MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — As part of the Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum’s summer exhibit “Manchester, The Revolution, and The War at Sea,” museum officials this Saturday will host a demonstration of what daily life in Manchester was like 250 years ago.
The “living history interpretation” of life in Manchester in 1776 by members of the Ladies Association of Revolutionary America (LARA) will take place Saturday, July 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Museum Assistant Kady McGann said LARA members will also hold 18th-century-themed trade and craft demonstrations during the event.
“Visitors can drop in anytime to see living history in action and interact with LARA members dressed in 18th-century attire,” McGann said. “Living history demonstrations offer an engaging, hands-on way for visitors to connect with the past and better understand how Americans lived during the Revolution.”
McGann said the presentation is suitable for families and people of all ages.
“Come and talk with LARA members at the Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum for a broader perspective on life during the War for Independence,” she said.
Provided there is good weather Saturday, members of LARA will set up outside, McGann said. Bad weather will move the setup into the museum’s assembly room.
The exhibit “Manchester, The Revolution, and The War at Sea,” runs through Sept. 19. The showing, held in conjunction with the celebration of America 250, also features a display of the square-shaped “Forster Flag” — known as one of the earliest surviving examples of an American Revolutionary War flag.
The crimson-colored flag is linked to the Manchester militia in 1775.
Following Saturday’s presentation, the museum will host an open house during the Festival-by-the-Sea on Saturday, Aug. 1. The open house will include live music from the Woodland Spark Trio from noon to 2 p.m. and a fish printing activity from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In addition, the nearby Seaside No. 1 Firehouse Museum will be open to visitors Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Housed in the 1823 Abigail Hooper Trask House, the Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum includes restored period rooms, paintings and sculptures by master artists, collections from the town’s furniture-making era and maritime history, educational programs, speakers and exhibits.
Admission to the museum is free and visitors are encouraged to make a donation as part of their admission. The museum is located at 10 Union St. in Manchester.
Summer hours at the museum are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is open on Sundays from June 14 to Sept. 13.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.