Friday, November 18, 2016

Historical Presenters - Our Own Snug Fireside: Paul Revere, Sybil Ludington and Ben Franklin

Let's go back in time. Not too far back, mind you - - only around 40 or so years ago.
It's 1976 and the teenage me is at a school assembly. The person on the stage dressed in a suit and tie is speaking in a drab mono-toned voice. And he's droning on about ...*yawn*... history ...and ...well... that gym floor certainly looks...comfortable...mmm...

Don't worry kids!
We're here to make history FUN!
("Selfie" by Larissa!)
Yeah - - that's generally the way most presentations and assemblies were like for me when I was in school. Even those about history.
Well, now I  do historical presentations for schools, and I do my best to make it anything but drab and boring! As you may know, I belong to a living history organization called "Our Own Snug Fireside," and I, along with Larissa (my partner in this venture) dress in accurate 18th & 19th century clothing, bring replica period-accessories, and try (to some level of success, I might add) to convey the excitement that history has to offer in our little expositions. The two of us have been presenting 19th century farm life for about a half decade now, and more recently, with the sestercentennial (250th anniversary) of the beginnings of the American Revolution at hand (remember the Stamp Act of 1765), we've added the Revolutionary War era to our repertoire.
And do the kids respond favorably?
You betcha!
Oh, there are those who will be perpetually bored. But it's usually because they don't want to be in school anyhow.
And there are always those who think what we as living historians do is silly or stupid.
Ahhh...that's okay, too. They have a right to their opinion.
The majority, however, really seem to enjoy it.
And, as a bonus, they learn something!
Ben Franklin, Sybil Ludington, and Paul Revere.
Dr. Franklin joined us as a special guest for one of our presentations...
But he soon became part of our team...

Recently, Larissa and I did Revolutionary War presentations at two different schools within a few days of each other.
A plant in the history classroom  where 
I work was officially named 
"Silence Dogood."
In case you are unaware of this little 
historical notation, Mrs. Silence Dogood 
was a pen name used by Benjamin 
Franklin to get his work published in the 
New-England Courant, a newspaper 
founded and published by his brother, 
James Franklin. This was after Ben
was denied several times when he tried to 
publish letters under his own name 
in the Courant.
The first one just happened to be at the school where I work, Warren Woods Tower High School. I can't tell you what an honor it was to present in front of the kids who I help each day. You see, I am a paraprofessional - a sort of teacher's aid. I help high school kids who have disabilities, usually physical, and I can't tell you how rewarding my job is. And then having the opportunity to do some living history in front of these same kids just brings it all home for me.
The second Revolutionary War presentation was for 8th graders at a local middle school - Carter Middle School - which we had been to before, and the kids, just as the first time, were excellent! The set up was a bit different but the delivery was pretty much the same (though Mr. Franklin was unable to participate in this one). 
At both schools, the kids were attentive and had thoughtful queries about a variety of 18th century things including our period clothing, farm tools, and of our historic experiences. What really impressed me was their knowledge of the Stamp Act of 1765! Excellent!
For our Rev War program we interpret the historic figures of Paul Revere and Sybil Ludington (known as the "female Paul Revere").  
I had been studying Paul Revere pretty extensively over the last couple of years, and have interpreted as this man before, including at some of the reenactments I've participated in. And Larissa decided to take on and research Sybil Ludington to not only shine a light on a female patriot, but to also bring out little-known heroics of one of the 18th century women. Now, most of Paul Revere's life has been fairly well documented, but Miss Ludington's is a bit sketchy. There are some that say her story is a fabrication or maybe even a myth.
I don't believe this; Larissa was able to find quite a bit on Sybil's life, as well as her not-so-famous ride.
It is an unfortunate fact that the lack of information on colonial women is not unheard of, and this is why when we are able to find one who played a role in this war, it is important to get the word out. (click HERE for more on Miss Ludington)

For our 1st Rev War presentation back in 2015, we plotted our course, worked out an outline, decided which accessories would be brought, and gave each other lots of encouragement, for neither of us had ever interpreted as a famous person in history before - at least, not to this extent.
And it went wonderfully!
So successful, in fact, that we've kept our outline the same, for it works very well indeed. 
Paul Revere Rides Again!
We begin our presentations with the teacher reciting excerpts from the infamous poem by Longfellow, "Paul Revere's Ride." Unfortunately, most people don't realize that this poem written in 1860 takes liberties on facts, including the mention of what happened when Paul Revere made it to Concord.
Concord??

