1st Ulster Distaff

While the men have taken up arms to defend our
rights and property, we women are doing our
best to keep daily life going in the communities
and camps.

The campaign season is under way, with much
activity on the frontier, as the 230th anniversaries
of the attacks on Wyoming, Cherry Valley and
German Flats remind us of the fact that civilians
were often casualties of the conflicts. There has
been action in New Jersey, at Monmouth,and
in August the war will pick up in New England
with the battle of Newport, Rhode Island.

In the face of this, we try to bring some of the niceties of normal life to the camp: an afternoon tea, a dance, a roasted chicken, a game of graces. Laundry hanging to dry on a tent; a bunch of lavender hanging to dry on a rafter. Lessons in French Baroque Contredanse, and an evening of country dance at the local Dutch parish hall, as well as an outdoor concert on hammer dulcimer and baroque guitar.

We protray the women of 1st Ulster County Militia and of the towns and villages from which the militia was drawn, and are continually researching and trying to improve our impersonation and presentation to the public. Because militia were the citizen-soldiers of the Revolution, they maintained their civilian identities to a greater degree than their counterparts in other branches of the American military during the war. They came home, and tended to their farms and families when not actively engaged. Therefore, militia women spent less time in camp, and more on the household and farm duties that would have been left as their total responsibility while the men were away at war.

Join Us

Interested in exploring your 18th-century side? Maybe you've attended one of our events as a spectator, and thought, "I wish I could do that, but I wouldn't know where to begin."

You begin with an interest in the 18th century, especially the period of the American Revolution, 1775-1785. Then you start talking to people who are doing it. Many members of 1st Ulster Distaff started out as chauffers for children who wanted to participate, daughters tagging along with parents, or wives who came along to prepare lunch or help set up camp. Little by little they began to discover ways in which they themselves fit into the scenario, and develop and grow as an 18th-century personality. Your 21st-century interests can translate into the world of 250 years ago.

Attend a meeting of the Militia to learn more. Living history is a work in progress, so don't worry about getting yourself together all at once. Browse the "Tell me more about" menu at left for details about clothes, gear and information resources, and the Galleries to see more of the sort of events that the unit is involved in. Or contact us directly via email.