Revolutionary Germantown Festival features battle re-enactment

The Revolutionary Germantown Festival takes place throughout the day in Philadelphia. The highlight of the day included two two re-enactments of the Battle of Germantown at Cliveden, 6401 Germantown Avenue. The British occupied Philadelphia and several other key areas in October 1777. General George Washington staged an unsuccessful pre-dawn raid on the British in Germantown. The battle is considered significant because it helped convince France to join the war against Britain.

Here is the schedule for today’s events.

Cliveden grounds

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Exhibition & Sale of prints in Cliveden’s Carriage House

10:30 a.m.& 1:45 p.m. Storytelling by Denise Valentine in the Servant’s Quarters

11:15 a.m. & 2:15 p.m. Learn about the “Surprise of Germantown: from author Tom McGuire.

12 p.m & 3 p.m. Battle Reenactments at Cliveden

On October 4, 1777, the Continental Army attempted to fight the British out of Germantown. Washington and his troops lost the battle and were forced to retreat to Valley Forge for the winter.

Try an 18th century shopping experience in the sutler’s grove at Cliveden, featuring books, ‘simples’ and military equipment.
Food vendors, and maps for guided walking tours of Germantown available at Upsala  – directly across the street
Meet Ned Hector, African American teamster who participated in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, on the Upsala grounds.  Ongoing

Upsala grounds (across the street from Cliveden)

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Children’s games & hands-on activities at Upsala

10:30AM Performance by the give and take jugglers

1:15 p.m. “I’ll Take Noo Tea” by Tuckers’ Tales Puppet Theater

 

Around Historic Germantown

10:45 a.m. Historic Rittenhouse Town Walk & wag (206 Lincoln Drive)

During the Battle of Germantown, Howe’s dog strayed into American territory and was taken by Washington’s soldiers. Although some thought that the dog should be held for ransom, Washington returned the dog to Howe. Watch as this exchange is reenacted at Historic RittenhouseTown as part of their festivities, including a dog walk and ‘Flea’ Market. Walk begins at 10 AM. Event benefits Historic RittenhouseTown’s Education Program and the Blind Dog Rescue Alliance.

 

2 – 2:30 p.m. Graveside ceremony at the Concord School & Upper Burying Ground

(6309 Germantown Ave)

At the Upper Burying Ground and Concord School there will be a wreath laying ceremony, led by the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment honor guard, to honor the fallen. Also the Concord School bell will be rung

4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Oktoberfest at Grumblethorpe (5267 Germantown Ave)

End your festival day at Grumblethorpe, a 1744 colonial German country seat, for a traditional Oktoberfest. Music, German food, beer, house tours, cider-pressing and more. 5267 Germantown Avenue.