J. L. BELL is a Massachusetts writer who specializes in (among other things) the start of the American Revolution in and around Boston. He is particularly interested in the experiences of children in 1765-75. He has published scholarly papers and popular articles for both children and adults. He was consultant for an episode of History Detectives, and contributed to a display at Minute Man National Historic Park.

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Friday, June 03, 2016

Dedication on Dorchester Heights, 4 June

On Saturday, 4 June, the National Parks of Boston will dedicate a new feature of its Dorchester Heights site: a replica of an eighteen-pounder cannon of the sort likely installed there in early March of 1776.

The park’s announcement explains:
The replica British 18 pounder (shot weight), of the Armstrong-Frederick pattern of 1760, is just over ten feet in length and almost twenty inches in diameter at its largest point. The artillery piece will be on permanent display at Dorchester Heights on a granite base mount that evokes the wooden carriage that would have originally held the cannon.
As part of the dedication, Prof. Robert Allison of Suffolk University will give brief historical remarks (10 minutes), and I’ll give even briefer historical remarks (5 minutes). And after the ceremony the real fun begins:
National Park Service rangers will conduct a hands-on archaeology program where visitors can dig through boxes of material to simulate the work that was done on the site in the 1990s, when a 200-foot-wide star-shaped earthwork was uncovered. Chalk outlines will show the location of the star-shaped earthwork on the site.

There also will be activities for kids, including art making and face-painting, free snacks, and ranger talks about the historical significance of the site.
The formal program will begin at 11:00 A.M., and the activities will fill the afternoon. The day is free and open to the public.

1 comment:

Chris Hurley of Woburn said...

See you there! I hope that cannon is securely attached--given the citizenry's proven proclivity to move them around. ALSO, militia in bounty coats will be there, portrayed by the Lexington Minute Men.

btw, I'm enjoying your book very much.