the weaponry, war tactics, and events of the battle. MID-ATLANTIC AIR MUSEUM, Reading Experience aviation innovation and history at this comprehensive museum, which bustles with patriotism and pilots during its annual World War II Weekend, scheduled for June 4–6, 2021. With airshows and flight experiences, this gathering of warbirds showcases fighters, transports, and bombers— not to mention 200 military vehicles, costumed military reenactors, 1940s-style concerts, and vintage movies. CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Mäntylä at Polymath Park, Acme ; Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site, Delaware County ; George Washington’s River Crossing Reenactment at Washington Crossing Historic Park, Bucks County Find more history at visitPA.com/historical-pursuits visitPA.com 9
Pennsylvania Happy Traveler Guide 2021: Page 9
