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There will be a complimentary lunch for those who register! Be sure to RSVP ONLINE!
Schedule
Saturday, May 4th, 2024
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Seanegan Sculley, Colonel, US Army- Military Leadership in the Continental Army
Join Colonel Sculley as he discusses his published book on military leadership in the Continental Army during the Revolution, Contest for Liberty, in 2019. In the summer of 1775, a Virginia gentleman-planter was given command of a New England army laying siege to British-occupied Boston. With his appointment, the Continental Army was born. Yet the cultural differences between those serving in the army and their new commander-in-chief led to conflicts from the very beginning that threatened to end the Revolution before it could start. The key challenge for General George Washington was establishing the standards by which the soldiers would be led by their officers. What kind of man deserved to be an officer? Under what conditions would soldiers agree to serve? And how far could the army and its leaders go to discipline soldiers who violated those enlistment conditions? Find out the answers to these questions during this fantastic presentation!
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Henry Cooke
Safety Review and Drill, Active Practice
To be sure we are conducting ourselves as living historians properly and safely in the field, a drill session headed by Inspector Henry Cooke will take place Saturday afternoon. The 1764 Manual of Arms will be discussed and practiced through facings, to marching, and firing positions. It is important to stay sharp in the field throughout the 250th with a comprehensive understanding of musket drill!
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Jim Smith
Cheval de Frise Fortification Work
Try your handiwork and woodworking skills at making a "Cheval de Frise," a popular obstacle around garrisons, fortifications, and other redoubts! These intimidating logs with dozens of pointed spears were able to be quickly deployed once built. Even an anti-ship chevaux was developed for river defenses throughout the colonies during the Revolution, specifically for Philadelphia and the Hudson River. Making these obstacles only takes a few simple tools, and can then be used for years to come!
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2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Paul Ackermann
The Evolution of "Fortress" West Point.
This program chronicles the building of the Hudson River fortifications and illustrates the counter strategies for the defense of the Hudson Highlands.
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Todd Braisted
Refugee Fortifications,
The Blockhouses of Bergen County, 1780-1782
Fort Lee, constructed in 1776 in Bergen County, New Jersey, is the fortification most closely associated with the American Revolution for local residents. A bustling town now boasts its name, occupying the same ground that defied British shipping until it fell to the British in November 1776. The fort only existed for about three months. However, an enterprising group of Loyalist woodcutters would put their engineering skills to work later in the war, erecting not one, but three blockhouses in the county, and attempt to rebuild Fort Lee! All the while fending off attacks from both the local militia and the Continental Army, most famously Brigadier General Anthony Wayne at Bull’s Ferry. Join us as we examine their amazing story, with just a a tad bit of assistance from the British Corps of Engineers.
Sunday, May 5th, 2024 - VIRTUAL ONLY
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Susan Maguire
Archeological Review of New York's British & American Revolutionary War Fortifications focusing on Fort Niagara
Susan Maguire is a historical archaeologist whose research focuses on military sites, archaeological landscapes, borders and frontiers, and issues of identity, particularly national identity. Though she studies at many historic sites across New York state, Susan will discuss her research on an archeological review of Fort Niagara during the revolutionary war to prepare participants for the Big 3 encampment at Fort Niagara in July this year.
School of Instruction 2024
NOW ONE DAY EVENT! - May 4th, 2024
Join us on an enlightening exploration at the BAR School of Soldier. This event will revolve around the theme of fortifications, granting members the chance to explore the significance and operational aspects of 18th-century army fortifications, geography, and camp duties!