Just as I did last year, on my first visit to the Pennypacker Mills event, I dropped off my son at a school program located in the same county. The weather forecast that day was accurate: rain in the morning and clearing in the afternoon. This American Colonial Revival mansion is surrounded by 170 acres of farmland and is situated along the Perkiomen Creek, about 35 miles northwest of Philadelphia. It felt great to visit again.

This image was one I planned and didn't plan for.  At this event, the dragoons (cavalry) were often nearby. My goal for the day was to zoom in as tightly as possible on my shots. It rained steadily for a few days, and the ground was muddy, and the riders' boots caked with mud. So, I zoomed in on just that. The images in color looked great, but I also wanted to experiment in black and white. I made the changes in the ON1 software. Wow, what a difference. This photo will likely be one of my favorite photos of the year.

The horse's coat (hair) stood on end, and the pattern changed in various directions. My eyes kept moving around the image. Plus, the contrast with the dark boots. Sometimes, you can get better results than you expect when experimenting and trying new techniques. That's the fun of photography!

Besides the wonderful folks I've met, one of the joys of photographing American Revolution reenactments is learning more about the founding of our nation. My highlight here was attending the Meet with General George Washington, featuring Curt Radabaugh and Martha Washington featuring Alisa Dupuy presentation. It was an hour-long history lesson on their lives together, a love story. Fun fact mentioned: George's younger brother, Samuel Washington, was married five times and had a total of 20 children. I didn't know that. Did you?

Here is their web site-Meet George and Martha Washington: A Love Story | America's 250th birthday | East Coast of the United States, USA

To me, the meticulously restored Pennypack Mills House is part antique store and museum. There are artifacts, books, and paintings everywhere. The home described on the Borough's site-

Originally constructed about 1720, the mansion was redesigned and enlarged by architect Arthur Brockie in 1901 to enhance a country gentleman's lifestyle. Pennypacker Mills is an unusually well documented historic site with an original collection, fully furnished with antiques collected and documented by former Pennsylvania Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker reflecting his interests in early Pennsylvania history, German and Dutch settlers, native Americans, the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. 

I spent about an hour wandering in the two-story house, searching for photo opportunities. First, I spotted the lamp, then books, and finally, the framed photo on the wall. With some filters in On1 software, I created this antique look. To me, it feels like an old photo from the 19th century.

As I've mentioned before, being in the right place at the right time can yield some interesting photos. Expect the unexpected! I was sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch of the house when I noticed Martha Washington speaking with this young girl. I swiveled around, retrieved my camera from my lap, and snapped a few shots. This photo was the best of the bunch. You can tell that this little girl was captivated by Martha Washington by her frozen, expressionless gaze.

To take this image, it was a tactical demonstration; I was on a downward slope, shooting upwards. When cropping in close post-processing, at waist level, I notice how the mountains in the background make the reenactors appear as if they're in a mountain forest. We weren't, it's a park grounds. Angles like this can significantly distort a photo. 

It was a fun day, including meeting an unusual dog. Picture this: a Corgi and German Shepherd mix! It was an interesting-looking and docile dog, with a head resembling that of a German Shepherd and the short legs of a Corgi. 

Click here for Patriots Along the Perkiomen, Pennypacker Mills 2025 Photo Gallery.

Thank you for reading! Blog #90 will be posted on July 1, 2025. Be safe & well!

Huzzah,

Ken Bohrer

I was surprised that it's been two years since my last visit to the Revolutionary War encampment at Mount Vernon, George Washington's home. It is one of my favorite sites to explore. It's also the most extended one-day trip I can handle now, with a 1 1/2-hour morning drive, but due to Washington, D.C. traffic, my drive home is much longer. Part of my trip includes the scenic Baltimore–Washington Parkway (2 lanes, no trucks allowed), a route that is just over 30 miles long and dissects my path through Washington, DC. The parkway is more relaxing, and I get an excellent view of the Potomac River and Washington Monument when I am almost there. It was a cloudy morning with a mild temperature. Since my last visit, the site has undergone numerous major restorations. You will notice that some areas are under renovation, as shown in this photo.

Below is an update of the significant changes; this is from Mt Vernon's website-

Mansion Revitalization Project

From 2023-2026, Mount Vernon is embarking on a landmark preservation project to safeguard the Mansion’s original building fabric and ensure its structural integrity for generations to come.

George Washington is famously known as the Father of Our Country, and rightfully so. His legacy is deeply intertwined with his contributions to the nation and his participation in slavery. His decision to free his enslaved workers upon his death was significant, but it does not erase the reality of his role in perpetuating the system. His uniqueness comes from his ability to shape the country while grappling with moral contradictions. 

Washington's decision to relinquish power is considered one of the most significant acts of statesmanship in American history and was a shock to the world at the time. He did this twice: he resigned as Commander-in-Chief after the Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolutionary War and after refusing to Seek a Third Presidential Term.

Some folks today want to strip him of his accomplishments because he was an enslaver. That was common practice for southern plantation owners, as well as in the northern states, during that time. You can't compare the standards of yesteryear to acceptable behavior today. Without George Washington, we would not have won our independence from Great Britain.

Below is a photo of George Washington speaking to the crowd with the Marquis de Lafayette. They shared a deep and enduring friendship that played a significant role throughout the American Revolution. They shared a relationship that was described by many as akin to that of a father and son. 

Here is my favorite photo of the day. Many times, to get that fantastic shot, it's a matter of luck and being in the right place at the right time. Shortly after arriving, I started circulating towards the American and British camps, arriving a little after 9 AM. I knew where to go since I've attended this event numerous times. In front of the mansion on both sides of the lawn were sutlers (vendors). I spotted the baker, or my nose did. He had a portable oven and was starting to bake his bread for the day. On the side of his oven, I spotted these loaves of bread stacked on a table. It looked delicious. For me, fresh bread with butter is just the best! 

One rule of composition in photography is to incorporate patterns. That's what I did here, and I'm glad I took this shot when I did. Later in the day, the baker had a sandwich board outside his entrance, informing us that all the bread was gone and to return tomorrow for a new batch.

