The Revolutionary War era comes to life at Encampment at Quaker Meadows

The annual living history event at Quaker Meadows on Saturday, Sept. 27, takes on extra meaning as the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday next year.

The Revolutionary War Encampment will be bigger than ever, with more than two dozen vendors and demonstrations where people can experience what cooking and living were like in the 1700s. On-site will be Revolutionary War weapons like long rifles, pistols, and swords, black powder making, spinning wool, and colonial clothing, toys, and games. The event will also include tours of the Captain Charles McDowell House. Food trucks will also be on the grounds.

Two special presentations have been added to this year’s schedule.

BLACK REVOLUTIONARY WAR VETERANS

Dr. Sonny Kelly will portray Black veterans in his performance “The Ongoing Fight for Freedom: Stories of African Americans in the American Revolution.” Kelly is a scholar, educator, playwright, storyteller, and actor. He gives engaging, educational, and empowering presentations to students, teachers, civic groups, communities, and professional organizations across North Carolina and the country. He is also the founder of Legacy Heirs Productions. Inc. (legacyheirsproductions.com).

Kelly has a PhD. in communication and performance arts from UNC Chapel Hill, a master’s degree in communication studies from St. Mary’s University, and a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Stanford University. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the son, grandson, and great-grandson of veterans; his wife is currently active duty in the Air Force. He calls Fayetteville home.

TALES FROM THE TAVERN

Native daughter Patricia Cooper Baker will present “Tales from the Taverns” for children and adults during the encampment.

Taverns were arguably one of the best spots for open political discussion throughout the Revolutionary War. People tended to get their news and visit with their community members at churches or in taverns.

North Carolina has a rich history of tavern events, including public proclamations, debates, battles, and interactions between residents and military leaders. “Tales from the Taverns” presents a collection of such events, including places, people, and contexts in Burke County during the Revolution. Join in the event version of Freedom Tavern, Patricia Cooper Baker’s fictional name for the first recorded tavern in Burke County, established in 1780. Enjoy some particulars about tavern life in those days as well as our slate of historic tavern events from across the state.

A longtime storyteller and writer for children and adults, Patricia Cooper Baker is bound to entertain and to teach you. She will be glad to greet you at Quaker Meadows.

The Revolutionary War Encampment will be held on the grounds of the Captain Charles McDowell House, 119 St. Mary’s Church Road, Morganton, on Saturday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sonny’s presentations will be from noon to 12:30 p.m., and again from 1-1:30 p.m.

The encampment is co-sponsored by the Burke County America250 committee and the Historic Burke Foundation with a grant from America250 N.C., N.C. Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.