Charlestown Historical Society's busy summer

Charlestown Historical Society     Schoolhouse & Museum ~ Summer 2022   Dear Members & Friends,   The summer season is upon us and the CHS Museum and 1838 Schoolhouse are open on Friday & Saturday mornings from 10:00 to 12:00. Two new displays have been added this year including original artifacts from the '38 Hurricane and an additional display of the WWII Charlestown Navel Air Field which was a major center for night-fighter training during the war, sending many young pilots off to the South Pacific. Did you know that George H.W. Bush was the youngest pilot to train at the Charlestown Naval Air Field? Come in and see what's new and share your own histories and memories of Charlestown.   Recent photo donations this summer from local family histories almost 100 years in the making are already contributing to new displays and records for the CHS Archive. We thank all who come forward to share and those who visit!   At 19 years of age, George H.W. Bush was the youngest pilot to train at the CNAF.   Construction of this airbase began in the early part of 1943, with enough completed by mid-year to being training and operations. The personal 8-day diary of the '38 Hurricane of Mrs. Marion G. Wilson, owner of the General Stanton Inn from the 1930's through the 1950s. The Inn became the host of the RI Military during Martial Law immediately after the storm.     ‌       Historic Cemetery Care & Conservation   Over the course of the past few months, some much-needed care has been given to some of the aging and broken headstones at the historic Cross' Mills Common Burying Ground.   Pictured here are CHS Cemetery Chair Susan Angelo, and husband, Alan preparing a broken stone to be placed back into its site. Along with CHS member Jeff Burns, who also holds a position on the RI Historic Cemetery Commission, and other members who recently attended an all-day cemetery workshop, great care is given to these projects along with very specific materials necessary to accomplish these restorations.          Resetting the headstone after careful cleaning and preparation of both stone and earth. Final Stage of Restoration       Amos Greene Revolutionary War Encampment   October 22, 2022 10:00 - 4:00     Amos Greene Farm Charlestown, RI     Mark your calendars for October 22, 2022, when once again muskets will be fired in anger as our Patriots and their French allies clash with the British and Loyalists on the historic muster grounds of Charlestown's scenic Amos Greene Farm. Colorful uniforms, musket fire and live fife and drum music will transport you back to the days when Amos Greene prepared to defend his farm. There will be marching and musket drills culminating in a skirmish as the British are driven from the farm.   You can also tour Amos' 1760 homestead, watch displays of Colonial crafts, visit Amos' cemetery, see a working field hospital, learn about soldiers' uniforms and take in a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Bring the whole family and enjoy a picturesque and memorable afternoon. More to come as the time draws near on CHS Facebook!       Visit our website   Email Us   ‌