The Real Story of the American Revolution 

Living Historians (Re-enactors), Colonial Clothing, and Uniforms

Latest Changes: 07Aug01 - 33rd Regt / 07Oct03 - Sundry Sutlers / 07Dec05 - boots /

During 1999-2008 there will be special activities to commemorate
the 225th anniversary of the American Revolution of 1775-1783.
You can give your family many memorable learning experiences
by taking them to historic sites and activities during this time.

Living Historians ("Re-enactors")  Several national organizations coordinate the efforts of groups that portray the activities of American military units and civilians during the Revolutionary War. Brigade of the American Revolution (BAR) includes American, British, French, and Hessian re-enactment units. British: the 33rd Regiment of Foot, which landed at Cape Fear, North Carolina in May of 1776 and saw action from Charleston to Yorktown. Continental Line The Connecticut Line has many photos of recent activities. The http://www.sar.org/colorguard/reenactments.html" target="_blank"> Re-enactment page [Sons of the American Revolution] has links to re-enactment units from ten states: NH MA CT NY NJ PA DE VA NC GA.

Color Guards  Several Sons of the American Revolution sites provide guidelines for and examples of color guard activities: National Color Guard. California Society: South Coast Chapter Color Guard Georgia Society Color Guard Indiana Society Color Guard Wisconsin Society Color Guard Operations Manual for a Revolutionary War Period Color Guard with Muskets and Musicians -- sold by the Louisville-Thruston Chapter of the Kentucky Society SAR -- is a 40-page booklet with photos, drawings, and sheet music

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Buying or Making Colonial Clothing   The Brigade of the American Revolution (BAR) posts information about making men's and women's clothing and sells CDs with period music. Colonial Williamsburg provides detailed descriptions of the Colonial Clothing for men, women, and children. Buying or Making Your Own Uniform   The National Color Guard site for the Sons of the American Revolution describes many designs of RW uniforms accessories for uniforms -- glasses, half-gaitors, musket or rifle, cartridge box, bayonet, shoulder belts, sword, epaulets, sash / sling vendors -- full service, custom, yardgoods and fabrics, shoes, hats Sundry Sutlers (suppliers of reproduction uniforms, equipment, tents, and other items) -- list provided by D. Ted Smith (Georgia Society SAR) 2007 Sept Boots: all-leather two-piece [Northwest Traders] as worn by Continental officers and dragoons. Available in standard men's half-sizes from 7 to 12. Military Lace -- contributed by Tom Boaz (Pennsylvania Society SAR). British military lace of the late 18th century was not the frilly 'lace' used on women's clothing, but a tightly-woven material that was provided on spools. Each regiment in the British army had its own lace pattern, which consisted of 'worms,' or thin colored lines of thread that were woven into the lace material. Both the lace and the buttons on a uniform identified the wearer's regiment. The lace material could be folded on a 45 degree line to form a right angle bend; several of these bends could be used to form a flat rectangle of lace that fit around a button-hole; and these rectangles were sewn onto each bottonhole of the regimental coat. See step-by-step guide to folding regimental lace Photos of examples of British Regimental lace and facing cloth, based on The Lace Book, circa 1768 (in the Royal Library of Windsor Castle), have been posted by Najecki Reproductions. In the U.S. various patterns of reproduction lace are available from the larger Revolutionary War sutlers -- such as G. Gedney Godwin. A Completely Outfitted Solider: Below is an annotated photo of a person outfitted as a soldier in the Green Mountain Rangera -- similar to what the men under Col. Seth Warner would have worn. The New Hampshire Society SAR's color guard page has more information about this uniform. The commercial sources cited below were included for the convenience of the Vermont Society SAR's color guard. Other reputable sources are available, and mention here is not intended as an endorsement of these particular firms over others.

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