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Colonial National Historical Park will host a special living history event featuring reenactors from the 1st Rhode Island Infantry Regiment on Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13, 2025.

Historical interpreters portraying America’s first integrated military regiment of General George Washington’s Continental Army will be present at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center. They will share insights into the lives of revolutionary war soldiers and the regiment’s crucial role during the Siege of Yorktown in 1781.

Family-friendly activities, including drilling and camp life demonstrations, will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

To visit the Yorktown Battlefield, all persons ages 16 and up must purchase a visitor entrance pass. This pass is valid for seven consecutive days and provides access to all resources managed by the park, including the Jamestown Visitor Center and recreational access along the Colonial Parkway. Passes can be purchased on site or on www.recreation.gov. America the Beautiful passes and Park Annual passes will be honored and available for purchase on site.

Established by the colonial Rhode Island Assembly in May 1775, the 1st Rhode Island Regiment was initially organized by Colonel James Varnum and was often referred to as “Varnum’s Regiment.” The unit participated in multiple engagements of the Revolutionary War, including the Siege of Boston, the New York Campaign, the Battles of Red Bank and Rhode Island, and the Siege of Yorktown. Serving with honor and distinction throughout the war, the Regiment was disbanded in December 1783.

This event is in partnership with the National Park Foundation, the National Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association, and The Real American Revolution Multimedia Center & Consortium for Civic Education.