Waterford Historical Society (CT)
"Waterford/West Farms in the Revolution and Beyond"
Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Town of Waterford was originally "West Farms" of New London. So as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th year of independence in 2026, the Waterford Historical Society is welcoming living historians to Jordan Green at the corner of Rope Ferry Road and Avery Lane on Saturday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Think history is boring? Not this time! The Dirty Blue Shirts will be portraying scenes of life in the former West Farms from 1770-1812: from the lead-up to the Revolution, the Revolutionary War itself, to the incorporation of the Town of Waterford in 1801, and finally touching on the War of 1812. Visitors of all ages will find something to interest them.
Some highlights:
Discover how Protection Certificates worked and hear about Captain Stevens Rogers from Great Neck, who twice survived imprisonment and came home with a tattoo of an eagle and an American flag. Come learn about what these symbols meant to a sailor and have a turn at designing your own.
Investigate the legalities of 18th century piracy. Would you have supported your cause by land or by sea?
What to do when war invades your home? Stand guard! Imagine yourself a member of the militiamen guarding the coast at Goshen's Point or the Brown family on Pepperbox Hill.
Fashionistas can see garments and accessories that made up an average 18th-century West Farms woman's wardrobe.
Foodways is not a grocery store chain, but a demonstration at Stacy Barn of what foods were common back in the day; how they were hunted, grown, fished, harvested and preserved.
Shuttlecock, anyone? Relax with a spirited game of battledore & shuttlecock, the precursor to today's badminton, roll a hoop on the Jordan Green, or toss the beribboned graces and enjoy a late summer's day in Federal Era Waterford.
Attend an old-fashioned chocolate-making and tasting demonstration with the 1800s period-attired Pewter Pot Chocolatiers in the Stacy Barn upper level at 11 a.m. $10 per person, cash or check. (Maximum 30 seats, so come early.)
Forge ahead up the hill from the Green to see the blacksmiths at work at the bustling Ralph Madara Blacksmith Shop and pick up some hand-forged items for home and garden.
Come inside historic buildings and imagine what life was back then: the 1840s Beebe-Phillips House, the 1740s Jordan District Schoolhouse, and the Stacy Barn full of antique farming equipment.
Pop in to the Jordan Park House (Did you know it's the original Waterford Public Library?) to purchase local historical books, maps, mugs, notecards, hand-forged items and more.
This event is free and family friendly. The Waterford Historical Society is a non-for-profit organization, so donations are always gratefully accepted. Look for the wooden birdhouses on the grounds to make a contribution to help "feather our nest!"
There's free, handicap-accessible parking at Avery Lane/Rope Ferry Road, and handicap accessible rest rooms in Stacy Barn lower level. There's also free parking at Waterford Public Library and the Community Center. .