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The East Hampton Historical Society is excited to announce a History Festival, commemorating America’s semiquincentennial, on Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mulford Farm (10 James Lane, East Hampton). Free and open to the public, the festival will bring history to life through colonial demonstrations, historical reenactors, performances and live music.
Festivalgoers can experience Revolutionary-era life through reenactments by the 3rd New York Regiment, historic skits, sea shanties, Revolution-era children’s games, quill pen making and calligraphy, and a discussion of a historic whaleboat. Mike Smith of the Shinnecock Nation will discuss the Indigenous connection to the land and present a short film, while Town and Village Historian Hugh King will answer questions at a “Stump the Historian” booth.
Traditional crafts and trades will also be highlighted throughout the day. Mulford family descendant Fen Youmans will showcase weaving and spinning, blacksmith James DeMartis will demonstrate colonial-era metalworking, artist Peter Spacek will share the traditional art of scrimshaw, and Janice Badkin will demonstrate bayberry candle making.
Mulford Farm provides a particularly meaningful setting for the celebration. The Farmhouse recently underwent a comprehensive restoration to depict its appearance during the American Revolution. The layout of the property remains largely unchanged from how they would have appeared in 1776. The restoration effort enables visitors to gain a deeper understanding of daily life in East Hampton during the American Revolution, including the essential role enslaved people of color played in sustaining the household during the British occupation.
