The Brigade of the American Revolution

Home
United States
Fort Lee, NJ
The Brigade of the American Revolution

An Association of Revolutionary War Living Historians Since 1962 the Brigade has been recreating a broad spectrum of the 18th Century.

It's activities include military encampments, tactical exercises, firelock shooting competitions, craft demonstrations and social activities. The Brigade also conducts annual schools and educational seminars featuring experts from several fields of 18th Century study.

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

08/11/2026

The 250th Anniversary asks us to look back at the Revolution, but it also raises a bigger question: what will we carry forward from it?

For this installment of “What Does the 250th Mean to You?”, we hear from Justin Costantino, a reenactor, historian, educator, student, and volunteer. Justin’s reflection looks beyond the celebration of 1776 to the larger course of the American Revolution, its continuing legacy, and the responsibility of future generations to keep remembering it.

As Justin writes, “The semiquincentennial is as much a milestone as it is an anniversary. While we look back and celebrate the Declaration of Independence this summer, it is important to remember the American War of Independence did not end in 1776.”

That perspective also shapes the way he understands the Revolution itself. “Furthermore, independence from the British Empire is only one of many aspects of our revolution. While the War of Independence ended in the late-18th century, the American Revolution continues.”

For Justin, commemorating 250 years is as much about the future as the past. “As we look back 250 years, I am just as keen to look forward. I hope that in 2276 my future neighbors and fellow citizens will be just as inclined to remember as they are to carry on.”

What does the 250th mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

08/10/2026

Fairfield’s story did not end in the flames of 1779. This September, help bring that story back to life.
Join the Brigade of the American Revolution in Fairfield, Connecticut, on September 5 and 6, 2026, as we commemorate the Burning of Fairfield and remember the people who defended, endured, and rebuilt their community.

On July 7, 1779, a warning from the fort at Black Rock alerted Fairfield residents that a British fleet was anchoring offshore. More than 2,000 troops under Major General William Tryon landed along Fairfield Beach and began advancing inland. As residents fled or prepared to defend their town, local militia fired upon the advancing troops, resisted them near the town center, and defended a position at Round Hill.

The militia also tore up the strategic bridge crossing Ash Creek, disrupting Tryon’s plan to combine his forces and attack Black Rock Fort from the rear. Despite that resistance, British troops spent July 7 and 8 raiding Fairfield and setting fire to homes, churches, businesses, and public buildings, leaving much of the town in ruins.

This September, the Brigade returns to Fairfield to remember more than the destruction. We will commemorate the resistance of the town’s defenders, the experiences of its residents, and the determination required to rebuild after the British raid.

Registration details and complete event information will be announced as planning continues. Learn more about the Brigade’s mission, membership, and upcoming events at brigade.org

08/05/2026

Sound the drum! Today is the FINAL DAY to REGISTER for the 250th Anniversary of the BATTLE OF BROOKLYN.

Registration closes TONIGHT. Every military participant, civilian interpreter, artisan, musician, and member of the support staff must complete an individual registration form.

If you have been considering joining the Brigade in Brooklyn, this is the day to make your decision!

Over the past five posts, we have highlighted what participants can expect:

• Provided transportation connecting Alpine Scout Camp, Prospect Park, and the Old Stone House, with an additional option from the Brooklyn Army Terminal for participants coming from Long Island

• The opportunity to reenact the battle across the historic landscape of Prospect Park and through Brooklyn’s streets

• A dedicated participant camp with 18th-century and modern camping, indoor cabins, RV spaces, campfires, showers, and Saturday breakfast and lunch

• A commemorative ceremony honoring the fallen, followed by opportunities for public interpretation

• A moving tactical demonstration that follows the battle from the American defenses and British flanking march through the final stand near the Old Stone House

Re-enactors and civilian interpreters will gather in Brooklyn to share this history with the thousands of visitors expected throughout the day. Register now and help the Brigade commemorate one of its most significant America 250 programs.

Register for Brooklyn TODAY:

https://forms.gle/imhTKF4UMJiWEzbn6

Address

Fort Lee, NJ

Website

http://www.brigade.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Brigade of the American Revolution posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your museum to be the top-listed Museum in Fort Lee?