New England's largest Revolutionary War reenactment
(Sturbridge, Mass.) July 20, 2012– Nearly 7,000 visitors and 800 historic military reenactors will converge on Old Sturbridge Village the weekend of Aug.4-5 for the ninth annual Redcoats & Rebels event – the largest such military re-enactment in New England. The highlights of each day are the realistic mock battles and skirmishes fought between the Colonial and British troops and their allies. Visitors can also see cannon and musket demonstrations, marching and drilling, fife and drum music, and they can see what life was really like for the soldiers in camp.
Since Old Sturbridge Village offers a free return visit within 10 days, visitors can attend both days of the event for the price of one. Redcoats & Rebels admission also includes free parking and extended evening hours on Saturday, Aug. 5, when the Village stays open until 8:00 p.m. for the popular "Twilight Encampment," a chance for visitors to mingle with and talk to the soldiers around their campfires. For details, visit www.osv.org or call 800-SEE-1830.
The Continental victory in the Revolutionary War was due in large part to the help of the Colonial allies. Two units participating in Redcoats & Rebels this year portray French troops who helped the Americans win: Regiment Bourbonnais and Regiment de Sainte Onge. Both can be identified by their distinctive white uniforms.
"With hundreds of people in authentic uniforms and costumes bustling about among our historic homes and buildings, the Village really comes alive during this weekend," notes Jim O'Brien, coordinator of special events at Old Sturbridge Village. "And with 200 acres, no street lights and no traffic noise or other modern distractions, the Village is the perfect setting for a large reenactment like this."
Old Sturbridge Village celebrates New England life in the 1830s and is one of the largest living history museums in the country. The museum is open daily 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. seven days a week. OSV offers free parking and a free return visit within 10 days. Admission: $24; seniors $22; children 3-17, $8; children 2 and under, free. Woo Card subscribers get $5 off adult daytime admission; college Woo cardholders receive $12 off adult daytime admission. For times and details of all OSV activities visit: www.osv.org or call 1-800-SEE-1830.
# # #
Contact:
Ann Lindblad
VP Communications
Old Sturbridge Village
508-347-0323
pr@osv.org
