By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — The sights, sounds and stories of the American Revolution came to life at Historic White Pine Village Friday and Saturday as the Mason County Historical Society welcomed the Military History Academy for a Revolutionary War Soldiers Encampment.
The two-day living history event was part of the Society’s America 250 celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Olivia Lambrix, Mason County Historical Society education and programs coordinator, discussed life during the American Revolutionary War.
Visitors had the opportunity to experience military life during the nation’s fight for independence while exploring one of Michigan’s premier living history museums.
Members of the Military History Academy portrayed soldiers of the 8th Massachusetts Infantry, a Continental Army regiment that served during the Revolutionary War and represented the professional soldiers who fought for American independence. Throughout the weekend, guests witnessed military maneuver demonstrations, musket firing demonstrations and interactive military drills while learning about the daily lives of Revolutionary War soldiers.
The encampment allowed visitors to engage directly with living historians, explore camp life and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and sacrifices made by those who helped establish the United States.
Saywer Bryant of Ludington fires a musket.
“As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, we have a unique opportunity to connect people with the individuals and events that shaped America,” said Rebecca Berringer, executive director of the Mason County Historical Society. “Living history experiences like this allow visitors of all ages to move beyond textbooks and engage directly with the stories, challenges and sacrifices that helped create our nation.”
The event also served as a Father’s Day weekend activity for families. Fathers attending the encampment received a complimentary ice cream or popcorn and 25% off purchases in the Village Gift Shop.
Historic White Pine Village features more than 30 historic buildings and exhibits that tell the story of Mason County and west Michigan from the 1840s through the 1950s. Guests were encouraged to spend the day exploring the village while enjoying the special America 250 program. On July 3, a special 50th anniversary celebration will be held at the village, which openened on July 3, 1976.
The Revolutionary War Soldiers Encampment was one of several events planned by the Mason County Historical Society as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration and Historic White Pine Village’s 50th anniversary season.
Historic White Pine Village is located at 1687 S. Lakeshore Drive in Ludington.
Information about future events at Historic White Pine Village and other Mason County Historical Society programs is available at masoncountymihistory.org.
Jerry Berg of the Military History Academy discussed various weapons and battlefield tactics that were used during the American Revoluntionary War.
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