I'm known for capturing many unique cannon blast photos. My shots are like snowflakes; no two are the same. This photo might be the only one where the cannon appears to be shooting directly at me. That is never a good idea for safety reasons. But it was about 100 yards away from me and pointed at a slight angle.

Additionally, in post-processing, I cropped the image significantly. I like how the blast is almost a circle, with the orange flame outlining it like a photo frame. It's unusual—I can't remember having another cannon blast quite like this one!

I want rich and bold colors in my photos. When post-processing them in On1 software, I almost always boost the color and vibrance. This photo immediately caught my attention due to the complementary colors, red and green, which evoke passion and vitality. Complementary colors are pairs of colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. Some other popular color combinations are blue and orange, yellow and purple, cyan and red, and lastly, green and magenta. 

This photo, taken near the end of the reenactment, shows the Continental Line after it has swept the British troops off the field. I cropped in close to focus on the flag. It's a good shot, and the colors pop!

Click here for the Mt Vernon-Revolutionary War Encampment 2025 Photo Gallery.

Thank you for reading! Blog #89 will be posted on June 15, 2025. Be safe & well!

Huzzah,

Ken Bohrer

It's always fun attending a new reenactment or festival. I visited East Jersey Old Town Village -Revolutionary War Encampment in early April on a cool, drizzly Saturday in Piscataway, New Jersey. The drive was easy, only about 1 1/2 hours. What was unexpected was that the site was almost directly across the street from one of the side entrances to Rutgers University's Football SHI Stadium.

From the Middlesex County NJ website

In the 1970s, Dr. Joseph Kler saved historic buildings from demolition and relocated them to Johnson Park. East Jersey Old Town Village would grow to become a center where the public could learn about the important history of central New Jersey. The family continued to remain active in the village for many years and contributed financially to the growth of the reading room.
At most events, I'll meet you folks and learn new things. Because it was sporadically raining throughout my visit, I spent much of my time in the Church of the Three Mile Run, a 1970s replica of a no longer extant 1703 Dutch Reformed church. I met Carle Kopecky, who introduced and described an instrument I'd never heard of, the serpent, an early bass horn. He heard the reenactor demonstration between him conversing with visitors and walked to the front door, gazing outside. That's how I could get this candid portrait. It's a nice, relaxed moment.

The Indian Queen Tavern was located on Albany Street in New Brunswick from the early 1700s until 1971, when it moved to East Jersey Olde Towne Village. Many of its initial parts remain, including the main staircase, floorboards, framing, and stonework; portions of the tavern were rebuilt.

The Inn, is where Benjamin Franklin and John Adams traveled from Philadelphia to Perth Amboy and Staten Island to meet with British General Howe, and they shared a room in August 1776. The story goes-

According to legend, Franklin spent much of the night expounding on keeping the window open. He'd published a theory on the benefits of fresh air, believing that people in closed rooms were more likely to catch cold from each other. On the other hand, Adams feared the night air but eventually fell asleep to the sound of his bed partner.

On the first floor, a colonial-era tavern is displayed. I got low and composed the shot, incorporating the tree in bloom, and church in the background. Later, I converted it to B&W in On1 software. I'm now focusing on shooting more still life, a style of photography that focuses on capturing inanimate objects.

It was an off-and-on rainy day, which is not always suitable for photography. But, when sheltered, I noticed this woman holding this colorful umbrella with two kids walking across the village green. The photo is cute and makes me smile!

Below is the rear view of the reconstructed 1760s house from Piscataway, the Jeremiah Dunn House. What caught my attention at first was how colorful it was with all the shades of brown. But when looking closely, I noticed how disproportional the windows are in the rear section of the house. Why? Were these designed like this on purpose, or were there alterations made later? It's just a fun, colorful older house to appreciate.

Click here for the East Jersey Old Town Village -Revolutionary War Encampment photo gallery.

Thank you for reading! Blog #88 will be posted on June 1, 2025. Be safe & well!

Huzzah,

Ken Bohrer

Because I now write two blogs per month, there are more events for me to share with my readers. In October 2024, there was the Mt. Harmon Colonial Festival in MD. Now, most of the events I attend are reenactments, but this one was a festival. The difference between them is that festivals generally have limited or no reenactors, and firing any weapons isn't permitted. I've been to numerous reenactment events here many times. Two years ago, I wrote about this event in blog #52. 

The drive is fun for me. It takes about an hour and a half on highways and back roads from my home in the Philly suburbs. The only change is that some of the roads now have tolls. The temperature was mild, but the entire day was cloudy, with showers in the late afternoon.

Why is Mt Harmon a historic site to visit? Here is a brief explanation from their website.

Welcome to Mount Harmon, one of Maryland’s most beautiful historic sites. Mount Harmon is a tidewater plantation and nature preserve, and features a restored 18th century manor house, colonial kitchen, smoke house, formal boxwood garden, Carriage House Education & Discovery Center, prize house, replica slave quarters and tobacco barn, set on 200-acres nature preserve with nature trails, and a spectacular waterfront setting. 

Mount Harmon’s history spans more than four centuries, including the native Tockwogh ndians, Captain John Smith, Colonial and Plantation History, Revolutionary War and American History,...

As I first strolled the grounds, I visited the colonial kitchen and met Pat, the day's kitchen interpreter.  She was setting up for her cooking demonstration by getting the fire ready. There was no need to bring my flash because my Nikon D500 doesn't require much light to get a good photo. I set my camera ISO to around 45,000! The ISO controls the amount of light your camera lets in. Back in the days of film, the highest film ISO was 1600. My digital camera allows more than 28 times more light than the highest ISO film. Unbelievable. I can almost get a decent photo with virtually no light.

For this photo, I wanted to give it a nostalgic look. I muted the colors and added some filters in On1 software.

From 1750 to 1810, Mount Harmon was a tobacco plantation owned by the Louttit and George families. Historically, tobacco plantations were labor-intensive. So, this plantation, like others in the South, relied heavily on enslaved people who performed most of the manual labor. In addition, tobacco farming eventually destroyed the soil. This plantation was transitioning away from tobacco farming by the American Revolution. 

