Second Saturday: "Waterford/West Farms in the Revolution and Beyond"

Did you know that Waterford was once a part of New London known as "West Farms?"

There's more history to be shared and learned as the Waterford Historical Society once again welcomes to Jordan Green the Dirty Blue Shirts living historians, portraying scenes of life in the former West Farms from 1770-1812: from the lead-up to the Revolution, the Revolutionary War itself, the incorporation of the Town of Waterford in 1801, and touching on the War of 1812.

Highlights:
- Fashion! See the garments and accessories that make up an average 18th century West Farms woman's wardrobe.
- Pirates! Investigate the legalities of 18th century piracy; Would you have supported your cause by land or by sea?
- A Call to Arms! What do you do when War invades your home? Imagine yourself a member of the militiamen guarding the coast at Goshen's Point or the Brown family on Pepperbox Hill.
- Tattoos! Discover how Protection Certificates worked and hear about Captain Stevens Rogers from Great Neck, who twice survived imprisonment and came home with a tattoo of an eagle and an American flag. Come learn about what these symbols meant to a sailor and have a turn at designing your own!
- Games! Relax with a spirited game of battledore & shuttlecock, the precursor to today's badminton, roll a hoop on the Jordan Green, or toss the beribboned graces and enjoy a late summer's day in Federal Era Waterford.
- Treats! Attend a chocolate-making and tasting demonstration with the Pewter Pot Chocolatiers in the Stacy Barn! ($10 per person at the door.)
- Buy hand-forged items! See the blacksmiths at work at the forge at the Ralph Madara Blacksmith Shop and pick up some hand-forged items for your home.
- Tours! See the insides of our historic buildings: Beebe-Phillips House, Jordan District Schoolhouse.
- Purchase! Pop in to the Jordan Park House to purchase historical books, maps, mugs, notecards and more!

Free and family friendly. Donations ALWAYS gratefully accepted.

Free, handicap accessible parking at Avery Lane/Rope Ferry Road, and handicap accessible rest rooms. Also parking at Waterford Public Library and Waterford Community Center.