Um...Revere never made it to Concord that night of April 18th - he got captured not too long after leaving Lexington and his borrowed horse was taken from him. He ended up making it back (on foot) to Lexington in time to witness the battle events.
And that's the point where I, as Paul Revere, interrupt the teacher, and ask why are they reading such misinformation. The teacher responds with something along the lines of, "Well, Mr. Revere, why don't you tell us your story in your own words."
And that was where I take over and give highlights of Revere's life: birth, occupation, 1st and 2nd marriage, children, and then go into some of the major events that helped him to make his mark in history, including his response to the Stamp Act, his joining of the Sons of Liberty, his sketch of the occurrences of the Boston Massacre, his involvement in the Boston Tea Party, his famous ride, and some known and some little known details about the evening of April 18th, including of his capture by the Regulars as he attempted to ride to Concord. 
In speaking about history, I feel it's so very important to hit the kids in such a way that they would understand it in their own terms. For instance, as I tell the story about the Boston Tea party, I asked the kids, "Who here likes Mountain Dew or soda pop in general?"
Every hand went into the air.
"And a bottle of pop costs about a buck fifty, correct?"
They nodded.
"Well, I don't know if you heard but the King just put a tax onto your pop and it's now going to cost you double the price."
Just as you would expect, the kids became a little upset at that thought.
"Now, " I continued, "this is how we colonists felt about the tax on our tea and why we were so angry." They got it. 
I will usually conclude my portion by giving a quick summary of the historic events that took place after my famous ride, including battles lost and won, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Yorktown, and the formation of our Nation. I also mention all of the great men who were "my" (Revere's) contemporaries, such as George Washington, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, John Adams, etc.
Sybil Ludington rides again!
And this is where Larissa, as Sybil Ludington, interrupts me to tell me it wasn't only men who made a difference and helped the patriotic cause, and then she proceeds to tell her tale of duty to country, and how on a stormy evening in 1777, this young 16 year old girl volunteered to warn the countryside of the attack from the British Regulars in Danbury, Connecticut. Larissa, as Sybil, tells how she rode 40 miles from her home to what is now the town of Kent, south to Mahopac, and north to Stormville, before returning home near dawn the next day, all the while avoiding British soldiers in the area, British loyalists, and "Skinners," who were outlaws with no allegiance to either side in the War.  
Benjamin Franklin holds up a copy of
the Declaration of Independence.
Notice there are no signatures:
the kids in class got to sign it!
(picture taken by Malou Selman)


It is quite a fascinating story that history seemed to have over-looked, and I like to think we're helping to bring it back to life.
But that's not all we talk to the "scholars" about.
We also speak to the kids a bit about every day life - what it was like to live "back then" - and of our period clothing we wore during this era in our history. Afterward they will usually ask us many questions, take 'selfies' with us, and are genuinely very full of thanks and appreciation for what we do.
Our presentations usually last approximately one hour (depending), and all that time we hold the their interest, which is no easy task
By the way, for one of our presentations we had a very special guest: Dr. Benjamin Franklin, portrayed by living historian Bob Stark, joined us at one of the schools, to the delight of everyone involved. He gave the audience a general overview of his life, from being a chandler to working as an apprentice under his brother as a printer (including "Silence Dogood"), to his time in Europe, his adventures with electricity (including bringing "the key" to show the kids), and into his political stories. One of the things he did was speak about his part in writing the Declaration of Independence with four others, including Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.
Here is a copy of the
Declaration of Independence
signed by many of the students
at the school.
Photo by Malou Selman





Our Dr. Franklin then recited this most important piece of American history.  Well, at first it looked like he was reading it, but then he pulled the copy away and, as he finished his recitation, everyone was in awe as they realized he wasn't reading it, but he was delivering it by memory. This was a highlight, and one of the teachers mentioned that it brought her to tears.
This was the first time we had Ben Franklin take part with us in our presenting.
And it won't be the last;
Guess who became the newest member of "Our Own Snug Fireside?"
Yes! You are quite right if you said "Ben Franklin!"
Larissa and I are very proud to have Bob Stark as Dr. Franklin join us in our group for our colonial productions. We are very particular about the quality of our programs and we both feel that Mr. Stark fits in not only because of his interpretation of Ben Franklin, but because our personalities all seem to click.
We both feel his addition will bring our presentations to even higher historical levels - our wonderful group just got even better!
Top notch quality for sure!
Larissa, as Sybil Ludington, speaks to an attentive crowd - no small task when it comes to middle schoolers!

