Ye Olde Lebanon Towne Militia Encampment at Stanley-Whitman House

On Saturday, May 30, the grounds of the Stanley-Whitman House come alive.

Ye Olde Lebanon Towne Militia, Co. 1775, a dedicated living-history group portraying soldiers and civilians of Connecticut's Third Regiment, sets up camp on the museum's historic grounds for a full afternoon of immersive Revolutionary War interpretation.

Formed to honor the service of Lebanon's Revolutionary War soldiers in the 6th Company, 3rd Connecticut Regiment, the militia brings both military and civilian life to vivid presence. Throughout the afternoon, the encampment fills with military drills, inspections, and demonstrations alongside a wide array of civilian trades: beekeeping, crime and punishment, a surgeon, hands-on musket drill for young recruits, and more. Members dress in historically accurate clothing and carry period-correct equipment, interpreting the everyday realities of those who served and those who waited at home.

Farmington sent its own men into the Revolution. Bayze Wells, a Farmington sergeant, enlisted in May 1775 and kept a journal through February 1777 that records in vivid detail what Connecticut soldiers actually endured: spoiled rations, supply shortages at the winter encampments in Redding and West Hartford, and the improvised meals that kept an army in the field. The Stanley-Whitman House was already more than fifty years old when Wells marched out. The Lebanon Towne Militia brings that story home.

Set against the backdrop of the c. 1720 Stanley-Whitman House, one of New England's finest surviving examples of Post-Medieval English architecture and a National Historic Landmark, visitors are invited to tour the historic house, explore the 17th- and 18th-century gardens, and move freely through the encampment, asking questions and engaging with interpreters throughout the afternoon.

The encampment on the museum grounds is free and open to the public. Historic house tours are available at regular admission rates. The Roots and Reflections painting exhibition by Rachael and John O'Shaughnessy is free to view in the Speare Classroom and Whitman Tavern, and the museum store will be open throughout the afternoon.

Watch a short video from last year's encampment:

Part of the FarmingtonCT250 programming series at Stanley-Whitman House. Stanley-Whitman House is a proud official affiliate of the America 250 | CT Commission. Join us for these commemorative events.

About Ye Olde Lebanon Towne Militia

Ye Olde Lebanon Towne Militia is a dedicated living-history group portraying soldiers and civilians of Connecticut's Third Regiment during the American Revolution. Through historically accurate drills, encampments, and demonstrations, the militia educates the public about colonial military life and the everyday experiences of those who lived through America's fight for independence. Members participate in events throughout New England, bringing history to life through authentic clothing, equipment, and interpretation.

Learn more at lebanonmilitia.com

Highlights

• Full Revolutionary War encampment on the historic grounds — free admission
• Roots & Reflections painting exhibition — free in the Speare Classroom and Whitman Tavern
• Historic house tours are available at regular admission

Good to know This program takes place outdoors on the museum grounds. Historic house tours are available at regular admission. The Roots & Reflections painting exhibition by Rachael and John O'Shaughnessy is free to view in the Speare Classroom and Whitman Tavern, and the museum store will be open. Dress comfortably for the weather. Free parking on site. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Watch a short video from last year's encampment:

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