Liberty Hall Museum Hosts Brigade of the American Revolution Weekend 6/4

Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University (Union, NJ) will travel back in time as it hosts Brigade of the American Revolution, the renowned living history association. On Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Brigade will reenact historical moments of the American War for Independence as they encamp on the grounds of the museum throughout the weekend.

In commemoration of the 231st Anniversary of the Battle of Connecticut Farms and the Bicentennial of the Kean Family's acquisition of Liberty Hall, the museum is offering a weekend of energetic and colorful activities. During Friday night and early Saturday morning, the 18th century camps are set up, complete with soldiers' tents, officers' marquees, cooking areas and craft displays.

After Saturday's reveille and officer's call, the Brigade is assembled, inspected and drilled in maneuvers and firings. All the day's activities are announced by period drum signals. Featured activities include field music and artillery demonstrations, camp tours, cooking demonstrations and the "People of the Brigade" clothing program. In the afternoon, a tactical weapons demonstration is staged with American Continentals & Militia facing the Crown Forces of British, Tories and Germans. The day ends with a formal retreat ceremony with honors to the flags, accompanied by the Brigade's Field Music. Sunday begins with optional church services, conducted by a chaplain in proper 18th century vestments. The remainder of the day follows a similar schedule to that of Saturday, and camp is struck late on Sunday.

The Brigade of the American Revolution is a non-profit organization dedicated to recreating the life and times of The Common soldier of the American War for Independence. Members represent elements of all the armies involved (Continental, Militia, British, Loyalist, German, French, Spanish, and Native American forces) in addition to civilian men, women and children.

Since 1962, the Brigade has been recreating a broad spectrum of the 18th century activities including military encampments, tactical exercises, firelock shooting competitions, craft demonstrations and social activities. The Brigade also conducts annual schools and educational seminars featuring experts from severAl Fields of 18th century study. Visit its website at www.brigade.org.

Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University, chronicling more than 200 years of American history is a treasure trove of significant riches. The museum served as home of New Jersey's rebel Governor William Livingston (1776-1790). Both British and American troops camped and skirmished on the grounds. The main house was ransacked by both sides repeatedly during the war.

Home to the Livingston/Kean family for over 225 years, the Liberty Hall grounds have remained virtually unchanged since Governor Livingston's residency. Both Alexander Hamilton and John Jay have long associations with the Livingston family and the house, which has been visited by eight U.S. presidents, including George Washington and First Lady Martha Washington in 1789. The Museum's archival collection includes correspondence from George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson and John Jay.

Liberty Hall is located at 1003 Morris Avenue in Union, New Jersey. Admission to Brigade of the American Revolution reenactment weekend is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and children. Museum members, Kean University faculty, staff and students and children under three are admitted for free. For further information, contact Liberty Hall Museum at 908-527-0400 or visit www.kean.edu/libertyhall.

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