A "lucky" young lady gets to try on some 1770s attire.

Sybil Ludington and Paul Revere:
We enjoy what we do, and the kids do, too!
I am very happy and proud of the way that we present our Nation's history, and that we can direct it toward any age group, whether they are school age children or senior citizens or all the ages in between. And I gotta say it does help quite a bit that Larissa also works as a "costumed presenter" at the 1750 Daggett House at Greenfield Village, which gives her the first-hand experience of everyday life in the 18th century. 
And Bob Stark has been interpreting as Dr. Franklin for a dozen years, so he is not new to presenting in this manner.
As for me, I've been a living historian for over a dozen years, and, like Larissa and Bob, I am constantly researching and reading of our great Nation's history in hopes of being as authentic and accurate as one can be.
If we only had something like this when I was in school all those years ago...how cool that would have been!
 
"Thank you, Mr. Franklin.
I think we have the pose we need for the bill.
Mr. Hamilton will pay you your tuppence."

(Picture taken by Larissa Fleishman)
On a side note: Sybil Ludington, Ben Franklin, and I (as Paul Revere) went out to eat at a nearby restaurant. Yes, in period clothing. It seemed like the entire place was staring at us, some out of the corners of their eyes, other blatantly. Of course, I'll be the first to admit, if I were a modern patron, I would have reacted the same way!
After we ate our lunch, we walked across the street to go to the Comerica Bank. As we entered, the tellers were in shock! It's not every day they'll have three people from the past come through their doors - they loved us! And they asked us if we were protesting Tuesday's election results:
Ben: "No, we're protesting against England!"
Sybil: "We've come to take our country back---back to 1776!"
What a hoot we had!

As we left the bank and headed toward the restaurant parking lot, a woman driving by slowed her vehicle and rolled the window down stating, "You all look wonderful! Thank you for doing this!"
I'm not quite sure what she thought we were doing, but we smiled and waived and thanked her. 
What an amazing time
Yeah...making history fun...

Until next time, see you in time.

If you are interested in learning more about Paul Revere's famous ride, click HERE
If you are interested in learning more about our Nation's fight for Liberty, click HERE
If you are interested in learning more about how one small town fought back, click HERE
If you are interested in learning more about colonial men's clothing, click HERE













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Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Turn: Washington's Spies - Yes, I Really Love This TV Series!

 ~It seems that virtually every movie or TV show of a historical nature gets shot down by historians for one reason or another,  and,  to be honest,  there are times I agree with them.  AMC's Turn:  Washington's Spies is no different.  With all the good in this series,  there are plenty of things that are questionable.  
But I still like it.  
A lot.
In fact,  it's my favorite show,  to be honest with you.
Those who are not fans of Turn  (usually due to the inaccuracies)  really despise it.  But then,  they will find fault with most American-made history shows.  But for those of us who do like it tend to be major fans and enjoy it for what it is.  That being said,  if you do not like  "Turn: Washington's Spies"  then you probably will not care for this posting because,  as I said,  I  am  a major fan.  So rather than read this and get all upset because you don't happen to like it,  I suggest you move along til the next post.
If you are like me  (and so many others)  and love the show for what it is - a television series with great drama - stick around,  for there are plenty of pretty cool pictures in store for you.
Thanks~

..............

