Discover Newport’s place in history, by seeing history unfold! On the afternoon of August 27, 2016,  “step back in time” to the summer of 1765, before the American Revolution, to witness (and engage with!) Newport Historical Society’s living-history event, Naval Impressment: A 1765 Reenactment in Colonial Newport.

Taking place in the harbor and in Washington Square,  Newport will be ablaze with activities from 1 to 5 p.m.,  portraying the life and the lifestyle of colonial-era Americans with dozens of costumed interpreters re-imagining a summer afternoon in June of 1765.

Children’s games will be available, along with a family scavenger hunt to inspire learning. Families can explore an 18th century boat, visit inside a colonial home of Newport residents, as well as discover a fish market, meet a merchant captain, and talk to a sailmaker!

“Naval Impressment” illustrates life in a colonial seaport by going back to June 1765 when members of the Royal Navy from HMS Maidstone strong-armed colonialists (known as a “naval impressment”) to crew British warships (known as a “naval press gang”). In reaction to these manpower demands, the citizens of Newport stole and set on fire the Maidstone’s longboat. 

See the rush of defiance that helped grow the historic roots of our American Revolution — in real life!  “Naval Impressment” visitors can roam between three locations that have distinct connections to the June 1965 incident:

• At Perotti Park (39 America’s Cup Avenue), interpreters will represent life in the Royal Navy where they will train “impressed sailors” and discuss life at sea. Visitors can also view a reproduction 18th century boat which will be moored in the harbor and learn about what sailing was life during the Golden Age of Sail.
• At the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House (17 Broadway), interpreters portraying middle and upper class residents will discuss the views on the naval incident and how the loss of sailors impacts their personal economic stance.
• And Washington Square will be occupied with reenactors portraying many aspects of 18th century daily life including a fish market, a merchant captain, tavern life, a sailmaker, printer and much more.

Enjoy a hearty cup o’ cider: The Society will sell reproduction tankards that visitors can fill with apple cider at each of the three locations where the living history event takes place–Washington Square, Perotti Park and the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House. The handmade tankards cost $25, which includes several cider refills during the afternoon program. The tankards can be pre-ordered by calling the Brick Market: Museum & Shop at 401-841-8770 or purchased there the day of the program. Event attendees purchasing this tankard receive an extra 15% off at the museum shop on August 27th.