To supplement the meager armed forces, most early 19th-century farmers and craftsmen were required by law to serve in local militia units – the forerunner of today’s National Guard. Militia musters often saw the various militia companies of several towns coming together for a regimental muster. These would have been grand spectacles with townspeople coming out to view visiting militia companies in their dashing uniforms. Come and join us for our muster day and cheer on your favorite militia company!
Programming:
-Talk to members of volunteer militia companies and learn how the militia of the early 19th century connected directly back to the American Revolution.
-Listen to early 19th-century martial music.
-Watch musket and cannon firing demonstrations.
-Witness a recreated wake and military funeral for Captain Simeon Fiske, a veteran of the American Revolution.
-Our young visitors will get the chance to learn early 19th-century drill and marching with the militia officer’s instruction and a toy musket.
-Learn why many New Englanders were pushing for reforms to the militia system and the role that intemperance played in those reforms.
-Purchase some soft gingerbread, a traditional Muster Day treat (while supplies last)
