Bicentennial Commemoration of British Raid on Essex - Community Foundation Of Middlesex County

Event Description

A full roster of activities to commemorate the 200-year anniversary of a significant event in Connecticut’s history: the British raid on Essex during the War of 1812.

Some of the attractions:

• Professional re-enactors will portray British officers, soldiers and marines attacking and patrolling the town, while Connecticut-based re-enactors, Free Men of the Sea, will play the parts of the “local militia” attempting to defend the town.
• Narrated boating excursions tracing the events that occurred along the Connecticut River.
• Historic walking tours, special exhibits, period dining and musical events and even an 1814 Commemoration Ball.
• Commemoration Day Parade, also known as the Burning of the Ships Parade, hosted and led by the Sailing Masters of 1812, a fife and drum corps.

In addition to the May 10th commemoration, Jerry Roberts, author and historian, has brought the event to life in The British Raid on Essex: The Forgotten Battle of the War of 1812. Through storytelling and dynamic written account Roberts sheds light on this significant chapter in American maritime history.

For more information visit www.battlesiteessex.org or call the Connecticut River Museum at 860.767.8269.

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