Heritage Days at Old Bedford Village was a living history event and  attending from the 95th Rifles 1st Battalion were four riflemen, Rich Miller, Bill Goumas, John Dittamo and Jim Tate.

Old Bedford Village is restored village setting made up of 18^th century and early 19^th century buildings relocated from all over Pennsylvania and Maryland to make up a frontier village outside of Bedford, Pennsylvania.  The buildings include trade shops, living homes from simple log cabins to homes of middle-class families, a gaol, print shop, blacksmith shop, tinsmith shop, school house (an octagonal building) and tavern.  Many of the shops had craft workers available to work and explain their trades.  We were billeted in a large, middle-class log cabin on the town square.  Being billeted at this location, close to the visitor center entrance, made us easily visible to all the spectators.  We found that many spectators spent more time at our displays and asked may insightful questions.

The intermittent rain on Saturday reduced the spectator crowds that day and made it difficult for us to have outdoor displays.  However, the weather was clear on Sunday.  We found that Sunday’s spectators spent a good deal of time at our location and asked many questions.  We performed firing demonstrations in conjunction with the American frontiersman, and French Marine (of the Severn Years War period).  It was beneficial to have the weapons of three different time periods to show the public and allow them to see the differences between these weapons.

Although this was a relatively small event, it gave us time to polish our presentations and to have good discussions around the campfire after dark.

Respectfully Submitted,

James Tate, Serjeant

95^th Rifles, 1^st Battalion, 2^nd Coy