Reenactors being recruited

Posted 11/22/22

At one time, our ancestors were called to the task of patriotism through posters and newspaper alerts. "To all brave, healthy, able-bodied and well-disposed men in this neighborhood who have any …

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Reenactors being recruited

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At one time, our ancestors were called to the task of patriotism through posters and newspaper alerts. "To all brave, healthy, able-bodied and well-disposed men in this neighborhood who have any inclination to join the troops now raising under General Washington for the defence of the liberties and independence of the United States..."

Currently, posters and newspaper alerts are again asking all able-bodied men (and women) to show their patriotism by enlisting in Stevens Independent Battalion of Artillery, based in Wyoming, Rhode Island.

Colonel Stevens Independent Artillery is a living history reenactment group founded by Greg Provost, a lover of history, in 2014. After his passing, his wife Pamela took the reins and regularly recruits men, women and children to take part in reenactments, drills and parades. The organization has performed at such locations as Sturbridge Village, Nathanael Greene Homestead and Leffingwell House Museum. They have also marched in the Gaspee Days parade, the Charlestown Memorial Day parade, the Arnold Mills Fourth of July parade and the Providence St. Patrick's Day parade.

Those acting as soldiers wear historically accurate black coats with red lapels, white waistcoats, breeches and hair cockades. Aside from the cannon-fire and battle stances, the camp life portion of the reenactments also needs recruits who will participate in outdoor cooking and other necessities of camp life, also dressed in period attire.

"One must be 16 to go out on the field but there is plenty more to do in the camp," Provost said. "We can use anyone who wants to join. It’s nice when families with young kids join. It can be a lot of fun. We camp in canvas tents and cook 18th-century food."

The organization was founded with a mission to educate the public in American history and is part of the National Continental Line Organization reenactment unit. The original Stevens Independent Battalion of Artillery was led by Ebenezer Stevens, a merchant and lieutenant-colonel in the Continental Army during the Revolution. Stevens participated in the Boston Tea Party and fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill. Before he was thirty years old, he had distinguished himself as a patriotic leader. His battalion was made up of artillery units which had been on the northern border since 1776. In 1778, the battalion became known as the Third Battalion of Knox's Artillery Brigade.

Provost is currently seeking patriotic volunteers for the 2023 season. "There are no major expenses to join," she said. "Only the cost of the clothing and I make the coats myself. The big events require everything to look authentic."

Those who are unable to join but would like to support the organization monetarily, may help to keep history alive by sending a check or money-order in any amount. Requests to donate or enlist may be directed to Provost at stevensindependentartillery@gmail.com

Kelly Sullivan is a Rhode Island columnist, lecturer and author.

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