Muster Day

To supplement the meager armed forces, most early 19th-century farmers and craftsmen were required by law to serve in local militia units - the forerunner of today's National Guard. Militia musters often saw the various militia companies of several towns coming together for a regimental muster. These would have been grand spectacles with townspeople coming out to view visiting militia companies in their dashing uniforms. Come and join us for our muster day and cheer on your favorite militia company!
Talk to members of volunteer militia companies and learn how the militia of the early 19th century connected directly back to the American Revolution. Listen to early 19th-century martial music. Watch musket and cannon firing demonstrations.
Witness a recreated military funeral for a veteran of the American Revolution. Our young visitors will get the chance to learn early 19th-century drill and marching with the militia officer’s instruction and a toy musket. See the "striped pig" and learn how it was used to skirt the early 19th-century liquor laws.
Learn why many New Englanders were pushing for reforms to the militia system and the role that intemperance played in those reforms.
Included with standard daytime admission or Village membership. Standard daytime admission is $30 for adults, $28 for seniors (55+), $15 for youth (4-17), $15 for college students (with a valid college ID), and free for children 3 and under. SAVE $3/person by purchasing your tickets online instead of at the door!