Posted by Historic St. Mary’s City
Leading Edge

Explore the ways conflict has impacted the lives of your neighbors and ancestors when War Comes to St. Mary’s on September 29 and 30.  Special activities will take place from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC).

The event will focus on colonial Maryland, when all able-bodied male colonists were directed to arm themselves and be prepared to defend the colony against pirates, Virginians, and others intent on plundering. Although the militia of St. Mary’s City fought few battles, members still needed to be trained and ready to do battle at a moment’s notice.  Several times throughout the year,  the citizen armed force would travel from far-flung plantations to muster and practice soldiers’ skills.

At War Comes to St. Mary’s visitors can stroll through encampments and talk to militia families or watch as unit members test their mastery with a sword and musket.  Learn about open-hearth cooking, march a drill, or practice with a pike. Take a break and enjoy period music, a puppet show, and colonial games.  At 1:30 p.m., join us for a unique walking tour along a Timeline of Conflict. Meet re-enacators representing soldiers from different time periods and conflicts.  War Comes to St. Mary’s is sponsored by Chaney Enterprises and the Historic St. Mary’s City Foundation.

After hours, dance aficionados are invited to join militia members for a country dance on the State House lawn. No partner and no experience are needed. All dances will be taught, then called, and accompanied by live music. The Militia Ball will take place from 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. and it’s free!

Militia Muster activities will take place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and are included with admission to the museum. Fees are $10 for adults, $9 seniors, $6.00 for youth, and free for those less than five years old and Friends members.  Lunch and snacks from Expressions of St. Mary’s will be available from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Be sure to save time to visit all of the living history exhibits at HSMC. Step onboard a tall ship, explore the Woodland Indian hamlet, and immerse yourself in colonial life at the Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation.  For more information about this event or the museum, call 1-800-SMC-1634, 240-895-4990, or visit www.stmaryscity.org.