NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Newtown Borough will turn back time on Saturday to the American Revolution as it celebrates the nation's 250th anniversary.
Through a series of events taking place throughout town from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., "Newtown Celebrates America 250" invites the public to experience the 1700s with music, encampments, living history interpretation, and the reenactment of a skirmish that took place in the heart of town.
After a 9 a.m. morning prayer service at St. Luke's Church, the streets will come alive with the sights and sounds of the Revolution as the town is transported back to the 1700s and the fight for independence.
The Washington Crossing Fife and Drum Corps will set the tone, performing on State Street between Penn Street and Centre Avenue from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Washington Crossing Fife & Drums. (Jeff Werner/Patch)
Paul Beck leads musket drills with kids at Washington Crossing. (Jeff Werner/Patch)
(Jeff Werner/Patch)
Nearby, on Court Street between Mercer and Penn, youngsters are invited to join Paul Beck for military drills from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A few steps away, an encampment of Revolutionary soldiers can be found at Patriots Park from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Around 10:50 a.m., a skirmish will break out in front of the Bird in Hand at South State and Mercer streets. The public is invited to watch as 50 Revolutionary War reenactors bring the "Battle of the Bird In Hand" to life.
The battle takes place in front of the Bird In Hand on South State Street near the corner of Mercer Street and reenacts a Loyalist Raid that took place here in Feb. 1778.
While the British occupied Philadelphia, armed Loyalists raided the Bird In Hand Tavern where tailors were making uniforms for the troops in Valley Forge. The fighting left five Colonial soldiers dead, four wounded, and 11 captured. Lost was 2,000 yards of cloth.
Events continue into the afternoon with a first-person Harriet Tubman interpretation; a tour of Lighthouse Hill Cemetery to learn about the 12 United States Colored Troops; Hessian soldiers discussing the German experience during the American Revolution; William Penn and Edward Hicks interpreters; a demonstration of "Old Washy," Newtown's restored historic fire engine; Doan Gang and early banking exhibits; silent films and Civil War music; historic church and meeting house tours; children's activities; and a free Great American Cookout.
The day's schedule includes:
Morning Events
9:00 a.m. Historic prayer service at St. Luke's Episcopal Church featuring a morning prayer service from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer
9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Performances by the Washington Crossing Fife & Drum Corps on State Street between Penn Street and Centre Avenue
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Colonial-themed children's crafts presented by the Washington Crossing Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution at the Bird-in-Hand
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Revolutionary War American encampment at Patriot's Park, at the corner of Court and Mercer streets
9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Children's military drills led by Paul Beck on Court Street between Mercer and Penn streets
9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Newtown history exhibition and children's activities at the Half-Moon Inn (Court Inn)
Approximately 10:50 a.m. Battle at the Bird-in-Hand on State Street at Centre Avenue, featuring approximately 50 Revolutionary War reenactors
Afternoon Schedule
12:00–2:00 p.m. Great American Cookout in the Boone Garden, sponsored by Penn Community Bank and the Newtown Rotary Club, featuring free hot dogs, chips, and beverages. The Boone Garden is located across the street from the Half-Moon Inn att Court and Centre.
12:00–4:00 p.m. Historic video, early currency, artifacts, and presentations exploring Newtown and Doan Gang history at First National Bank & Trust Company of Newtown
12:00–4:00 p.m. Edward Hicks living-history interpretation, paintings, and tours at Newtown Friends Meeting
12:00–4:00 p.m. Newtown history presentation by Annie Halliday of Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle at the Half-Moon Inn
12:00–3:30 p.m. Historic displays at the Newtown Fire Association Museum
12:30–2:00 p.m. Silent movies at Newtown Theatre
12:30–3:30 p.m. William Penn living-history interpretation by Neil Farber at Newtown Borough Hall
12:30–3:30 p.m. Historic programming, children's activities, crafts, and games at Newtown Library Company
12:30–3:30 p.m. British encampment at St. Luke's Episcopal Church
12:30–4:00 p.m. Hessian soldier reenactors, sanctuary and graveyard tours, and interpretation of the German experience during the American Revolution at the Historic Presbyterian Church of Newtown
1:00–3:30 p.m. Tea with Dr. Lettie Smith at Friends Village's Paxson Hall
1:30 p.m. Public demonstration of "Old Washy," Newtown's restored historic fire engine, at the Newtown Fire Association Museum
Newtown's restored "Old Washy."
1:30–3:30 p.m. "The Life and Legacy of Harriet Tubman" at Macedonia Baptist Church followed by a tour of Lighthouse Hill Cemetery to learn about the 12 United States Colored Troops veterans buried there and Newtown's African American heritage, presented by Gather Place Museum
1:30–3:30 p.m. Tour and history of St. Mark AME Zion Church
2:00–4:00 p.m. Family games and children's activities in the Boone Garden