These historical sites are significant because they teach us about our past and history. While strolling the grounds, I noticed this wooden structure and learned it was called the Prize House. It was where tobacco was “prized” or packed tightly into barrels, known as hogsheads, for shipping overseas. 

One of the highlights of a festival like this is the activities and 18th-century toys/games targeted at kids. Here, I noticed this family, especially since the children were dressed in colonial attire, which made this a memorable photo.

Often, festivals focus on sutlers (vendors) selling all sorts of merchandise. Some were outside and protected with canopy tents; others were inside the Education and Discovery Center. I spotted this array of silver pieces there and thought it would make an interesting photo. I wanted to create an image with more of an antique look, so I added some customizing filters in On1 software to get this effect. It makes me think old.

Thank you for reading! Blog # 87 will be posted May 15, 2025.  Be safe & well!

Huzzah,

Ken Bohrer

I shared in many of my other blogs that my first exposure to photography was shooting film. That included taking photography classes and learning to develop and print B&W prints. It was fun! The first SLR autofocus film camera Nikon produced, and I purchased, was the 2020 in the late 1980s. I kept it all these years for nostalgia reasons, believing it didn't work anymore, but unbeknownst to me, it did. Though old, the camera is in fantastic condition. Last year, I put in new triple-A batteries (all it takes), and yippee, it did. I was shocked.

I've wanted to get back into the basics of photography again for years. Shooting with a digital camera is relatively easy. The autofocus in my Nikon D500 is almost instantaneous. Not with the Nikon 2020 film camera: I forgot how limited it is. You press the autofocus button and hear this grinding sound as the camera tries to focus. The green dot in the viewfinder showing the shot being in focus takes a few tries. This camera is only for non-motion subjects, nothing with much movement like reenactments. This camera can't focus fast enough. 

I had shot three rolls of Kodak T-Max 400 film to be processed. One roll was blank. That happens with film; sometimes, for many reasons, you get nothing. The first three photos were from the Redcoats and Rebels Grand Tactical event in Mount Harmon, and the last two were from the 1777 Whitemarsh Encampment. The photo is my favorite film photo from these rolls. It's the tobacco barn about 100 yards from the main house. I purposely use the fence's leading lines to guide the viewer to the barn. I darkened the trees in the background and lightened the grass, and the soldiers sitting provided a sense of the scale of this big barn.

Now, I want to try to shoot one roll of 35 mm film at each event. Shooting 35 mm film is not the same for me as shooting digital. In any event, I'll take between 200 and 400 photos. My Nikon D500 can even shoot up to 10 frames per second in burst mode. The maximum number of prints on a roll of 35 mm film is 36. I compose every shot when shooting film, trying to make every image count. Why, film is expensive.

Each print film roll, color, or B&W costs about $10. Of course, you can buy in bulk, but I don't shoot enough film to justify that. Developing and scanning one roll of film costs around $20. Let's not forget about shipping! Using 35mm film is expensive, so why did I start using it again? 

Film is how photography started; it has existed for over 130 years. As I shared earlier, I started with film. I wanted to get back to the basics of photography and develop what I learned years ago further. It is unique even in post-processing. The only manipulations I did to these images were to crop each to either 8x12 (full frame-includes everything from negative), 12x12, or whatever crop I liked best. Unlike my digital photos, where I do extensive post-processing, including adding numerous filters for more impact, in On1 Software, for these B&W shots, in the develop module, I just selected Exposure, Contrast, Highlights, Midtones, Shadows, Whites, and Blacks. After making the corrections, I applied burning (areas that need to be darkened) and dodging (portion of the scene to be lightened) techniques.

I took the photo of the little girl in the American camp for this photo. She was playing with her mom when she spotted me and smiled. I used only my Nikon 50mm 1.8 lens, so I needed to get close to her. What helped this photo was me sitting to get her eye level. Her expression is priceless!

Look closely at the photo; you will see grain, also called noise. Why is that? The film has small particles of metallic silver in it. Film grain appears as random specks or particles throughout the image. Pixel noise can occur in digital cameras, but that is easy to correct with many noise reduction plug-ins, not with film. I like noise, though, especially for B&W. Do you?

This photo is from the British camp adjacent to the Manor House. The significant adjustments were lightening the circular driveway and darkening the trees, which added a bit of contrast to the image. Again, simple changes I made by dodging burning when needed.

This photo is from the 1777 Whitemarsh Encampment event at Hope Lodge, PA. 

"It commemorates the time from November 2 to December 11, 1777, when General George Washington and the Continental Army were encamped in the Whitemarsh Hills."

What's fun at most of these events is the period demonstrations. I spoke to the printer about movable type and different fonts. I've been fascinated with fonts for a while, so we chatted. I ultimately chose Georgia for my blog font because it gives a nostalgic feeling.

I wanted to get close in this shot, so I focused on the "Ink Balls," a leather-based ink applicator used before rollers. The white covers guide your eyes to them. With my fixed Nikon 50mm lens, I had to move up, down, and around to get this photo. I didn't crop this image a lot.

As I've shared many times in my blogs, I'm fascinated with flags. I photograph some at every event. This one flew above the canopy where "Ben Franklin" demonstrated scientific experiments. This photo feels nostalgic to me. The film grain is more noticeable, too. That is especially true with a large percentage of the sky in the image; it just becomes more pronounced. I like it!

What is my goal when shooting film? I want to use it regularly, learn how to develop B&W, and scan it. Shooting film will help me further develop my photography skills. To change it a bit, I've been shooting Kodak color film at recent events, which I'll write about soon in another blog.

Click here for the photo gallery from my 2 rolls of film.

Thank you for reading! Blog #87 will be posted on May 1, 2025. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer

As I've shared in many of my blogs, I've been visiting Colonial Williamsburg since childhood, and it's my "Happy Place" to chill and relax now. In blog #83, I mentioned that I was on my way to the Great Bridge reenactment event in Chesapeake, VA, and first stopped for a few hours in Williamsburg to stroll the town and shoot some pictures. Near Charlton's Coffeehouse, I noticed Living Historian Mark Schneider portraying Marquis Le Lafayette to a group of tourists, and I shot the photo below.

