BVT to co-host a living history event at Daniels Farmstead

UPTON – Through a competitive grant provided by The New England School Development Council (NESDEC), BVT will cohost the Battle for Daniels Farm, a reenactment of the American Revolution, Oct. 5 and 6 at Daniels Farmstead in Blackstone.

Mark your calendars and plan to take a stroll through time, back to the 18th-century when America was in the midst of a battle for freedom from British rule. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience life during this moment-in-time as the British and Colonial troops, reenactors of the 85 Regiment de Saintonge will battle for ownership of the cider mill located on the property.

“We are always looking for ways to engage our students in the curriculum with relevant real-world opportunities, and to establish professional relationships with passionate, dedicated groups outside of BVT who can enhance educational outcomes for our students. The Battle for Daniels Farm is a tremendous example of that engagement. It is an ideal opportunity to combine our academic and vocational curriculum throughout our entire school and bring history alive in a manner that will benefit the whole community,” said BVT Academic Curriculum Coordinator, Edward Evans III. “Given recent Massachusetts legislation encouraging greater student engagement in civics and U.S. History, BVT is ahead of the curve as we continue to explore creative new ways to integrate history into our classrooms and shops and further ignite a passion for history.”

The schedule of events includes: camps open to the public at 10 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Battle reenactment at 2 p.m. on both dates with hospital demonstrations following the battle. There will also be artillery and musket demonstrations, cooking demonstrations, blacksmithing, medical practices, rope making, tinsmiths, and period music. The historic house and cider mill dating from the late 18th century will be available for tours.

Ticket cost is $8 per day or $10 for a two-day pass. Persons under 12 years old are admitted free. BVT family, teachers, and staff ticket cost is $5 for a two-day pass. Thanks to additional funding from NESDEC, the first 100 BVT students with their student IDs will obtain free admission to the event.

Free parking and free shuttle to the event from JFK Elementary School, 200 Lincoln Street, Blackstone, with buses transporting visitors to Daniels Farmstead will run continuously from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on both days.

Concessions such as hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage with onion and peppers, drinks, and assorted baked goods will also be available for purchase. Period vendors will also be in attendance selling their wares. The event is rain or shine.

If you would like to participate in the Battle for Daniels Farm or are interested in learning more about this event, additional information is available at https://www.valleytech.k12.ma.us/alivinghistoryevent.