Historic Cold Spring to Host Revolutionary War Encampment

CAPE MAY – Authentically clad and equipped Continental, Loyalist and Hessian reenactors bring the American Revolution to life on the grounds of Historic Cold Spring Village, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6 and 7, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At the Village’s annual Revolutionary War Encampment, visitors can see demonstrations of drills and equipment, with cannon firing at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. both days of the event. Civilian reenactors will also demonstrate the role played by typical Americans of the period in supporting the army. New for 2014, children can participate in a militia muster at noon at the Dennisville Inn and search the Village for clues in the Cold Spring Patriot Spy game on both Saturday and Sunday.
Historian Mike Kochan will be in the dining room of the Dennisville Inn in character as Benjamin Franklin demonstrating some of Franklin’s famous inventions and experiments. Local historian and Village interpreter, Hank Heacock, will give a presentation both days at 12:30 at the gazebo on Cape May County soldiers who served in the Revolution. “This is one of my favorite events,” said Jim Stephens, HCSV Deputy Director for Education and Interpretation. “New Jersey played a vital role in the Revolution and the re-enactors do a fantastic job of bringing that story to life for our visitors.” Stephens will also give a special presentation, The Story of Old Glory, a fascinating look at the origins and history of our nation’s flag at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Historic Cold Spring Village is a non-profit, open-air living history museum that portrays the daily life of a rural South Jersey community of the Early American period. It features 26 restored historic structures on a 30-acre site. From late June to early September, interpreters and artisans in period clothing preserve the trades, crafts and heritage of “the age of homespun.” Fun and educational activities for children are featured Tuesday through Sunday, with special events every weekend through mid-September.
The Village is located on Route 9, three miles north of Victorian Cape May and a mile and a half west of the southern terminus of the Garden State Parkway. Admission during the season is $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free. Unlimited free admission is available with Village membership. The Village Nature Trail at Bradner’s Run is open to the public for free self-guided tours. Visit the Country Store, Needle Arts Coop, Bakery, Ice Cream Parlor and Cold Spring Grange Restaurant. For more information on events, membership, volunteering, or booking private affairs, please call (609) 898-2300, ext. 10, or visit the Village website at www.hcsv.org.