About 15 minutes later, I was around the Colonial Capitol when spotting Mark walking towards me. I reintroduced myself and mentioned we have spoken many times here over the past 15 years. Sometimes, he would be in character, and other times not. He's also from Long Island, NY, less than 10 miles from where I grew up. We chatted for a few minutes. The next day, I contemplated that he would be a fantastic blog interview. Later that week, I emailed him, and he graciously agreed. What are the odds of meeting him again since I only visited Williamsburg for a few hours? Besides the photos of Mark in this blog, I have taken many more of him over the years.

1) We both grew up on Long Island, only about seven miles apart. What was your childhood like in Setauket, NY?

I had the best childhood growing up in Setauket New York on Long Island. There was history all around us. I had a neighborhood of friends living all around me on Shaker Hollow Road and we played sports games in the streets, ran around in the woods and went sledding in the snow at the bottom of the hill in winter. There is a historic Mill Pond close by that we would walk to and sometimes go fishing or ice skating in the winter. On the Village Green, but historic Caroline Church, I saw my first reenactment of the Battle of Setauket with my dear friend Douglas Little. Sometimes we would go to the Emma S. Clarke library, which was a beautiful 19th century building and fabulous library. In the summer we would enjoy riding our bikes to West Meadow Beach and spend the day there. Port Jefferson was close by and we would often walk the docks and look at the boats. Stony Brook was also close by and had lots of history. I still remember the flapping wings of the Eagle statue above the post office. I first became hooked on wargaming at a fantastic hobby shop called Waterloo in Stony Brook. I could not have asked for a better place to grow up and to this day, I still have dreams of the house I grew up in on 6 Shaker Hollow Road.
 

2) Setauket, NY, is now known for George Washington's Culper spy ring. When did you first learn of this crucial historical event, and has it changed your opinion of your hometown?

I first heard of Washington’s spy ring early on in my life. If you are born and raised in Setauket, you know about the spy ring because it’s all around you! The streets are named after these important figures in history. The elementary school has statues of them and in the auditorium, there are paintings of the great moments in the history of Setauket and the spy ring. I’ve always loved how much history was in that town. I think it was the reason I chose history as my profession.

When the television show came out, the first thing I thought was, that doesn’t look like Setauket! But I was glad Hollywood decided to tell the story of my hometown.

I worked on the AMC series “TURN” for two seasons. The final season I took a short leave of absence from Colonial Williamsburg to work full time as a Wrangler with the horses under Doug Sloan. It was a fabulous experience, and I got to meet all the principal actors as well as perform as a horseman in a variety of different roles. On my last day of filming, we filmed on the set that was supposed to be Setauket. My role that day was to be Anna Strong’s coachman. Anna was played by the very talented Heather Lind. In between takes, we started talking and she asked where I was from. I said, you are not going to believe this, but I’m from Setauket! She looked shocked and laughed. She said, does it look like this? I said, no! And we all had a good laugh.

3) When did you leave Long Island and why?

I left Long Island in 1988 after graduating from Ward Melville High School. The family was unfortunately selling the house in Setauket and moving to Virginia so my father could start a new job.

4) You worked with the US Army as a Cavalry Scout in the 1990s. It sounds like a job from the 19th century. How did you get that job, and what were your responsibilities?

When I arrived in Virginia, I began attending Christopher Newport University and studying History. Ive always loved the military and especially the Army and I’ve always believed in service to the nation. As a result, I left school and enlisted in the United States Army in 1993. I chose as my MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) to be a 19Delta or “Cavalry Scout.” It does sound like it’s from the 19th century because it is! Since the domestication of the horse, and horses being used in war, cavalry scouts have been in existence in all armies. Though we have traded in our horses for Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Humvees and Apache Helicopters, the role is essentially the same; to be the “Eyes and Ears” of the Army and to perform reconnaissance ahead of the main force. I received my training as a Cavalry Scout at Fort Knox Kentucky.

Upon completion of my training I was assigned to the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (2nd ACR—Light) in Fort Polk Louisiana. I would remain there 13 months and then received orders to go to Germany and was assigned to the oldest cavalry regiment in the US Army, the First Squadron,  First Cavalry Regiment (1st Dragoons.) We we’re attached to the First Armored Division. Less than a year after my arrival, we were deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina with Operation Joint Endeavor, to enforce the Dayton Accords and disarm the combatants. I would spend roughly 10 months there and then returned to Germany. After a few more months there, I completed my 4-year tour in the Army and returned to the United States where I would secure a job at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and start completing my last year of school at Christopher Newport University.

5) You have worked at Colonial Williamsburg for close to 30 years! How did you get the job, and have your roles changed over the years?

This May will mark my 28th year at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. I started, after the Army in Historic Trades where I worked as a brick maker, carpenter and sawyer. When CW found out I could ride horses, they began incorporating me into some outdoor theater scenes and big reenactment weekends like “Under the Red Coat,” “Town Unchained,” and “Prelude to Victory.” These events recreated important moments in Williamsburg’s history during the American Revolution. It was also the first opportunity for me to do First Person interpretation and where I started to portray the Marquis de Lafayette and LTC Banastre Tarleton. I would go on to work with Coach & Livestock,, Theatrical Interpreters, Actor Interpreters with Revolutionary City and finally I was asked to become a Nation Builder and perform as Lafayette on a daily basis.
 

6) What is your favorite part of working at Colonial Williamsburg?

My favorite part of working at Colonial Williamsburg is its rich history. There is so much to tell! I’m honored to be able to work here where so much history was made. I believe all of the answers to the future, can be found in the past and with what we do here at CW, we are educating those next generations so that they can be better citizens of the future. I love the colleagues I get to work with who bring so much knowledge and talent. I love the horses too! History and horses are my favorite things! And it’s just absolutely beautiful here.

7. You have portrayed many notable 18th-century historical figures, including the celebrated Lieutenant General Marquis de Lafayette and the villainous "bloody" General Banastre Tarleton. Do you have a favorite character to interpret, and why?