I enjoy the TV show  "Turn: Washington's Spies"  on AMC.
Yes,  I do.
I am also a stickler for truth in history.
Yes,  I am.
But I am a lover of a good period drama/action flick,  and, for me,  "Turn"  is that show.
Yes,  it is.
Unfortunately,  "Turn"  also has scenes that are historically inaccurate!
Yes it does.
Talk about being in conflict with yourself!!
In case you are not aware of the premise of the series,  AMC’s  “Turn:  Washington’s Spies”  tells  the untold story of America’s first spy ring.
A historical thriller set during the Revolutionary War,  “Turn”  centers on Abe Woodhull  (Jamie Bell),  a farmer living in British-occupied Long Island who bands together with his childhood friends to form The Culper Ring -- the most successful chain of spies George Washington employed during the Revolutionary War,  which also gave birth to modern spycraft.
It's as good as this description states...actually, better!
And one of the reasons for loving the show as I do is a no-brainer:
except for Swamp Fox from the 1950s and The Young Rebels from the 1970s - both of which lasted only a season - can you name another American  colonial/RevWar-era television series in the last,  say,  40 years?
50 years?
60 years?
Oh,  lately,  we've had Poldark,  though,  aside from the first episode of this 5 season series,  it is not about the American Revolution or even about America.
There is also Outlander,  a show I also enjoy.  But,  again,  I don't know if we can compare this with a show like Turn that is solely set in colonial America.  Outlander is also a time-travel show.  I don't know...perhaps to some extent we can...hmmm...methinks I'll have to think on this one a bit.   
But in past years - way past years - we've had the Waltons set in the 1930s and 40s,  Little House on the Prairie set in the 1870s,  Deadwood in the 1870s,  Dr. Quinn  (1860s),  the Wonder Years  (1960s),  and more recently the two season PBS show Mercy Street set in the 1860s,  and even the 20 episode  (together)  Band of Brothers and The Pacific,  both excellent WWII.  Plus there were the many cowboy shows set in the late 1800s - and pretty good ones,  too,  like Bonanza,  Gunsmoke,  and the Rifleman.  But,  there hasn't been any other TV series I can think of that even comes close to taking place during America's founding period  (aside from the two mentioned),  unless we want to include a few quality mini-series  (George Washington and John Adams come to mind).
Now we have an actual TV series,  four seasons worth,  based in the American Revolutionary War.
That makes Ken very happy.
Well...until the 4th and final season ended.
"Turn"  mixes fiction with historical fact in this story of the Culper Ring:  
with the capture of New York by the British,  Washington needs eyes in the city.  He makes a bright young Benjamin Tallmadge his head of intelligence.  Tallmadge employs his childhood friends as spies;  Caleb Brewster,  Abraham Woodhull,  and Anna Strong operate out of their hometown of Setauket,  Long Island,  which is occupied by a small garrison of British soldiers.  Woodhull,  a farmer and son of the town judge,  is Tallmadge's main agent who works with Anna Strong,  wife of the town's tavern owner,  to sabotage Tory efforts. 
 (From the web site Journal of the American Revolution)
The all-around quality is pretty darn good,  especially considering it's a TV series.  As noted in the Journal of the American Revolution:  The series accurately depicts the major factors that brought the Culper Ring together,  such as how the Continental Army had to build an intelligence arm from nothing in the midst of the New York campaign and how Tallmadge formed a spy network with people who knew each other in Setauket.  The series also shows the tumultuous times of the Revolution,  when cosmopolitan New York City was the biggest military target in America and citizens in its surrounding areas harbored secret suspicions and mixed loyalties.  Most importantly it shows how Tallmadge’s spies existed in a state of constant fear.  These are people who met in the woods at night and spoke in whispers;  discovery meant summary execution.
I missed the first season when it originally aired on AMC,  but upon hearing of the acclaims,  I purchased it,  unseen,  on Blue Ray.
I was hooked!  I was drawn in from the first five minutes of the first episode.  And because there was so much going on - numerous characters to get to know and small but important details of the spy ring that can be easy to overlook - I watched each episode twice for a greater understanding.
Oh,  I know it's not perfect,  but most television shows aren't,  and,  to be honest,  sometimes we need to look deep into the forest to see the trees.  I do know for a fact that  "Turn"  turned many viewers onto the real Washington's spies,  and these folks began researching on their own the true story.
That is very awesome.
Aside from the story itself,  the sets blew me away;  for instance,  Abraham and Mary Woodhall's saltbox house in Season One was perfect.
The farm of Abraham and Mary Woodhall.
And,  just to show you how authentic this  "set"  is,  below is a similar-style photo taken of an actual 1750s saltbox house situated inside historic Greenfield Village in Dearborn,  Michigan: 


This is the Daggett Farmhouse now located in Greenfield Village.
Pretty cool, huh?
The Woodhull Saltbox House...
And below we see another shot of the 1750 Daggett House
Again I have to ask,  is the exterior of the house used in  "Turn"  a set or the real deal?
Although there were liberties taken with historical fact in the dramatization of Washington's spies,  which many times is needed to keep a larger audience interested,  the  "Turn"  folks seemed to have gotten the world  of the 18th century down to a  "T"  -  much better than most movies depicting this time,  including the History Channel's hideous  "Sons of Liberty,"  which not only got the history wrong,  but much of the background world of the 18th century as well.  You see,  I enjoy the feel  of a period movie or tv series as much as the plot,  for it's the background that pulls me in - it can make or break it for me.
I took notice of the little things placed inside,  such as the style of furniture,  tin candle holder nailed to the wall,  and even their table ware
The era of  "Turn:  Washington's Spies"  was a dark world,  and this time of no electric lights is shown wonderfully and accurately.
Mary Woodhall sitting near her hearth...
and below is a photo I took inside the Daggett Saltbox House:

