The East Hampton Historical Society presents The History Festival, commemorating America’s semiquincentennial, on Saturday, October 17, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Mulford Farm. The festival will bring history to life through colonial demonstrations, historical reenactors, performances, and live music.
Festivalgoers can experience Revolutionary-era life through reenactments by the Third New York Regiment, historic skits, sea shanties, Revolution-era children’s games, quill pen making and calligraphy, and a discussion of a historic whaleboat. Mike Smith of the Shinnecock Nation will discuss the Indigenous connection to the land and present a short film, while Town and Village Historian Hugh King will answer questions at a “Stump the Historian” booth.
The day will also highlight traditional crafts and trades. Mulford family descendant Fen Youmans will showcase weaving and spinning, blacksmith James DeMartis will demonstrate colonial-era metalworking, artist Peter Spacek will share the traditional art of scrimshaw, and Janice Badkin will demonstrate bayberry candle making.
Originally built in 1680, Mulford Farm provides the setting for the celebration. Considered one of America’s most significant intact English Colonial farmsteads, the property recently underwent a comprehensive restoration that highlights its Revolutionary War-era appearance. The exterior and interior layout remain largely unchanged from how they appeared in 1776. Visitors can better understand daily life in East Hampton during the American Revolution, including the role enslaved people played during the British occupation.
Founded in 1921, the East Hampton Historical Society’s mission is “to illuminate the past and inspire the community through the preservation and interpretation of East Hampton’s history.” To fulfill its mission, the Historical Society preserves and interprets six historic properties, presents an array of exhibits and educational programs, and provides historical perspective on contemporary issues facing the community.
The History Festival is free and open to the public.