I have played a wide variety of historical characters here in Colonial Williamsburg from Major-General Lafayette, to LTC Banastre Tarleton of the British Legion. I have also portrayed Colonel Armand, Benedict Arnold, General Rochambeau, Mann Page III and other assorted characters. For CW, the Marquis de Lafayette is my favorite. Lafayette was such an amazing person of history. I think of him as a 21st century man, living in an 18th century world. A person who is so compelling and inspirational. I love playing all of the different roles though because they are all quite interesting and important. A character that I portray outside of CW is Napoleon Bonaparte. I am thankful for CW for teaching me the art of Living History which I applied to portraying Napoleon in Europe since 2005. Growing up, I was always most fascinated with Napoleon more than any other historical figure and when asked to portray him in Europe, it was a dream come true! It has taken me to Europe over 50 times with events in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and Spain. 
 

8) How would you finish this sentence? Colonial Williamsburg is important today because…

“It teaches the world about our rich past which includes triumphs and tragedies, but with that knowledge of what happened in the past, it will guide us to make better decisions in the future, by learning from our history.”

That interview was exciting to read. Thank you, Mark. It shows that if you have the appropriate skill set and patience, opportunities can happen—being in the right place at the right time!

Click here for the photo gallery of my latest visit to Colonial Williamsburg! 

Thank you for reading! Blog #86 will be posted on April 15, 2025. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer

In early October 2024, the Marketing & Development Coordinator at Cliveden asked me to photograph their Revolutionary Germantown Festival. Attending this event, whether it's been a reenactment in past years with American and British units firing musket and cannon volleys at each other or now a festival, it's one of my events I'll attend most years. It's always a fun day with many friends to see and only about a 30-minute drive from home.

When I arrived on this beautiful fall day, I started searching for a young man wearing a three-cornered hat and his young daughter. Why? Last year, I met them here and took almost the exact photo of them, as shown below. The only difference is that the beautiful little girl is older. As we were chatting, he mentioned looking for me also!

The original image is in blog #66. Also, that first photo of them is featured on The Revolutionary Germantown Festival site to advertise their upcoming 2025 event!  

See, it's possible for two opposing sides with different viewpoints to sit down and chat cordially. The American is my good friend, well-known educator/reenactor in the Philadelphia region Noah Lewis, who portrays Edward "Ned" Hector-Black's Revolutionary War Hero.

To learn more about Naoh Lewis and Ned Hector, who he portrays, visit his website NedHector.com.

The Cliveden Barn and Carriage House, built in 1766, is now used as offices and a visitor center. It includes space for presentations and displays local artwork. Look at the concentration this guy has on this painting. What do you think, does he like it or not?

What's impressive is the original Cliveden mansion, which was the impetus for George Washington to lose a surprise victory over the British at the Battle of Germantown in 1777, is still standing! A small number of British troops barricaded themselves in the stone mansion, holding off a brutal assault that cost the American forces about 75 men. You can see sections of the house still damaged by the battle today. 

At this event always, there is a dedication ceremony to honor both American and British troops who perished in this battle. It's a very moving tribute!

Sometimes, we forget that there was once slavery in the northern colonies as well as in the southern ones. Only in 1847 was slavery in PA abolished. Benjamin Chew Jr. owned this summer property during the Battle of Germantown in 1777. He was the chief justice of the Supreme Court of the Province of Pennsylvania and later the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. At that time, Chew held four owned four enslaved people in the year 1776.

From the Cliveden website-

Built as a country house for attorney Benjamin Chew, Cliveden was completed in 1767 and was home to seven generations of the Chew family. Cliveden has long been famous as the site of the American Revolutionary War Battle of Germantown in 1777 and for its Georgian architecture. New research is unearthing a more complicated history at Cliveden, which involves layers of significance, including the lives of those who were enslaved by and in service to the Chew family. This information broadens the meaning of Cliveden as a preserved historic place, exploring themes and stories of American identity and freedom. Traces of the history of the Cliveden property and its occupants can be found throughout the five-and-a-half-acre woody landscape.

Later in the day, Dinah, a once-enslaved woman at the Stenton House in Philadelphia, shared her experience of the American Revolution. It was revegetating hearing her story.

Click here for the photo gallery!

Thank you for reading! Blog #85 will be posted on April 1, 2025. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer

In blog #82, I mentioned on my way to the Great Bridge reenactment event in Chesapeake, VA, first stopping for a few hours in Colonial Williamsburg. I hadn't visited for years, so it was exciting to see my "Happy Place" again. When arriving, I first went to the Visitor's Center. I stayed briefly and drove to Merchant's Square in the western section of town close to the College of William and Mary. 

I spotted this photo opportunity walking east on Duke of Gloucester Street. It was late afternoon, sunny, and prominent shadows were developing. I first noticed the white picket fence and then the bricked path, which showed good leading lines to the buildings in the back of the house. This image was one of my first shots of the day. I felt good being back!

One key component in post-processing that I haven't mentioned much before in my past blogs is the power and magic of cropping my images. I crop about 90% of my original photos either slightly or, in this photo, dramatically to focus on the subject! I usually decide quickly if the print should be an 8 x 12 or 12 x 12, but occasionally, I'll crop to no specific standard size. An excellent example is this picket fence photo.

As I strolled the town late afternoon, shadows were visible on everything, including this picket fence. The original shot shows more of the fence, including a distracting bush, which I knew needed removal. When reviewing in post-processing, I noticed these wonderful patterns, almost making it an abstract and even different shades of B&W. I really like this finished photo! The star in the top right corner adds a nice touch!

Many of my favorite photos just happen. You have to be ready all the time, react, and shoot. That's what happened with the photo of three Native American kids. I was near the Governor's Palace when I saw them pass me. It happened, it feels, in a second. I turned and took a few shots.

This one is the best for a few reasons. I cropped the image to follow the leading lines of the fence. The kids' attire is colorful, and by pure luck, they are in height order. I've said this often: being prepared always is the key to capturing that next great shot!

