Lebanon Towne Militia Encampment at Stanley-Whitman House
On Saturday, May 30, the grounds of the Stanley-Whitman House come alive.
Ye Olde Lebanon Towne Militia, Co. 1775, a dedicated living-history group portraying soldiers and civilians of Connecticut's Third Regiment, sets up camp on the museum's historic grounds for a full afternoon of immersive Revolutionary War interpretation.
Formed to honor the service of Lebanon's Revolutionary War soldiers in the 6th Company, 3rd Connecticut Regiment, the militia brings both military and civilian life to vivid presence. Throughout the afternoon, the encampment fills with military drills, inspections, and demonstrations alongside a wide array of civilian trades: beekeeping, crime and punishment, a surgeon, hands-on musket drill for young recruits, and more. Members dress in historically accurate clothing and carry period-correct equipment, interpreting the everyday realities of those who served and those who waited at home.
Farmington sent its own men into the Revolution. Bayze Wells, a Farmington sergeant, enlisted in May 1775 and kept a journal through February 1777 that records in vivid detail what Connecticut soldiers actually endured: spoiled rations, supply shortages at the winter encampments in Redding and West Hartford, and the improvised meals that kept an army in the field. The Stanley-Whitman House was already more than fifty years old when Wells marched out. The Lebanon Towne Militia brings that story home.
Set against the backdrop of the c. 1720 Stanley-Whitman House, one of New England's finest surviving examples of Post-Medieval English architecture and a National Historic Landmark, visitors are invited to tour the historic house, explore the 17th- and 18th-century gardens, and move freely through the encampment, asking questions and engaging with interpreters throughout the afternoon.
The encampment on the museum grounds is free and open to the public. Historic house tours are available at regular admission rates. The Roots and Reflections painting exhibition by Rachael and John O'Shaughnessy is free to view in the Speare Classroom and Whitman Tavern, and the museum store will be open throughout the afternoon.
Watch a short video from last year's encampment: https://youtu.be/37iJCUukGRQ
Part of the FarmingtonCT250 programming series at Stanley-Whitman House. Stanley-Whitman House is a proud official affiliate of the America 250 | CT Commission. Join us for these commemorative events.
Admission
Free and open to the public. Historic house tours at regular admission rates.
Highlights
Full Revolutionary War encampment on the historic grounds — free admission
Roots and Reflections painting exhibition — free in the Speare Classroom and Whitman Tavern
Historic house tours available at regular admission
Good to Know
This program takes place outdoors on the museum grounds. Dress comfortably for the weather. Free parking on site. The museum store will be open throughout the afternoon. Contact [email protected] with any questions.
FAQ
Is this event free?
The grounds encampment is free and open to the public. Historic house tours are available at regular admission rates. The Roots and Reflections painting exhibition by Rachael and John O'Shaughnessy is free to view in the Speare Classroom and Whitman Tavern. The museum store is open to all visitors.
Where do I park?
Free parking is available on site. Additional street parking is available opposite the museum, and the Barney Library lot on Main Street is a short walk away.
Can I talk to the interpreters?
Absolutely. Engagement is encouraged. Interpreters are on hand throughout the afternoon to answer questions and share the history of Connecticut's Revolutionary War experience.
Do I need to register in advance?
No registration required. Walk-ins are welcome throughout the afternoon.
Will the historic house be open?
Yes. Historic house tours are available throughout the afternoon at regular admission rates. The Roots and Reflections painting exhibition is free to view in the Speare Classroom and Whitman Tavern.
