PROGRAMS

BHI has developed a series of programs determined to place the Great American Story back in the public eye. We believe in using all forms of media, both new and traditional, in reaching as many people as possible.

THE LIVING REVOLUTION

Wouldn’t it be great to talk with an American Colonist on the Eve of The Revolution, or maybe to discuss politics with one nation’s Founders?

Our Interactive Interpretive Program comes to you. We take participants through the Revolution from the Tea Party to the Treaty Of Paris. Along the way they will get an understanding of the conflicts that birthed a Nation and a chance to follow the life of a real 18th century character through the war. We offer a program with different options so that your Living Revolution is unique and focused on the activities you want. A full day with lunch break is usually seven of these activities.

Living Revolution Event Choices

A Revolutionary Name:    

Each participant receives a page with the 1st name and a brief biographical sketch of a person who actually lived during the Revolution. Midway through the day they find out what the person did during the war. At the end of the day they find out what happened to their historic character.

A Home is a Castle:

The Writs of Assistance were one of the earliest arguments about rights in what would become the Revolutionary War. Take up the cause as John Otis did and discover the debate that would lead to the 4th amendment.

Stamp Act:  

Why were a few stamps such a big deal? Participants find out why the stamp act mattered.

Boston Harbor a Teapot:

How did the tea really get destroyed in Boston Harbor and why did the Son’s of Liberty do it?

Eyes Everywhere (Spies):

The secret services that patriots performed are revealed and spy techniques are learned, including a secret code. 

18th Century Foodways:

Open fire cooking demonstration and what a soldiers meal was like on paper and in reality.

Grand Entertainments:
18th century Theatre, Music and Puppets

 A pleasant diversion of high and low theater in the 18th century with dramatic scenes, a song and the ever popular puppets.

Amusements:                                                                                                           18th Century Games

Even in the midst of war the soldiers found time for recreation and games. We offer some of those popular with the soldiers and their children. 

BOOM A Musketry Demonstration:

Why do we tell someone not to “Go off half cocked” or call someone a “Flash in the pan?” We explain it all and demonstrate the workings of the primary weapon of the 18th century.

Order in the Court:

An 18th century court case where one of the Participants is accused of a crime and a jury of their peers must decide their guilt.

Mapping it Out: Basic Surveying

Participants break into groups and learn how maps were made using techniques that a young George Washington mastered as Surveyor of Culpepper County.

A Bitter Pill: Field Medicine/Apothecary

A surgeon was not always readily available. Learn about the folk and field medicine that might save your life or might just end it faster.

Skill with the Quill:  Quill and Ink

The skill of writing was a requirement for officers and ladies in society. Mastery of the skill takes hours of practice but we can give you an introduction to it.

Tangled Webs: Loom Weaving

Learn to weave with a hand loom.

Drop Spindle Wool Spinning:

Learn to make yarn from wool. 

Playthings:

Making Rag Dolls & Button Buzzers
Many of playthings colonial children had were made by the children themselves. This gives you the opportunity to make your own doll or buzzer.

Newspapers and books didn’t have photographs during the Revolution. All pictures were etched, hand painted or printed using carved wood blocks. This is half history lesson and half hands on activity.

Clothes Makes the Man - Or Woman:

What the Americans in different colonies/States wore and why they wore what they wore.

Music was a critical part of life in celebrations, work and especially the Army. There’s a lot more than Yankee Doodle.

Dance and be Merry

Colonial Dance: Virginians called dance their “Dearest diversion.” A recreation enjoyed at all levels of society we teach participants some of the basic steps to popular dances of the Revolutionary period. 

AN AUDIENCE WITH THE WASHINGTONS

A historic opportunity for your business, club or school.

Our first person interpreters will bring General George Washington and Lady Martha Washington to life. Direct from the dawn of the revolution in 1775, the General and Lady Washington will be the most memorable speakers you will ever engage. For more information including booking head to Meet Washington.

A Colonial Faire

Are Field Trips getting too expensive?  

Is your Organization looking for something new and exciting to raise money?

Well the answer to both of these problems is BHI’s Colonial Faire. We bring the History and you get to learn 18th century crafts, skills and how to speak like a colonial. On Faire Day the students become the teachers as you open your shop, sell your wares and demonstrate 18th century life. From creating your original shop signs to counting out your Continental Dollars a Colonial Faire makes history Fun!

 

Thomas Jefferson said

“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people…They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.”

We at BHI know we live not in the age of information, but the age of entertainment. To get our message heard, we must be as dynamic as the other voices that compete for our eyes and ears. Our audience is American and our end product is an informed public and secured liberty.

 

Breeds Hill Institute PO Box 5491 Orange CA 92863-5491