On Saturday, July 14, the Orange Historical Society hosted the Lebanon Towne Militia, at the Bryan-Andrew House, 131 Old Tavern Road, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Revolutionary War Reenactment Group set up an 18th-century military camp with crafts and occupations of the period and recreated the life of the colonial militiaman and his family for visitors.
The encampment featured spinning, cooking, and other colonial crafts.
Originally formed in the 18th century to defend the town of Lebanon, Connecticut, in 1775 at the beginning of the American Revolution, the Lebanon Militia Company saw service at Breed’s Hill and the Battle of Boston.
A colonial militia operated like an army but its 
members were not professional soldiers and did not wear uniforms. Colonial militia laws required every able-bodied male citizen to participate and to provide his own arms. These men composed the bulk of the
armies that eventually won independence.
The Lebanon Towne Militia was disbanded in 1776, with some members becoming part of the 6th Company of the Continental Line, and others supporting the war from their farms.
The members of the group provided visitors with interesting and detailed answers to all of their questions and everyone walked away with a better understanding of the time period and bits of information, some of which took them by surprise.
The Historical Society provided bus transportation from High Plains Community Center to the Bryan-Andrew House, but sadly, only about 50 people came out to the site.
Perhaps if the Militia is available again in the fall more people will come out. It was a wonderful experience, very interesting and educational, not boring or stuffy whatsoever. This group is great!
