On Sat. Nov. 9 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the history of the American Revolutionary War in Charleston will come to life at the Cistern Yard (66 George Street). The event is free and open to the public.
The Second South Carolina Regiment will reenact scenes from the American Revolution and highlight the College’s functionality as a prisoner of war camp for American prisoners during the war, the largest capture of American POWs by a foreign power until WWII.
Erick Nason, commander of the Regiment, highlights the immersive qualities of reenactments. “When spectators come to an event, they don’t just hear about the history, they see it, they feel it, they smell it, and they can touch it.”
He notes how attendees will get a hands-on look with demonstrations on laundry, field medicines, and soldier life.
Ben Schaffer, adjunct history professor at CofC who helped organize the event, felt the College’s upcoming 250th anniversary was an apt time to bring this story to life.
He fell in love with reenactments when he was just 10-years-old and majored in History at the College. “It’s immersive and theatrical,” Schaffer notes, “it’s a great way to make history come alive.” Love Best of Charleston? Help the Charleston City Paper keep Best of Charleston going every year with a donation. Or sign up to become a member of the Charleston City Paper club.