Patriots at Sea: An American Seaport Prepares for War

Learn about the lives of sailors who will become a part of our new nation’s defense and what a local seaport was like as they prepared for war.

Speak with the ships’ surgeons and sailors who are awaiting the next boat to depart. Drop by the Tavern for talk of the simmering war and outrage over British impressment of sailors. See musket firings demonstrations as the men prepare for war.

Book signing and talk by Benjamin Schaffer on The First Fleets: Colonial Navies of the British Atlantic World, a new book revealing the little-known and misunderstood provincial navies established by North American British colonists.Join us as we host these costumed reenactors and guides to tell our story:

Naval Living History reenactors representing the colonial navies of Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina on sailmaking, navigation, sailor’s life, and open fire cookingShip’s surgeonsScrimshaw demonstrationColonial townspeople with children’s games Boatman using pitch to caulk a boat hull Ropemaking Ship’s carpentrySpinning and weaving America 250th airstreamGenealogists with local information and on the seaman’s legacy group: Order of the Sea and Sail St Thomas Church with guides Munitions demonstrations at Bonner’s Point throughout the day. Food Trucks!Come Take a New Look at our Old Town!