 
 Pretty close, eh?
The set designers went above and beyond in historic authenticity.  All one has to do is compare the high quality of  "Turn's"  sets to the History Channel's poorly done  "Sons of Liberty."  "Turn"  is so much more accurate...in every way.
(Spoiler alert!)  I was very saddened when the house was burned down.

“We built the Setauket set from scratch.  We even built a water wheel with water going around,  to be our mill.  As you can see,  there’s no water nearby,  so the visual effects team has to drop water into the background,  since Setauket is by the sound.  They also add Setauket’s windmill.” 
— Production Designer Caroline Hanania


But as good as Season One was,  they stepped it up a few notches more for Seasons Two & Three. 
In the second season,  the Patriot cause has suffered the crushing loss of their capital city of Philadelphia to the British.  Washington's army faces desertion and death,  and the embattled General faces conspirators from within his own ranks,  as well as personal demons he keeps hidden from the men he leads.  Washington’s closest ally in these dark times is also his most celebrated battle commander,  Benedict Arnold,  a friend whose growing discontent will threaten the fate of the Revolution.  Outnumbered and outgunned on the battlefield,  Washington is counting on his ring of young spies and his greatest hope,  Abe Woodhull,  who finds he has little left to lose and is willing to risk everything he has left.
His Majesty's Army looks a bit bedraggled here.
As you can see by the description above,  the story line in Season Two was of higher historical quality and became even more compelling as we got to know other important historical figures with details depicting what went on behind the scenes of the Rev War.  By bringing in Benedict Arnold,  Peggy Shippen,  Robert Townsend,  and giving Washington a more prominent role in the series added life to people I've only read about.  Of course,  we don't know exactly what these folks were like,  and TV always makes them more dramatic,  but,  like the John Adams mini-series,  it gave them a personality.  It added realism.
And,  in my opinion,  it was in season two that the fleshing out of each character became a priority for the producers.
And then came the sets for Season Two.
Do you know what the producers did in filming many of the exterior scenes?  They went to Colonial Williamsburg!
Is there a better,  more authentic way to bring the Revolutionary War to life than utilizing an actual restored colonial city?
Colonial Williamsburg sits in for Philadelphia in the 1770s.
Using the actual colonial-era facades of such a historic place rather 
than build false-front movie sets gives the very real sense of 
authenticity.

Colonial Williamsburg is the perfect backdrop to film  "Turn."  In fact,  this carriage,  normally a part of their visitor tours,  belongs to Williamsburg. 
Even the driver  (not shown in this photo)  is a Williamsburg employee.
Hey!  Is that the Charlton Coffee House I spy in the background of the above photo? 
Why,  yes it is!  And below is a photograph of me inside this historic building---

"You see?  Judge Woodhall's son is not  a spy!  He took the oath!"
(What?  You didn't see me in the series?  Ha!  Neither did I!)
Here is another picture of Colonial Williamsburg  "standing in"  for Philadelphia.
“The exterior of Benedict Arnold’s house is actually the capitol building of Williamsburg,  Virginia.  All of the exterior shots of Arnold and Peggy at Penn Mansion  [in the first episode of the season]  were shot in Williamsburg,  using elements from the town,  including that carriage that they ride in.” — Production Designer Caroline Hanania

Although most of  "Turn"  is drama,  they didn't leave out battles.
The Battle of Monmouth - Sunday,  June 28,  1778 
There are not many actual battle scenes in  "Turn,"  but the few they have are very well executed.
The Battle of Setauket - August 22, 1777

Washington commanding his men to move forward and fight!
Not only are there battle scenes,  but military camp life is shown as well.

Then there is the important role that the taverns played not only in the show,  but in real life:
By the 1760s and 1770s,  the ordinaries  (aka taverns & public houses)  were the rendezvous for those who believed in the Patriot cause and listened to the stirring words of American rebels,  who mixed dark treason to King George with every bowl of punch they drank.  The story of our War for Independence could not be dissociated from the old taverns,  for they are a part of our national history,  and those which still stand are among our most interesting Revolutionary relics.
I enjoy the few tavern scenes in  "Turn."  They are well done and seem to represent the 1770s tavern crowds very well.

