Pennsylvania Society Leads the Charge to Preserve the Re-enactment of the Battle of Germantown

Society members Johnson, Di Stefano, Carroll, Thorington and his wife.

When the longtime sponsor of the reenactment of the Battle of Germantown at Cliveden declined to continue patronage of the event, organizers were faced with the possibility that a 16-year tradition might be lost. The Pennsylvania Society and its Color Guard met the challenge and stepped into the breach to provide financing and added pomp to the event.

On Saturday October 3, 1998, spectators were transported through time to witness an advance by Continental troops on positions held by British forces. The sound of drums and muskets filled the air and the thunder of cannon resounded from the walls of surrounding buildings. Through a haze of gun powder the battle raged culminating with a rush by revolutionary forces against the Tory stronghold.

British Re-enactors at Cliveden

While the Continental forces could not change the course of the battle this day, the re-enactors were able to reveal to many the role of Cliveden and the Battle of Germantown in the American Revolution. For many in a neighborhood so rich in history, this event may have been their first tangible contact with so critical a time in our history.

Colonial forces prepare to attack

Between re-enactments, Pennsylvania Society President Mark Frazier Lloyd addressed the crowd. His close ties to the community made special the message delivered. The Color Guard paraded the flags and received appreciative salutes from Continental and British forces alike.