Riversdale Museum to Host Battle of Bladensburg Reenactment Saturday

From :

In August 1814, a disheartened Rosalie Calvert, the mistress of Riversdale, described the Battle at Bladensburg: “You have heard the news of the battle of Bladensburg where the English defeated the American troops with [President James] Madison ‘not at their head, but at their rear.’” Flush with success, the British then burned Washington. Happily, events turned in Baltimore a few weeks later and the Star-Spangled Banner was born.

On Saturday, August 11, from noon to 4 p.m., enjoy a day at Riversdale as costumed interpreters portraying both American and British War of 1812 troops allow us a peek into camp life on the eve of battle. Children, you might even get recruited for the American militia! There will also be crafts and dress-up stations at the ready. Cannon firing, gunnery drills, children’s activities, camp and kitchen displays and refreshments all happen on the grounds, and of course, the mistress of Riversdale will be on hand. Girl and Boy Scouts, call for details on how you can earn a badge or patch!

All events on the grounds are free. House tours are $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for senior citizens, $1.00 for students, and free for children ages 4 and under.  The Riversdale Kitchen Guild will sell historically inspired refreshments.