Spoiler alert  (unless you know history) - - 
(From an Amazon.com review):
For Season Three of TURN:  Washington's Spies,  the Revolutionary War spy thriller builds towards one of the most notorious moments in American history:  the treasonous defection of Benedict Arnold. Embedded within the Continental Army,  Arnold is seduced to become an informant for the British.  As the consequences of their espionage ripple through the battlefield,  the spy game becomes a heart-stopping race to see which mole will be unmasked first.  In 1778,  there is only one fate that awaits a captured spy -- the hangman's noose.  The price for treason is blood,  and not all of our heroes will survive.
October 2,  1780 
British Major John Andre hung as a spy by the Continental Army.
 A very well-done scene in Season Three of  "Turn."
It seems with each new season,  "Turn"  continues to improve.  The storyline in Season Three was the best yet,  and,  at times,  were page-for-page accurate to history.
Mary is my favorite female on the show - she grew so much from the first season through the fourth,  and the following four pictures are from one of my favorite scenes from Season Three:
True to her Tory upbringing,  Mary Woodhull supported the Redcoats when they invaded the American colonies.
And she initially opposed the clandestine activities of her husband,  Abe,  a cabbage farmer by day and spy for Gen.  George Washington by night.
But Mary is devoted to her family in Setauket,  not the British monarchy in London.  So when Abe refuses to abandon the rebel cause,  Mary takes up arms and joins the fight alongside her husband.
Mary learns to handle a musket and shoot.

Abe teaches her how to load.

"Get that elbow up!"

Yes!  She hit her mark!
Bring on Simcoe!

Season four,  which recently completed the series,  continued on along the same manner as the previous three - still top notch,  though a bit more on the dark side - and the final episode of the entire run was well done.  In my opinion,  the series ended as it should have.
I am satisfied.
Season four:  Thomas and his parents

Okay,  now,  since I've written about the story line and the sets on  "Turn,"  how about a little something on the quality of the acting?
I feel the acting itself is pretty much well done,  though a few of the mannerisms may be questionable.  As stated in the Journal of the American Revolution:
Most of the language is a fair representation of 18th  century styles,  but some modern terms sneak in,  such as when Woodhull tells another character,  “This is a one-time deal.”   Actor Angus MacFadyen’s native Scottish burr adds to his portrayal of Robert Rogers as a scoundrel,  but may be incongruous with the facts that Rogers was born in America to Irish colonists and grew up in Connecticut.   And the white wigs that the British characters wear were out of style during the Revolution so I found them a little distracting.
Major Hewlett from His Majesty's Army and patriot Abraham Woodhall's loyalist wife,  Mary.
Mary is my favorite female in the series for the simple fact that even though she does not agree with her husband's spy work,  she still stands by him,  though she needs to remind him every-so-often that she  is his wife  (if you know what I mean).
I do have a few small complaints of my own,  however,  concerning a couple of the more prominent actors.  For instance,  the vocal intonation of Judge Woodhall,  father of Abe,  leaves much to be desired.  I like his acting,  but his voice mannerism is very 21st century.
Another question concerning Abe and his father:  why does Abe have a slight accent and his father doesn't?  Was he raised elsewhere?
I know...this is minor,  but sometimes it's these little details that I notice...
No,  it doesn't detract from the story...it is just one of those grating occurrences that make me ask  "Did anyone else catch this?"
Again,  from the Journal of the American Revolution:  Detail-oriented Revolutionary War enthusiasts will spot plenty of historical faux pas.  For example,  the series plotline has the Culper Ring developing in the autumn of 1776 whereas it actually came together about two years later.   The real Woodhull was unmarried and childless at the time.  His father was 63 and of a family that supported the Patriot politics,  so not really the crafty Loyalist as depicted.   The timeline is also a little early for Tallmadge’s unit of Continental dragoons,  which wasn’t formed until the end of 1776 and did not operate in Connecticut until the summer of 1778.   John André is introduced as the Chief of the British secret service in New York,  but in reality he was a prisoner of war for most of 1776.  Even after André rose to the Army staff,  he was naïve and inexperienced in the spy business,  not the master of intelligence as presented in the series
Captain John Graves Simcoe of His Majesty's Army,  and Anna Strong,  Patriot spy for George Washington.
The actual Simcoe was nothing like the evil bastard portrayed on this show.  Yes,  it's true that Simcoe  truly detested the Rebels  but some of the significant things that happen with him in the series simply did not occur in real life.

