Danvers Alarm List Company In Revolutionary War Battle Reenactment

TOPSFIELD, MA — North Shore residents are invited to attend the latest in Essex Heritage programs commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War as renowned reenactment groups the Danvers Alarm List Company and the Lexington Minute Men take part in "Essex Prepares for War."

The program will take place on March 8 at Meredith Farm in Topsfield and includes a talk from historian Alexander Cain followed by authentic colonial military demonstrations with musket fire.

Attendees will witness the thunderous boom of muskets and see the tactical maneuvers that colonial militias used to prepare for battle against British forces. The Pickering Manual of Arms and the 1764 Crown Manual will showcase the different drilling techniques that would have been used by local militias in 1775.

"This event offers a fascinating look at a pivotal moment in our region's Revolutionary history," said Annie Harris, CEO of Essex Heritage. "In October 1774, months before the first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress ordered towns to prepare for war with England.

"Essex County responded by creating minute-man companies, stockpiling arms and ammunition, and establishing a defense network ready to mobilize at a moment's notice."

The event will begin with coffee and light refreshments at 9 a.m., followed by a lecture at 9:30 a.m. by Cain about Essex County's wartime preparations in 1774-1775 and the demonstration at 10:30. This background information will set the stage for the main attraction — the live drilling demonstrations that will bring the revolutionary era to life with authentic uniforms, equipment, and tactical maneuvers.

Attendees are advised that these demonstrations will feature loud musket fire and smoke.

There is a pay-what-you-can suggested donation of $15 with the lecture limited to 75 participants. All are welcome to attend the drill demonstrations.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)