Historical Burning Of The Ships Celebrated In Essex

ESSEX, CT — In 2020, the second Saturday in May was just like any other in downtown Essex. There was no extra energy in the air because the Sailing Masters of 1812 were forced by Covid-19 precautions to cancel their annual celebration of history and tradition. However, the good news is; the celebration is back this year!

The Burning of the Ships Commemoration is a free public celebration held annually in Essex on the second Saturday in May. The Sailing Masters of 1812 hold the commemorative event to mark the British raid on Essex ships and shipyard on April 8, 1814 during the War of 1812. It was the largest naval loss that the United States had until Pearl Harbor. The Sailing Masters have become the keepers of this small slice of US history, and annually mark this historic event with a parade and concert right at the location of the British raid.

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The 2021 event, under COVID-19 precautions, requires a smaller commemoration with a single corps instead of the usual full parade with multiple fife and drum corps. The Sailing Masters of 1812 will parade from the town landing onto the Connecticut River Museum grounds. The hour-long ceremony will consist of the playing of the National Anthem, commentary by officials, historical context, and a short concert.

The purpose of the Sailing Masters of 1812 is to perpetuate the art and performance of ancient fifing and drumming and to commemorate the role of Essex, in the War of 1812, and is a nonprofit organization for historical and educational purposes. The Corps has adopted the uniform of a U.S. Naval Sailing Master, a warrant officer ranked between midshipmen and lieutenant. The Corps performs on wooden fifes and rope tension snare and bass drums, and its repertoire includes period tunes and music from the fife and drum tradition. These include nautical and military tunes as well as historic songs.

(This article was formed with information provided by the Connecticut River Museum website).