As I shared in the fence photo above cropping is such an important aspect of creating a good photo. Of course, the subject here is the shadow of Marquis De Lafayette. To understand how much I cropped this photo think of a post card. This image was cropped to the size of a regular US stamp! The original shot without cropping doesn't provide the same impact.

Simple is best with many photos like this one. While strolling Duke of Gloucester Street, I spotted these three reenactors (odd number in photos is best) sitting on this bench. It was chilly, especially since the sun was setting, but the light was good. They appear to be chatting. I'm wondering what they were discussing.

Here's the link to the photo gallery!

A few days after I arrived home, I learned something funny. My friend Sutler Ron Mehalko, whom I interviewed in blog # 14, was in Colonial Williamsburg at this time. It would have been amusing to run into him then!

Thank you for reading! Blog #84 will be posted on March 15, 2025. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer

With American Revolution history, I'm always learning something new. That happened after attending the Battle of Great Bridge reenactment in Chesapeake, VA, for the first time in early December. Growing up in the North (NY), I never learned anything about this event. However, it was a significant battle in the early stages of the war against England, especially in colonies such as Virginia, where southern support for independence was necessary. It was held on December 9, 1775, even before the thirteen colonies declared independence! 

I hadn't planned to attend this event initially. But, the opportunity arose, so I left early on a beautiful Friday morning for my first stop in my "Happy Place" Colonial Williamsburg. I hadn't visited in years, so I was excited to stroll the town again with my camera, even if only for a few hours.

My often-traveled drive from PA to VA took about five hours. After strolling and taking pictures for a few hours, which I'll describe in my next blog, my drive south in the early evening to Chesapeake took about 1 1/2 hours. After a full day of driving and walking, I was exhausted when checking into my hotel room after getting dinner. I slept great.

After breakfast on Saturday, I drove to the reenactment site. Luckily. I arrived early to the site since parking was limited. After walking the site layout, about the size of a football field, I took the shuttle to the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation museum, a short distance from where the special commemoration was being held late in the morning. Now, I've been to many reenactment sites but never have any prepared such a moving memorial with dignities honoring the event with speeches and enough event wreaths displayed to form a semi-circle around the podium area. Afterward, I toured the fun museum; then I took the shuttle back to the reenactment site.
When hostilities with England intensified around the time Philadelphia's Second Continental Congress formed in Philadelphia, 1775, the most infamous British leader in the Tidewater, VA region, the last VA Royal Governor, John Murray (Lord Dunmore portrayed here), announced his proclamation giving enslaved African Americans their freedom. Many did escape to help the British! 

Besides offering enslaved people freedom, Dunmore was a villain to white landowners when he first removed gunpowder from Williamsburg's powder magazine in April 1775 and loaded it onto a British ship in the middle of the night during a rumored slave insurrection. In addition, with those formerly enslaved people, he created the Ethiopian regiment, an all-black unit! Interestingly, this happened the day after Lexington and Concord.

At the reenactment, Lord Dunmore read his proclamation. Here is his reaction afterward. Not surprisingly, the crowd booed resoundingly!

Here is one of my best photos of 2024. It's from the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation museum
 in Chesapeake, VA. In my yearly recap blog, #79, I wrote-

Once in the museum, I spotted a table with plates and newspaper. I took a few minutes to imagine the best composition and immediately decided on the one I envisioned. And "worked the shot" to get my desired photo.

Here's something you don't see every day: art-quality detailed decorative tiles in the main lobby men's bathroom! Later, I spoke with the Museum Director, who mentioned a special project they had using these tiles. However, there were leftovers. So, where to put them? Management decided the men's room was a good location—an excellent choice! I forgot to ask about the lady's room!

The reenactment was fun and educational. In a space about the size of a football field, they depicted the December 9, 1775 battle sequence. The actual battle encompassed many miles. A total force of around 600 men, including Dunmore's Royal Ethiopian Regiment of Foot, enslaved African Americans attempted a frontal attack against a breastwork of about 900 Patriots over the Great Bridge, which spanned the Elizabeth River, the primary way to Norfolk. The attack was a disaster, with 100 Loyalists killed or wounded. Here, it shows a British officer being shot as his troops advance. Seeing how the units try to replicate an actual battle is always enjoyable.

The reenactment was late in the afternoon and not too long—about 30 minutes. Once it had finished, I started on my long 7-hour drive home. Luckily, the traffic was good! These two days were great!

Click here for the photo gallery!

Thank you for reading! Blog #83 will be posted on March 1, 2025. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer

I was excited to attend The Occupied Philadelphia British Are Back event for the first time in early November. All the activities were held at the Museum of the American Revolution and behind Carpenter's Hall, located in Independence National Historical Park. It was easy to get here—a quick 30-minute train ride. Was this an actual event? Yes, an important one!
Shortly after winning the battles of Fort Mifflin and Fort Mercer in October 1777, the British captured the colonial capital of Philadelphia in November 1777 and occupied the city for nine months. The Second Continental Congress, including John Adams, had to skedaddle out of Philadelphia quickly at the end of September 1777, as British troops occupied the city. Luckily, Thomas Jefferson was at his home at Monticello VA then. The Congress moved to York PA and continued its work.

The day included many pleasant experiences, including capturing my favorite photo of the year.  And in blog # 79, American Revolution Photos-2024 Recap I wrote-

What do you see? Doesn't it look strange for a wooden bowl flying in the air? That's what is fun about photographing events like this. You never know what might happen and must be prepared for the unexpected. This British officer was inspecting captured American troops, and suddenly, a wooden bowl flew in the air. It was contraband from his shoulder bag. I missed the first toss, but luckily, there was a second one; I was ready for it. It was his last toss. Even with the shadow on the soldier's arm, a flying bowl makes for a unique photo.

The Museum of the American Revolution organized this event. From their website-

In the fall of 1777, Philadelphia — the Revolutionary capital at the time — was seized by the British and occupied for nine long months, with Independence Hall serving as a prison for American prisoners-of-war. Join us as we recreate the dark days of the British occupation with Occupied Philadelphia

The British soldiers set up camp behind the now famous Carpenter's Hall. So many important historical events happened here. From their site-

It hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774 and was home to Franklin's Library Company, The American Philosophical Society, and the First and Second Banks of the United States.

