The Compleat Soldier
Length of program - 2 hours.
Fee - $5.00 per student, no charge for
teachers and chaperones.
Using a quill pen, students sign enlistment papers to join the British or Continental Army - your choice.
Upon enlisting the new soldiers receive their bounty in a souvenir colonial New York three dollar note reproduced from the Van Cortlandt House Museum collection.
Students learn the basics of 18th century drill and marching, and hold a brown bess musket and sword.
They also see how the brown bess flintlock musket works.
Students discover how flint and steel was used to start fires before the advent of matches and lighters.
Also included is an exploration of the role of women and children as camp followers.
The program incorporates a tour of historic Van Cortlandt House which was was used by both General George Washington and the British as temporary headquarters.
Outdoor activities may also be expanded depending on the season of your visit.