Seeing a British grenadier armed with a “Brown Bess” musket roaming around Newton 250 years ago would have alarmed many residents. However, Richard Tucker’s red coat and the rest of his uniform brought only curiosity – not fear, hatred, or loyalty – when he wore it outside the Durant-Kenrick House on Sunday.
Tucker, along with several other reenactors donning period-accurate clothing and accessories, spoke with and educated visitors as part of Historic Newton’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
An Arlington resident, Tucker has been participating in historical reenactments since 1986, after being introduced to the activity by his grandparents and parents. Visitors were fascinated by his red-and-white uniform, which included a gold match box on his chest and the number 47 on every button which stood for his unit – the Grenadier Company, 47th Regiment of Foot.
“I love being able to teach the history” of the American Revolution, said Tucker, as well as debunking myths, which “humanizes both sides.”
Young attendees asked him and other reenactors multiple questions about how the British were perceived and treated here and why the Revolution was fought as well as inquired about the chores and activities of daily life more than two centuries ago.
Brothers Jacob and Zachary Phelan are reenactors who came from Rhode Island and Connecticut, respectively, to chat with attendees.
“It’s wonderful to pass on the lessons I learned,” said Jacob Phelan, who portrayed a Massachusetts Militiaman.
His brother, who said he was inspired to participate in reenactments by his history teacher, dressed as a Continental soldier.
“I enjoy keeping it [history] alive,” he said.
They described the differences in their clothing reflecting their different roles as Massachusetts Militiaman and Continental soldier. Afterwards, Zachary used a straight razor to shave Jacob’s face to demonstrate personal habits of the era.
Although all the reenactors outside the Durant-Kenrick House were men portraying soldiers, the brothers said some women disguised themselves and fought during the Revolution.
Inside the historic home, women demonstrated domestic activities from the time period.
Objects that are ubiquitous and plentiful today – like ribbons and aprons – had to be handmade 250 years ago.
New York resident Lauren Agnello, who has been participating in reenactments for 15 years, wore a period-accurate outfit she had sewn herself. Her clothing consisted of a shift (like a nightgown), stays (similar to a corset), two layers of petticoats, separate pockets tied on with string, a gown, a “stomacher” (triangular material that goes over the chest), an apron, and a hair cap.
Agnello demonstrated a small, complex, wooden contraption called a “tape loom” that enables the user to make string/ribbons. Like her male counterparts, she too said she loved educating the public about the 18th century.
Even Historic Newton staff members got into the act. Laura Grzybowski, the group’s director of development, has been participating in reenactments since high school.
“I like the research and being able to share the research,” she said. She added that she enjoys learning about history from other reenactors.
Back outside, Cape Cod resident Michael F. Heenan, who has been participating in reenactments of various eras since 1972, portrayed a Massachusetts Militiaman from 1778.
As a high school teacher, he said he would bring in his various historically accurate clothing to show his students, who would always react with enthusiasm and many questions.
Asked why he has enjoyed doing reenactments for more than 50 years, Heenan cited his love of history and sharing his knowledge with others.
“History is not a dead subject,” he said.