Posters of the British occupation were displayed everywhere. I found these three crumpled proclamation flyers displayed together, hanging in the American Revolution Museum on a gray background. To create an antiquity theme, I knew converting it to B&W in On1 Software would make the best photo. It provides that nostalgic look I like.

Outside the front entrance to the museum was a street fair with crafters, sutlers (merchants), and city folks mingling and having a good time. But in September 1777, it must have been difficult knowing that British soldiers were everywhere. They couldn't possibly image having a Hessian officer strolling through their city.

Philadelphia has many iconic symbols, such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. In addition, the city is also known for other non-historical reasons, such as the highest-rated approval convenience store in the nation, Wawa (headquarters about 5 minutes from my home), soft pretzels, TastyKakes (yummy snack foods), and a fantastic sandwich called the Philly Cheesesteak. That was my choice for lunch. 

There are many cheesesteak options in Philly, each claiming to be the highest-rated. Campo's is near the museum on Market Street. I've eaten there before, but it has been a few years. How is this yummy sandwich made?

The traditional version is thinly sliced ribeye steak cooked with diced onions, sprinkled with salt and pepper, and cheese whiz spread or provolone cheese on a delicious hoagie roll. Of course, there are other versions, but this is the original and the one I enjoy with cheese whiz.

The seating arrangements inside are small, so I sat outside for lunch with my sandwich and diet coke, watching the crowd stroll by. I didn't know it until later, but there was also a marathon in town that morning. After lunch, I returned to the event for a little longer and reviewed my photos on my train ride home.

Here's the link to the photo gallery!

Thank you for reading! Blog #82 will be posted on February 15, 2025. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer

At the end of last month's 2024-year photography review, blog # 79, I shared the loss of my friend and fellow photographer Al Pochek; this blog is difficult for me to write. He suffered a heart attack while going through a medical procedure, was unconscious for a few days, but never regained consciousness. Here are some highlights of this extraordinary person from his family's obituary-

Al was a proud Vietnam War Veteran, serving in the US Air Force, whose failing health was a result of exposure to Agent Orange. He retired in 1994 after serving over 26 years as a Police Lieutenant with the Woodbridge Township Police Dept. Al was an accomplished amateur photographer who gained satisfaction in capturing a "great shot". He enjoyed subjects such as lighthouses, birds, and he especially enjoyed shooting Revolutionary War Reenactments.

Al and I had known each other for over 15 years. Here's how we met. It was at a Washington's Crossing event when I was starting to photograph American Revolution reenactments. He saw me with my camera and introduced himself. I gave him my business card and thought nothing of it then, but we started emailing each other and never stopped. 

Al was always my biggest supporter. He was the first to view my new photo gallery sites and blog postings. When meeting new folks, he took the time to promote my photography and website. 

Al consistently updated me about upcoming events, many of which I didn't know about. And the ones he was attending. When spotting each other, a quick fist pump. Immediately then, we'd start chatting about our numerous physical ailments (that took a while between us), move on to what's happening with our families, and end with discussing photography stuff. We didn't stay together all the time during the events. Sometimes, we met for lunch. We'd each take photos separately for awhile and regroup later. In the last few years, we'd shoot the reenactments together and chat most of the time. Then, we say our goodbyes and email regularly. Below is a good example of our time at events—a lot of waiting and talking.

Al was always smiling, outgoing, and schmoozing. He was wholly involved in the American Revolution Reenactment community. His outstanding images have been posted on unit websites and for publicity purposes.  

By mentioning Al's name, I gained access to restricted events, secured special parking, granted exclusive admission to events, and more. He knew everyone, and everyone knew him. We often joked about trying to save money by rooming together on overnight trips. So, we tried it on a visit to Mt Vernon, George Washington's home. That didn't work out well! We both snore loudly, so neither one of us got any sleep. That experiment ended quickly.

Here are a few interesting fun facts about Al: Before photographing American Revolution reenactments, he was interested in lighthouses. He also posted flower photos on Facebook almost daily. In addition, he was fond of hot dogs. and always searching for new locations to visit. The hot dog picture below was from an eatery near my home. They have since closed.

This photo of me on my website was taken by Al. Some of my other pals shared photos for this blog.

In my final email to him, I discussed my short trip to the Colonial Williamsburg region. Al in his last email to me, mentioned his upcoming surgery and stated

"I always had Great Bridge as an event to visit & then a visit to Williamsburg."

Unfortunately, that won't happen now. Al's been a great friend all these years, and I'll miss him.

Rest in Peace, Al!!!

Thank you for reading! Blog #81 will be posted on February 1, 2025. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer

It's that time of year when I reflect on the American Revolution events I've attended and select my 5 favorite photos. That's the hard part. In 2024, I attended 12 events, 3 new ones, and posted over 1,000 photos, with more yet to come. Also, I started shooting B&W plus color film again at events and even using an old Polaroid camera on Christmas Day while my kids were opening presents. In future blogs, I'll describe further.

It's always challenging but fun to review my years best; I had many good photos to select, even leaving off one of my most impressive cannon shots because these were better, not necessarily by photography rules, but because they resonated with me more.

Here is my favorite photo of the year. Look closely at this one from the British Occupy Philadelphia Living History Demonstration. What do you see? Doesn't it look strange for a wooden bowl to be flying in the air? That's what is fun about photographing events like this. You never know what might happen and must be prepared for the unexpected. This British officer was inspecting captured American troops, and suddenly, a wooden bowl flew in the air. It was contraband from his shoulder bag. I missed the first toss, but luckily, there was a second one; I was ready for it. It was his last toss. A flying bowl, even has the shadow on the soldier's arm, makes for a unique photo, doesn't it?

One of the rules of photography is creating shapes and leading lines. That's what I did here with the pistols. This photo is of British officers at the Assault of Ft Mercer event and portrays a duel between two British officers. In blog # 78, I reviewed this photo and mentioned-

Dueling is an arranged engagement in combat between two people with matched weapons. The most famous American duel was when Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in 1804.

