Speaker Series: A Drumbeat Through History

Military use of the drum goes back to the beginning of recorded history with the basic purpose remaining the same: to “Stir the Spirit, Prepare for Battle, and or Give / Communicate Commands.” Be it a tribal drum from the beginnings of human history or a modern military drum, the cadence and music stirs the spirit. Nannos argues that there was a “Golden Age” of decorated military drums in modern American History. This age spanned from about 1770 to 1870 — a century of quality craftsmanship in construction and high artistic skill in the applied decorations or designs. The Golden Age of the Drum also marks a period where the military and its music had a great impact upon the culture and society of the new republic. This presentation will both entertain and educate our audience on historic American military drums, their identification, and their significance.

A graduate of Haverford High School and Drexel University, Col. J. Craig Nannos served in the United States Army and the Pennsylvania National Guard for more than 38 years. For the past 40-plus years, Nannos has been CEO of The Sentry Post, a firm that provides historical, organizational, and educational expertise for international historical events, museum exhibitions, and major film productions. Nannos consulted on National Museum of the United States Army, the National Constitution Center, US Bicentennial Celebrations 1974-1984, the 200th Anniversary Celebration of the Battle of Brandywine, and the US Army’s 40th – 60th Anniversaries of D-Day. He also consulted on major motion pictures like “Master and Commander,” “The Patriot,” “ Last of the Mohicans” and numerous other productions.

Host or Publisher Valley Forge Park Alliance