A commemoration of the 240th anniversary of the Revolutionwary War Battle of Groton Heights will take place Sept. 4-5 at Fort Griswold Battlefield in Groton. The weekend will include an encampment of military re-enactors, representing both Patriot militia and British infantry forces on the grounds of the Bill Memorial Library. There will be skirmishes and artillery demonstrations offered throughout the weekend, activities for children, and educational lectures.

Sunday will conclude with a candlelight commemoration ceremony honoring the sacrifices made by the brave defenders of Fort Griswold on that fateful day in 1781. There will be plenty of free parking with shuttle service, food trucks and photo opportunities.

Look for a display of original 18th-century firearms as well as musical performances by Connecticut’s original troubadour, Tom Callinan, and Groton’s own Nutmeg Junior Ancient Fife & Drum Corps.

Speakers include John Weaver, who will discuss 19th century coastal fortifications; Kevin Johnson, who will present a skit titled, “The Life and Death of Jordan Freeman”; and Matthew Reardon, who will present “New London: Benedict Arnold’s Final Battle.”

The aftermath of the battle will feature demonstrations of prisoner handling, and an overview of 18th century medicine with the demonstrations of surgical procedures used on battle casualties.

Event-goers will also get to meet seasoned re-enactors ready to answer questions about the brutal events of that fateful day.

Monument House Museum will contain displays of artifacts preserved since the battle; or climb the 166 steps to the top of the monument and discover the Ebenezer Avery House, where the wounded were brought after the battle.

The event will also include a solemn candlelight commemoration with wreath-laying by the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, reading of the names of the 88 men killed, a musket salute, Groton Congregational Church Choir, Nutmeg Fife & Drum, and Taps to mark the sacrifices of the fort’s brave defenders.

For more information contact info@fortgriswold.org.

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