Battle of Fall River Living History Reenactment Weekend coming next month

(FALL RIVER, MA – April 7, 2025) – On May 31, 1778, the small town of Fall River (then Freetown) witnessed its only military action of the American Revolution at the mouth of the Quequechan River. Now, 247 years later, history will come alive once again with a weekend-long living history event at the Department of Conservation and Recreation Fall River Heritage State Park.

The Battle of Fall River Reenactment Weekend, taking place Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, 2025, invites visitors of all ages to experience an immersive journey into the Revolutionary War era. Presented by the Lafayette-Durfee Historical Foundation in partnership with The City of Fall River, Viva Fall River, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), this event will be held at DCR Fall River Heritage State Park and is made possible with support from the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, the Mass Cultural Council, the Fall River Cultural Council, St. Anne’s Credit Union, and BayCoast Bank.

The reenactment will include military encampments, battle demonstrations, artillery drills, colonial craft displays, and live historical interpretations. Featured reenactment groups include the 54th Regiment of Foote and the 13th Continental Line, alongside blacksmithing, open-fire cooking, pottery, sailmaking, and other colonial-era trades.

This event is honored to be part of MA250, a statewide initiative commemorating Massachusetts’ role in the American Revolution in the years leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Event Details

• Dates: Saturday, May 31 – Sunday, June 1, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Both Days)
• Location: DCR Fall River Heritage State Park, 5 Water Street, Fall River, MA
• Admission: Free and open to the public
• Parking: Free parking is available at 5 Water Street, with additional lots and a trolley shuttle service. More information will be made available prior to the event.

What to Expect

• Living History Encampment: Interact with reenactors portraying soldiers and civilians of the 18th century.
• Battle Reenactments: Witness thrilling skirmishes between the Colonial militia and British forces.
• Weapons & Artillery Demonstrations: See live musket and cannon firings and learn about Revolutionary War tactics.
• Colonial Craft Fair: Browse handcrafted goods and historical trade demonstrations.
• The Colonial Navy of Massachusetts Fife and Drum Band: Enjoy live performances of 18th-century music.
• Revolutionary Reception (Sunday, June 1): More details to come.

The full event schedule can be viewed at vivafallriver.com/lafayettedurfee250/

Featured Participants & Artisans as of April 7, 2025

Reenactment Groups

• Colonial Forces: Wareham Minutemen, Dartmouth Militia, 13th Continental Regiment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment, The Kingston Reds, Lebanon CT Militia
• British Forces: 54th Regiment of Foote, Royal Marines, 9th Regiment of Foote
• Historical Figures: Martha Washington (Sandy Spector), Colonial schoolteacher (Ryan Daniels), Colonial laundress (Michele Boisonette), Ladies of the Greene (Colonial women settlers)

Artisans & Historical Demonstrations

• Blacksmithing: Rock Village Forge
• Colonial Cooking: Wedges of Time
• 18th-Century Chocolatier: The Pewter Pot
• Tin Smithing: John Garcia
• Printmaking & Visual Art: Andy Volpe

Food & Concessions

A variety of food trucks will be on-site, including Turner Brothers, Blount Seafood, Tacofied, Kona Ice, Pop’s Pizza, and No Joke Smoke BBQ.

Support the Lafayette-Durfee House: Quilt Raffle Fundraiser

The Lafayette-Durfee House Foundation is hosting a quilt raffle to support its mission of keeping Fall River’s history accessible. The raffle will feature a handmade, queen-sized cotton quilt. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20 and will be available at the event or in advance by contacting (508) 813-8230.