Contact:

Frances Porter, Executive Director
Berrien County Historical Association
P.O. Box 261
Berrien Springs, MI 49103

Tele: (269) 471-1202

Revolutionary War small arms program

Historical reenactors from the Fort St. Joseph Militia will present the program "Small Arms of the American Revolution," at the 1839 Courthouse Museum in Berrien Springs on Thursday, September 14. The program begins 6:30 p.m. Admission is $1.00, or free to members of the Historical Association.

Members of the reenactment group, dressed in reproduction clothing, will demonstrate the use of flintlock muskets, bayonets and artillery. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn basic musket drill and battlefield tactics by using wooden drill muskets. The flintlock musket, in use throughout Europe and America during the 18th century, dictated armies' battlefield tactics for well over a century. Fort St. Joseph Militia members will explain how the musket affected the course of history. The reenactors will also debunk myths about the Revolution and show how 18th century technology determined the ways military leaders acted.

"Small Arms of the American Revolution" concludes the Historical Association's 2006 summer series, "Thursdays at the Museum." For more information, contact the Historical Association at (269) 471-1202.

The Berrien County Historical Association's 1839 Courthouse Complex is located at 313 N. Cass Street (old US 31), in Berrien Springs, Michigan. It is the site of the Historic county seat and comprises the 1839 Courthouse, 1870s Sheriff's Residence, 1830 Murdock Log House, Bennett's Forge and 1870 Jail Plaza.