Washington's Crossing Christmas Reenactment On December 25, 2010

It was a fine day on this Saturday morning ... very conducive for a successful Reenactment. Equally successful to the weather was the turn out. There must have been thousands of spectators and enthusiasts in attendance to witness this fifty-eighth annual Crossing of the Delaware River in honor of the Revolutionary Patriots. New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the bridge that links the two had sizable crowds lined up in the bitter cold of this December day.







The first boat:




You can see a cannon in the top middle of the photo (it was periodically firing during the Crossing):


The second boat:


The third boat featuring General George Washington performed by John Godzieba (with a fourth boat by the dock):




This is a great shot right here:




Marching after reaching New Jersey:


Check out the clay pipe in his hat:




Washington about to give a speech at the podium:


One cannon on the Pennsylvania side:


Another cannon:


The brochure promoting the event - you will note the spelling of Washington Crossing in the old (olde) style (Wafhington Croffing):


More photographs of the day can be seen at this link: http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u213/portaltothepast/Reenactments/Revolutionary%20War/Washingtons%20Crossing%2012-25-2010

Video clips of the Reenactment can be found on my youtube page through using the search term "Crossing". Here is the url - http://www.youtube.com/user/michaeltheresearcher

Civil War Union Documents/Ephemera - Blank And Unused!

Here are some blank, unused and original documents/forms dating to the 1860s and made for use by the Union Forces during the War Between The States! Quite suitable for framing!  Watch out - people can forge signatures on these! I discuss the matter in this video.

Total Lunar Eclipse On December 21, 2010

North America and South America were treated to a Total Lunar Eclipse the likes of which has not been seen since February 20, 2008. This event also coincided with the Winter Solstice. The last time that a Total Lunar Eclipse occurred on the day of the Winter Solstice was on December 21, 1638 ... 372 years ago. The two events will meet again in the year 2094 (I already have it on my calendar!). The next Total Lunar Eclipse will take place on June 15, 2011 (a nice consolation prize for those of you who will not be attending the dual phenomena 84 years from now).

I was just waking up when the Eclipse started (at around 2:45 AM) so the following photos only show the middle and final phases (a short search on the web should reveal plenty of amateur footage of the Eclipse in all of its stages though).











Clear morning - stars can be seen:




An odd trick of light revealling what appears to be three Moons.

A short video of the Eclipse [featuring two parts (filmed at around 3:30 AM and then 4:40 AM)]:

Candle Light Tour Of The Replica Muhlenberg Brigade Huts Of The American Revolution In Valley Forge, PA

Valley Forge National Historical Park hosted a fine event on December 19, 2010. Reenactors and living historians showed tourists how the Continental Army handled the cold weather and lived in such conditions.

First I encountered several candles along side the walkway leading up to the park ...





Then I entered the Visitor's Center where I listened to the Carolers and looked at some artifact displays ...



















The tour guide:




We were stopped by Continental Troops who asked for the password:




A replica Muhlenberg Brigade Hut (the originals vanished long ago):


I always enjoy photographing and being near the fire ...

Here is a brief video. I started it by looking up at the Moon and then walked into one of the replica Muhlenberg Brigade Huts while a three-woman choir was signing "What Child Is This" by candle light. Very dark; I did my best.

A final candle as I bid farewell to the park:


See you all next year ...

Battle Of Saint Vith World War II Reenactment At Fort Mifflin On December 18, 2010

Once again, Fort Mifflin in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania hosted another fine Reenactment. This time World War II took center stage, specifically the Battle Of Saint Vith. This Reenactment was incredible. It featured the Living History Associations known as the 2nd Ranger Batallion, E Company and the 78th U.S. Infantry Division.

I purchased the entrance ticket at the Fort's gift shop and, when I stepped out to get a spot to watch the Reenactment, I saw quite a large body of soldiers in 1940s uniforms marching by and heading to their respective positions. Since I have been to so many Revolutionary War and Civil War Reenactments, I got used to the musket guns. Hearing the automatic weapons was indeed an eye-opener. The Allied Troops ran across the bridge and entered the Fort for the Reenactment. They slowly made their advance. I believe the Battle Of Saint Vith is considered to be a German victory so I am not sure why the German Reenactors were gunned down at the end. If anyone can explain why, I would be glad to hear from you (perhaps the Germans fell in one part of the Battle??). The photographs and videos below will show you all of the action. I captured footage during the entire event - from beginning to end.



















































The aftermath ...


A captured Japanese Soldier:




Here are some props that were placed around The Fort:








Some uniforms were on display:


Close-up of the Reichsführung-SS uniform:


Many more photos of the day can be found at this link:
http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u213/portaltothepast/Reenactments/World%20War%20II/Battle%20Of%20Saint%20Vith%2012-18-2010

I filmed four videos ...