Lyons, NY – August 1, 2024. The Wayne County Historical Society and Museum is seeking recruits to experience a day in the life of a Revolutionary War soldier. The Community Muster program is offered in honor of the many local Wayne County citizens who participated in that fight for freedom. This 2-hour experience gives participants of all ages time to examine the routines, rationale and responsibilities of the Continental Soldier. Soldiering is a unique experience today, but even more so back then, not only physically but mentally. Adults and kids ages 5 and up will work alongside each other to muster into this interactive, hands-on program steeped in 18th century practicality.
Wayne County has contributed its share of Revolutionary War soldiers, some of which are widely know such as John Swift of Palmyra, and others more obscure, buried here in small local cemeteries, like Aaron Brister who was a Private with the Virgina 3rd Regiment, and settled in Macedon. They are just two examples of 100s, but all served the cause of freedom, and all contributed to our history. This muster will be run by Chris Blomgren, veteran, former History teacher and now proprietor of Historic Pursuits, who will provide fun, interactive, experienced-based history lessons on many topics.
“This type of historic learning puts people literally into the shoes of those who actually joined the patriot cause,” states Museum Director, Deb Hall. “If you are wondering what it must have been like, this is your chance to find out firsthand.” This program recreates daily life in a Continental Army camp, circa 1776. Beginning with a brief historical overview of the conflict, participants go through an enlistment ceremony, receive uniforms and equipment, and rotate through a series of stations typifying soldier activities such as setting up tents and cook fires, soldier’s rules, chores and games, weapons drills, ceremony and tactics on the battlefield. All weaponry utilized in this program consists of rubber band firing toys, water balloon grenades and toy cap pistols. The program concludes with participants receiving their colonial pay and discharge papers. They will also be fed a typical soldier’s “meal”, then introduced to the camp “doc”. Upon “discharge,” they will meet with the daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Daughters of the Union Veterans of the Civil War (DUVCW).
Soldiers should come prepared with proper footwear and clothing. All activities are supervised and done in a safe, highly interactive format within the grounds of the Museum at 21 Butternut St in Lyons. All materials needed will be supplied. There will be four identical, 2-hour sessions to choose from: Wednesday, August 21 from 9am to 11am or 1pm to 3pm or Saturday, August 24 from 9am to 11am or 1pm to 3pm. The maximum session size is 25 persons. $20 per person includes all equipment needed, a light “muster meal” and admission to the Museum after the muster is complete. Ages 5-10 must include a paid adult chaperone (only $15 for chaperone). Ages 11 and up can muster alone.
Families are welcome to muster together or visit the museum while a soldier is in training.
Register online at www.WayneHistory.org/events or info@waynehistory.org or 315-946-4943.
