by Steve Bradley
Two “History on the Hill” sessions were held Saturday at the Bennington Battlefield site. Three presentations on specific areas of the battle were given. Peter Schaaphok, president of the Friends of Bennington Battlefield, covered Hessian Hill. [private]
Charles Hoar, vice president of the Friends of Bennington Battlefield, covered the battle area around the bridge and other river positions, while the officers of the battle were covered by Patrick Niles of the Washington County Historical Society. Phyllis Chapman of North Hoosick spoke on battlefield medicine and how you may have been treated if you were unfortunate enough to be wounded in a battle or a patient with a disease. Several songs from the time of the battle were played by Matthew Shelley playing guitar and Elise Lünder playing violin.
Three reenactors were on hand and gave a drill presentation, loaded and fired their muskets, then took questions on the uniforms and firearms of the time. After the presentations spectators were welcomed to areas to ask specific questions of the presenters.
After the two hour session, spectators went to Brown’s Brewing Company to sample food of the Colorial era. Phil Leonard of the Hoosick Township Historical Society was on hand with information and the history of the Stevens & Thompson Paper Company, which was located where Brown’s is today. [/private]