New Haven, Conn. (March 11, 2026)— Step into the world of the American Revolution on July 5, 2026, 12 – 4 p.m., during “A Day in the Revolution at Pardee-Morris House.” Reenactors from the 54th Regiment of Foot—a rousting band of Redcoats—will return to the site of the Morris house which was burned to the ground by British soldiers during their raid on New Haven on July 5, 1779.Weather updates on FB/IG or http://newhavenmuseum.org.
“A Day in the Revolution at Pardee-Morris House” will provide a full afternoon of revolutionary fun. The 54th Regiment will demonstrate the life of a British soldier, showcasing traditional drills and demonstrating the firing of muskets. The regiment’s18th-century “surgeon” will demonstrate his skills, helping visitors gain new appreciation for 21st-century medicine! Also, on hand will be the spirited fife-and-drum music by the Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard (chartered in New Haven in 1775!), a colonial-era retail shop, and colonial games and crafts. Bring picnics and chairs to this free NH250 event. Snacks will be available for purchase.
In 1779, British Major General William Tryon led 2,700 soldiers in raids on the port towns of New Haven, Fairfield, Westport and Norwalk, Connecticut. “A Day in the Revolution at Pardee-Morris House” is the first in the “1779 British Raids,”event series (July 5-12, 2026),a collaborative effort by the New Haven Museum, Fairfield Museum, Westport Museum for History and Culture, and Norwalk Historical Society to commemorate the historic raids. The “1779 British Raids” events will allow the public to follow in the footsteps of British forces and discover the stories of how each town fought back.
During “A Day in the Revolution at Pardee-Morris House,” Steve Salisbury, proprietor of the Big Bear Trading Company, will set up shop as an 18th-century sutler, selling to modern-day visitors some of the tools, trinkets, eating utensils, and miscellaneous goods that were popular in the 1700s.
Families will enjoy crafts, creating lavender sachet bags and paper tri-corn hats. Colonial games for all ages will include rolling hoops, graces, and cup-and-ball.
The Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard will perform throughout the afternoon. The use of field music, (utilizing short, shrill flutes called fifes, and traditional, rope-tension snare drums), has continued in the Second Company since its inception, 250 years ago.
New Haven Museum thanks the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Connecticut for supporting the program, and WSHU 91.1 FM for supporting the 2026 summer season.
About the Pardee-Morris House
Located at 325 Lighthouse Road, in New Haven, the Pardee-Morris House dates from about 1780, and is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. Built by Amos Morris around 1750, the house was burned by the British during their raid on New Haven in 1779 and rebuilt and expanded by the Morris family. In 1918, William S. Pardee, a descendant of the Morris family, willed the property to the New Haven Colony Historical Society, today known as the New Haven Museum. For a complete list of summer events at the Pardee-Morris House, visit:http://newhavenmuseum.org/visit/pardee-morris-house/.
About NH250
This event is part of NH250, an ongoing series of programming developed by New Haven Museum to complement “America 250.” Culminating with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the series will highlight inclusive, local, and lesser-known stories, connecting past and present.
About the Pardee-Morris House
Located at 325 Lighthouse Road, in New Haven, the Pardee-Morris House dates from about 1780, and is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. Built by Amos Morris around 1750, the house was burned by the British during their raid on New Haven in 1779, and rebuilt and expanded by the Morris family. In 1918, William S. Pardee, a descendant of the Morris family, willed the property to the New Haven Colony Historical Society, today the New Haven Museum. For a complete list of summer events at the Pardee-Morris House, visit:http://newhavenmuseum.org/visit/pardee-morris-house/ For New Haven Museum’s event calendar: http://newhavenmuseum.org/visit/events-calendar/ Sign up for e-blasts at info@newhavenmuseum.org.
About the New Haven Museum
The New Haven Museum, founded in 1862 as the New Haven Colony Historical Society, is located in downtown New Haven at 114 Whitney Avenue. The Museum collects, preserves and interprets the history and heritage of Greater New Haven and through its collections, exhibitions, programs and outreach brings more than 375 years of the Elm City’s history to life. For more information visitwww.newhavenmuseum.org or facebook.com/NewHavenMuseum or call 203-562-4183.
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