When we think about the American Revolution, images of soldiers with muskets come to mind. But how did the war affect the daily lives of civilians and the families left at home? Explore this lesser told side of American history at 1777 Home-Front, a two-day living history event at Rollinsford’s historic Colonel Paul Wentworth House on Saturday and Sunday, April 29 and 30.
It is April 1777, two years into the war, and town residents are meeting at the Wentworth House to gather supplies and clothing to send to the army, while the Colonel’s family tends to the everyday tasks of maintaining the house and its grounds. Historical re-enactors portraying Wentworth family members and their neighbors will bring this moment in history to life as they prepare meals from the hearth to the table, tend to the gardens, discuss the events of the day, and sew clothing and other much-needed supplies for the troops. Each day will also see visits by local vendors, merchants, army recruiters, and men of the town preparing for the impending call to arms.
Visitors to the event will experience the sights and sounds of a household during the American Revolution, and can tour a home which has stood through three centuries of American history. This event will run from 10 am to 4 pm on both days. Admission is $5 for the general public; free for children and members of ARCH.
The circa 1701 Wentworth House is located on Water Street in Rollinsford, NH and is maintained by the Association for Rollinsford Culture and History (ARCH). For more information about this and other events at the Wentworth House, consult the ARCH website at paulwentworthhouse.org or on Facebook at The Colonel Paul Wentworth House.