The duel's pretense was that one officer was involved with the other officer's wife. Ooh, la la. I hadn't seen one portrayed at any reenactment event before. This photo, zoomed in tight, thus forming a triangle, shows the duelists' seconds (helpers) exchanging loaded dueling pistols.

It's common to shoot around 200 to 300 shots during battle reenactments. You are in constant motion, trying to capture the moments. You only know how many good photos you attained after reviewing them later. Then, a few times, you realize you captured an outstanding one, the photo you stare at for a few minutes. That happened here from the Assault on Ft Mercer. In blog # 78, where I discussed it in more detail. Here is some of what I wrote-

When first reviewing this photo, I thought he resembled a historical statue. He seemed so heroic with his firm gaze and clutching his bayoneted musket, staring down the enemy with his dead and wounded fallen comrades around him. Even the light emanating through the trees spotlights him, shaded in darkness.

This photo was from my early December trip to VA. It was my first time attending the Great Bridge Reenactment event. At most American Revolution reenactments, there is either a museum or vintage structure/house where you learn more about colonial history and /or find unique photography opportunities. Here, the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Park Museum was a short bus ride to the reenactment site. It provided a detailed background of the battle with interactive exhibits.

Once in the museum, I spotted a table with plates and newspaper. I took a few minutes to imagine the best composition and immediately decided on the one I envisioned. And "worked the shot" to get my desired photo. 

A fantastic advantage of my Nikon D500 DSL camera is that I don't need a flash. The ISO (camera's sensitivity to light) on this camera is very high. If you remember the film days, the highest ISO was 3200. I shot this photo at 8000; my first guess was correct. I'll always need to check the camera's viewfinder to see if it's a good exposure. Most of the time, I'll get it right on either my first or second attempt. Later, in On1 software (post-processing), I created this image.

This photo, you can tell, is not from a reenactment. I took it when my family visited my in-laws during an extended vacation in South Korea. July and August are part of the rainy season there. Most days of our about four-week trip, it rained some every day. We were staying at a resort in the Eastern section of South Korea. On our first morning there, I woke up early and was moved by this magnificent sunrise over the Pacific Ocean (Sea of Japan/East Sea). Suddenly, I noticed a fishing boat leaving the dock. I knew there was a great photo opportunity presenting itself. I took a few shots with my portable Panasonic/Lumix Mirrorless DMC-GF6 with a 14-42 mm lens. The keeper shot was the boat directly on the sun reflection. Again, being at the right place and the perfect time makes a great photo.

Thanks to everyone for helping me achieve 100,000 visitors to my site. What an honor!

Some sad news: My good friend and photographer, Al Pochek, has passed away. I've known him for over 15 years, and we had some wonderful times together. In my next blog, I'll share my thoughts and stories about my friend. Here, he is standing next to me at a reenactment a few years ago.

Thank you for reading! Blog #80 will be posted on January 15, 2025. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer

Because of family life, at some events, I'll arrive late. That's what happened for the latest Assault on Ft Mercer reenactment. I've attended this event before. The park is located in Red Bank, along the Delaware River, almost on the other side from Ft. Mifflin and the Philadelphia airport. Both forts were attempting to block the British advance on the revolutionary capital during the Philadelphia campaign of 1777. Today, the park has the original James and Ann Whitall House, constructed in 1748, walking trails, many monuments, pavilions for picnics, a children's playground, etc. It's a beautiful site to relax. I arrived around 1 pm.

While strolling the grounds, I spotted a man with a pork pie hat (flat-topped crown and narrow brim). He looked familiar. I then remembered meeting him at another event a year ago. I said hello, and we started chatting. He's from the NYC region, so we discussed his job driving a bus and my favorite team since I was a kid, the NY Yankees! After our chat ended, the British reenactors staged a dueling scene that I had never witnessed at a reenactment before.

Dueling is an arranged engagement in combat between two people with matched weapons. The most famous American duel was when Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in 1804. Many of you might be familiar with Alexander Hamilton from attending the Broadway musical Hamilton. In this scenario, a British officer is having an affair with another officer's wife. That's the reason for the duel. In this photo, participants seconds (helpers) loaded the muskets and then exchanged them. The hands/muskets formed a triangle. I never took an image like it before.

Ah, cannon blast. As I've shared with my photo friends, if an event has a cannon, we must get at least one great image. This one could be my most illuminated blast yet. It just dominates the whole photo. The key is that the cannon was in the shade, under a tree. Most reenactments occur when the light is at its worst. When I first saw it immediately afterward, I went, wow!

When reviewing this photo, I thought he resembled a historical statue. He seemed so heroic with his firm gaze and clutching his bayoneted musket, staring down the enemy with his dead and wounded fallen comrades around him. Even the light emanating through the trees spotlights him, shaded in darkness. I applied minimal post-processing to this image. If photography had been back in colonial times, this photo would be an excellent recruiting poster!

Exciting historical news recently emerged from some excavating on this site. A Hessian soldier was identified from his skull among the remains of 15 Hessian soldiers. Two years ago, two Hessian reenactors and a photo friend showed me the site where the discovery occurred.

At first glance, I often know I will make numerous changes when post-processing. I knew immediately that this shot would be better in B&W because of the light. It was late afternoon, so there was a tremendous light contrast, especially on the column. I purposely added more grain to give the photo a gritty feel.

I was able to photograph some of Eugene Hough's flag ceremony in the late afternoon. It's a moving tribute, and I've seen him conduct this important celebration before.  

The Heritage Flag was gifted to Eugene Hough in 2017. The flag ceremony has been experienced by over 5000 people in 11 states, in both urban and rural communities. The ceremony conducted by Eugene Hough teaches history and respect for our country and each other.

Check out my photo gallery with over 80 photos from this event. Starting in January, I'll be writing two blogs per month. Currently, I post on the first day of each month. Now, I'll also post a new blog on the 15th. I have so much to write about!

Happy Holidays! My youngest son likes penguins.

Thank you for reading! Blog #78 will be posted on January 1, 2025. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer