The Brigade of the American Revolution

09/04/2026

Tomorrow, Fairfield confronts the fire, resistance, and resilience that defined its Revolutionary story.

Join the Brigade of the American Revolution at the Fairfield Museum & History Center on September 5th-6th for a full weekend of living history commemorating one of the most devastating Revolutionary War episodes in New England.

In 1779, more than 2,000 British, Hessian, and Loyalist troops under General William Tryon landed along the Connecticut coast and destroyed much of Fairfield. Homes, churches, businesses, and public buildings were set ablaze in an attempt to punish communities supporting the American cause. This weekend, interpreters and reenactors return to Fairfield to share the military and civilian stories surrounding that campaign.

Beginning Saturday morning, visitors can explore living history camps, meet members of the Brigade, and experience eighteenth-century military life firsthand. The day builds toward a tactical weapons demonstration at 2:00 PM, followed by additional living history interpretation throughout the afternoon.

The tents are going up, the troops are preparing, and tomorrow the public joins us. We hope to see you in Fairfield for a weekend of history, remembrance, and commemoration.

Event information:
https://www.brigade.org/fairfield2026

08/31/2026

A great article from Empire City Wire looking back at the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn and what it took to bring history back to life in Prospect Park.

The article also takes a look behind the scenes at the enormous amount of planning and coordination that went into the weekend, why the Battle of Brooklyn mattered in 1776, and — most importantly — why bringing these stories back to the places where they actually happened still matters today.

Thank you to Empire City Wire for highlighting the event and the work of the Brigade of the American Revolution!

Check out the full article below:

Washington preserved the rebellion despite losing control of New York City for the remainder of the war. According to eyewitnesses, George Washington was the last man to leave Brooklyn.

08/31/2026

A strong research project can change how we understand the American Revolution. The Brigade wants to help make that work possible. Applications are now OPEN for the Founder’s Fellowship & Research Grant, a $1,000 award supporting original scholarship on the Revolutionary era.

The grant is open to qualified researchers pursuing work that will result in a scholarly academic article or dissertation, as well as graduate students at accredited colleges and universities preparing a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation.

Projects may explore the period from 1763 to 1785, with a focus on North America and the Atlantic world. Military and naval history, politics, economics, social culture, material culture, and other subjects connected to the Revolutionary era are all welcome.

Applicants must submit a personal essay of no more than 1,500 words discussing their goals and interest in the topic, a one-page abstract of the proposed research, two academic letters of recommendation, and a current CV or resume.

The selected recipient will receive $1,000 in support of their research and will have the opportunity to share an overview of their work at the Brigade’s annual School of Instruction.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If you are researching the people, events, ideas, or experiences that shaped the Revolutionary era, we encourage you to submit your work for consideration.

Learn more and apply:
https://www.brigade.org/foundersgrant

08/28/2026

Follow the Continental Army’s desperate retreat from Fort Lee to New Bridge Landing! This November, the Brigade will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Retreat from Fort Lee to New Bridge Landing, retracing the events of November 1776 when Washington’s army was forced to withdraw from Fort Lee as British and Hessian forces advanced.

Saturday, November 21: The weekend begins at Fort Lee Historic Park, where visitors can follow the Continental Army’s retreat and witness a large-scale tactical demonstration of the American rearguard action. As Crown forces advance through the grounds, the pressure on the retreating army becomes clear. After the action, the evening continues with camps illuminated by firelight, offering a closer look at the soldiers and civilians caught up in the campaign.

Sunday, November 22: The retreat continues. The American rearguard leaves Fort Lee and moves toward the Hackensack River as Crown forces pursue from Huyler’s Landing. At New Bridge Landing, the retreat becomes a fight as American and Crown forces clash around the fortified Steuben House and the bridge.

Join us November 21–22 and experience the retreat of 1776 as it unfolds across two historic sites!

Register today: https://www.brigade.org/fortlee2026

08/25/2026

We’re still reflecting on what an incredible day we shared in Brooklyn!

More than 300 reenactors helped bring the Battle of Brooklyn to life for over 9,500 spectators—and for many visitors, it was their very first experience with living history.

Since the event, we’ve loved seeing comments from people who discovered the story of the American Revolution in an entirely new way. Families, students, and visitors of all ages were captivated, asked thoughtful questions, and are already asking where they can experience more.

That is what this work is all about: making history accessible, meaningful, and unforgettable.

To everyone who participated, volunteered, attended, or shared their experience—thank you for helping us show thousands of people why this history still matters.

Photo Credits - Angelina Katsanis, USA Today

08/23/2026

What an extraordinary day in Brooklyn!

The Brigade of the American Revolution was deeply honored to help commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn alongside more than 300 reenactors. Official estimates indicate that an incredible 9,500 spectators gathered to witness the program, remember the sacrifices made on this historic ground, and celebrate our shared history.

An event of this scale would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of so many people. Our heartfelt thanks go to Kim Maier and everyone at the Old Stone House for their partnership, hospitality, and unwavering commitment to preserving and sharing the story of the Battle of Brooklyn.

We would also like to recognize Ben Theis, John Lopez, Henry Cooke, Justin Costantino, Will Heese, Mark Hurwitz, and Dakota Griffin for the tremendous time, energy, and leadership they contributed to making this event a success.

Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to our sister organizations, the Continental Line and the British Brigade, and to every reenactor, volunteer, partner, and spectator who joined us for this remarkable commemoration.

It was an honor to stand together on this historic ground, 250 years later, and ensure that the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of those who came before us are never forgotten.

Thank you, Brooklyn!

08/22/2026

Are you ready for Brooklyn? Bus #3 is!

See you in Prospect Park for the historic recreation of the 250th Battle of Brooklyn!

08/19/2026

Calling all Revolutionary War researchers: Applications are OPEN for the Brigade’s Founder’s Fellowship & Research Grant.

The Brigade of the American Revolution is proud to continue supporting historical education through this annual award for scholars pursuing original research on the Revolutionary era.

The fellowship provides a $1,000 grant to a deserving researcher working toward a scholarly academic article, master’s thesis, or doctoral dissertation. Graduate students enrolled at accredited colleges and universities are encouraged to apply, along with other qualified researchers pursuing work related to the American Revolution.

Eligible research may examine the years 1763 to 1785, with a focus on North America and the Atlantic world. Topics can explore a wide range of subjects, including military and naval history, social and material culture, economics, politics, and other areas that expand our understanding of the people, experiences, and events of the Revolutionary period.

Applications include a personal essay outlining the applicant’s goals and research interests, an abstract of the proposed work, two academic letters of recommendation, and a current CV or resume. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If your research can help deepen our understanding of the American Revolution, we encourage you to apply!

Learn more and submit your application:
https://www.brigade.org/foundersgrant

08/18/2026

Registration is NOW OPEN for the 250th Anniversary commemoration of the Burning of Fairfield!

Register here: https://forms.gle/kvaiso7QYCh9fosB8

On September 5 and 6, 2026, the Brigade of the American Revolution will gather in Fairfield, Connecticut, to remember the British raid and burning of the town and the resilience of the community that rebuilt in its aftermath.

In July 1779, British forces under Major General William Tryon landed along the Connecticut coast and advanced into Fairfield. Local militia resisted the attack, but the town suffered widespread destruction as homes, churches, and other buildings were burned. The raid became one of the most devastating attacks on a New England community during the Revolutionary War.

This September, military and civilian reenactors will bring that history back to Fairfield through living history encampments, battlefield demonstrations, period trades, and public interpretation. The weekend will explore both the military events of the raid and the experiences of the civilians whose homes and community were caught in its path.

Fairfield’s story did not end in the flames of 1779. Be part of the commemoration as we remember the people who resisted, endured, and rebuilt.

08/13/2026

Follow the retreat that helped save the Continental Army.
On November 21–22, 2026, the Brigade of the American Revolution will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Retreat from Fort Lee to New Bridge Landing, bringing one of the most significant moments of the 1776 campaign back to the historic ground where it unfolded.

Saturday at Fort Lee will feature a memorial march into town, joined by representatives from communities along the historic Retreat Route, followed by a large-scale tactical demonstration across the grounds. British and Hessian forces will sweep through Fort Lee as the American rearguard fights to cover the withdrawal. As daylight fades, the public can remain in camp, hear the stories of both armies, and walk among the encampments by firelight.

Then, on Sunday, the retreat moves. American forces will leave Fort Lee and follow the historic route toward New Bridge Landing, meeting Washington at the Englewood Liberty Pole before continuing across the Hackensack River. British forces will follow close behind, culminating in fighting around the bridge and the fortified Steuben House at New Bridge Landing. Programming and tactical weapons demonstrations will continue throughout the weekend.

This is more than a reenactment of a retreat. It is the story of an army escaping disaster, surviving to fight another day, and setting the stage for what came next!

Registration is now open and closes October 20: https://www.brigade.org/fortlee2026