Our Jeffersonian Picnic Series invites you to explore some BIG IDEAS based on historic events or documents. BYO picnic and a few friends and enjoy an evening in the historic ambiance of Fort Mifflin. Explore the site, discuss the historic topic “on the menu” and enjoy musket and cannon demonstrations. Reserve a picnic table in our riverfront picnic area complete with table covering, water bottles and lantern for $10. Tables will be set up to accommodate social distancing between them and can comfortably seat a group of 4 to 8. Unreserved tables are first come, first served.
The program portion of the evening (6 to 7) takes place in the Picnic Area and follows the format Thomas Jefferson established when hosting guests at his own dinner table. Our presenter will provide background on the BIG IDEA “on the menu” for the evening, raise some questions to get your started, then turn discussion over to you.
On the menu this evening: Contemporary politicians are eager to express their loyalty to party and causes and sometimes this defies reason or even their own best interests. This is not new behavior in American politics! Consider that in July, 1775 Congress sent an apologetic letter (known as the Olive Branch Petition) to Parliament and King George, pleading for reconciliation with the Colonies. It is said the King never even read it. Whose interests did this serve? Was this a necessary step toward establishing the resolve to declare independence the following year or was it a self-serving attempt to preserve the interests of the Delegates to the Continental Congress? Should Congress have taken a stronger stance in 1775? Could the Revolution have been avoided? Had the actions in Boston already put the colonies on the course toward independence?
Tickets $5 Students 6-18, $15 Seniors and Veterans, $20 General Admission
Reserve a picnic table (seats 4 to 8) set with table covering, lantern, water bottles $10
Bucket List Opportunity! Fire the Fort Mifflin Cannon $20