Historical War Reenactment and Celebration Coming to Bristol in May

The Oliver Hazard Perry at sea. Photo courtesy of the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society.

Journey to the past this May for a reenactment and celebration of the Bristol Raids, two Revolutionary-era incidents that occurred in our very own Bristol, Rhode Island. People of all ages are invited to join for a weekend of reenactments, tours and festivities from May 16–18.

The weekend will also feature the tall ship “Oliver Hazard Perry,” the first ocean-going full-rigged ship to be built in the U.S. in more than 100 years, at the Herreshoff Marine Museum dock. Visitors can tour and even sail on the ship or enjoy other activities including event-related crafts and scientific demonstrations.

On Saturday, May 17, the first of two full-scale reenactments of the Bristol Raids will be in action by 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome to watch and participate as members of the United Train of Artillery, the Kingston Reds, the HM Tenth Regiment of Foot in America, the 54th Regiment of Foot, the 2nd RI Regiment and the Bristol Train of Artillery reenact the Bombardment of Bristol, where Bristolians negotiated with the British after their ransom demand of 200 sheep and 30 fatted cattle. This event will play out at the Herreshoff Marine Museum dock, using the Oliver Hazard Perry as a stand-in for the British ships.

Unfurling the Oliver Hazard Perry‘s sail. Photo courtesy of The Bristol Historical & Preservation Society.

A few hours later at 1 p.m., the second reenactment, the Burning of Bristol, will begin with “burning houses” at Guiteras Field, located at the intersection of Hope St. and Washington St. Reenactors will move south along Thames St. to Independence Park, where the skirmish between British and Patriot forces took place. After, the Patriots will pursue the British south along Thames St. to Rockwell Park. (Spoiler alert!) The rebel forces will prevail, just like in 1778, and the British will retreat to their ship.

“We are so excited to bring Bristol’s history literally to life,” says Bristol Historical & Preservation Society Executive Director Catherine W. Zipf. “One of the best ways to learn history is through live action. We hope people will feel the impact these events had on Bristol and come to understand their importance in the overall course of the American Revolution.”

In addition to the reenactments and tours, visitors will have several other opportunities to engage with history and celebrate, like a special hard cider tasting, “Coffee with the Captain,” a dockside sea shanty night and more. Head to the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society website to purchase advanced tickets for most of these events.