On June 11, 2022 at the Sharon Woods Village History Center in Hamilton County, OH there were demonstrations and reenactments open to the public. These demonstrations spanned the time from the Revolutionary War to Modern Military times. Visitors to the park could wander through the various exhibits, see activities, ask the participants questions. What is better than active living history?
Mike Gunn sharing information with engaged visitors
The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (CCSAR) participated and had an information tent along the military timeline re-enactment trail.
Bob Bowers sharing information with interested youth
Eight CCSAR members were present including: Ohio Society President John H. Bredenfoerder, Cincinnati SAR President George Stewart, Highlanders Chapter President Gary Duffield, Bob Bowers, Ed Bonniwell, Tim Madden & Mike Gunn. Brad Jarard who is our CCSAR Color Guard Commander also participated in a American Revolution re-enactment group.
As you can see below, the CCSAR members wear uniforms representing their ancestors garb worn 250 years ago.
Cincinnati SAR Participants in Sharon Woods Historical Event
Interested in CCSAR Membership? – the CCSAR took the opportunity to share with the visitors the mission of our organization. Information pamphlets were shared explaining the process to become a CCSAR member. We welcome new members. The primary requirement to join requires the prospective new member to be able to establish a direct lineage or ancestry to an individual who participated in, or provided services to the American Revolutionary effort.
Individuals interested in membership should reach out via our website – https://cincinnatisar.org/contact/ A member will reach back out to discuss how to proceed.
Questions and Answers – the CCSAR participants took time to answer questions of the visitors. Ranging from young children to adults, many questions were raised and addressed by a village of CCSAR members. This was very rewarding to the CCSAR members and visibly educational for the visitors. Our team of eight really enjoyed sharing information about the way of life, the struggles they went through and also displayed 18th Century items used by soldiers of the era.
While we were giving our demonstrations the surprise firing of a large black powder cannon, regularly punctuated the silence of the surrounding woods adding a warlike atmosphere for our ever changing audiences.
Presentation of Weapons and Day-to-Day Living Artifacts
Indeed, some 30 adults and more than 50 children consumed the information we shared. The most popular item with the children was holding the two-pound cannon ball recovered from the Battle of Yorktown.
Others were amazed at the mechanism of the flint lock muskets and rifles. Also, learning how the frequently starving continental armies ate off of dried gourd bowls with spoons made from Cow horns was a surprise for many.
What were our soldiers up against? – hearing how our ancestors went up against the most potent military of the world driven by the will to succeed was well received. Noting that these soldiers drive would not be broken by the lack of food, or clothing, meager weapons, or experience in battle. These new country men were driven by the potential to win and experience their own freedom and liberty. That was what drove these men and women to suffer and endure great hardships. We must not forget what these men and women gave up and risked for the freedoms we experience today.
Uniforms – why are there so many different ones? – some of the attendees asked about the different uniforms ranging from Militia to more formal uniforms which evolved during the war. Discussions of the differences of the State uniforms was informational, noting that there was little money to purchase uniforms. They were a rag-tag group early on, fighting for their freedoms from the tyrannical British Government who enforced their will upon the newly evolving Colonialists.
Uniform of Early Militia Soldier – come as we are …
Flags – why were they important during battles? – on display were a number of flags ranging from pre-Revolutionary War to today. We shared that many of the state and regimental flags were used to regroup soldiers who could be scattered during the smoke filled battles. Our Cincinnati Chapter has a collection of historical flags which exceeds 50 different examples.
Past Veterans Day event – partial exhibit of CCSAR flag collection
It was a beautiful day in the park for visitors to learn more about our Living History.