In my opinion,  even though  "Turn"  may not be totally 100% historically accurate,  it is still very well done.
Okay,  now,  I know...I am the same guy who totally panned the  "Sons of Liberty"  mini-series from a few years ago because of its many inaccuracies.  So why do I knock  "Sons of Liberty"  but accept  "Turn"?  Maybe because  "Sons of Liberty"  was a mini-series produced by The History Channel which caused me to hope for much more truth and accuracy.  And maybe it's because the couch historian believes they are seeing historically accurate programming when watching something on The History Channel,  therefore taking what is produced on the station as the truth,  whereas  "Turn:  Washington's Spies"  is a TV series on AMC ( American Movie Classics),  and therefore,  can be enjoyed in a different sort of way.  Kind of like the way I watch  "Little House on the Prairie,"  which is based  around a real person and her family.
George Washington dances with the recently betrothed Peggy Shippen at her engagement ball.  Her beloved?  Benedict Arnold.  We do learn of Benedict's infatuation of Miss Shippen during the 2nd Season.
Understand,  most of us who study and research history cringe at the idea of the armchair historian getting their information from The History Channel  (or Facebook memes),  though I do remember a time back in the day when the station would produce real history  (Civil War Journal,  Biography,  and Founding Fathers & Founding Brothers comes to mind)  before aliens and ice truckers took over.  It is unfortunate that today The History Channel gives little more than a false impression of the past - something of which too many people believe to be truth.  I suppose if  "Sons of Liberty"  was on any other station,  or was even a dramatic TV series  (ala "Turn"),  I could possibly accept the inaccuracies and dramatizations and would have little problem enjoying it for what it is...Hollywood History.
Ah...but that's just me,  I suppose...
Patriot spy Abraham Woodhall in the cellar of his burned out house,  working on the secret codes for the spy ring.
And then the picture below is a painting of Patriot spy Robert Townsend done by American artist Mort Kunstler.
We meet Mr. Townsend during the 2nd season.

I wish Mr. Kunstler  would do more Revolutionary War paintings
A fine summary,  of which I fully agree,  comes,  once again,  from the web site Journal of the American Revolution:
All in all,  “Turn”  is fairly faithful to the history of the Culper Ring.  Woodhull is accurately shown as a conflicted man who nevertheless follows a strong moral compass.  Benjamin Tallmadge was the intelligence visionary as he’s shown,  and went around his commander  (who had little interest in clandestine operations)  to build a successful spy network.  Caleb Brewster  (Daniel Henshall),  one of Woodhull’s compatriots,  really was a tough and fearless mariner.  Anna Strong  (Heather Lind)  played a key role as presented.  The dialogue,  plot and production design address some very real factors that were in play during the Revolution.
Yep---that sums it up for me perfectly!
Washington finally meets with his spies...in Season 4
With the story,  the clothing,  and the sets,  which all work together well in bringing the viewer into their 18th century world,  you have what is,  in my opinion,  the finest historical TV series ever.
Yes,  I really did say that.
But remember...I said TV series. Not docu-drama,  not mini-series,  not movie.  Add to that the two words  "my opinion."
I wonder...will we ever get another that will represent the American Revolution?
Not in my lifetime,  that's almost for certain.
But I am thankful for the four seasons - nearly 40 hours - that we can watch and re-watch.  There are not that many series I can say that about.
AMC - ya done good.  Shoulda kept it going,  but ya done good.
Thank you.

~ ~ ~ 

There are numerous  "Turn" fan  pages on Facebook,  including   'AMC's Turn and Rev War History,'  A New Turn - We the People Revolt,'  AMC's Turn and History Discussion page',  and  'The Black Petticoat Society,'
All are very good pages to visit if you are a fan.
AMC's Turn and Rev War History'  is run by Marlene Di Via,  a very active Rev War historian who posts historical articles and fun memes throughout each day,  enlightening the members to 18th century America and enticing members to return multiple times daily. 
A New Turn - We the People Revolt is another excellent source for Turn-era history on the show as well as on the Revolutionary War itself.  Like the above group,  it utilizes many on line sources as well as photographs of reenactors,  articles,  and original paintings as tools for teaching Revolutionary War era history.  It is run by another very active Rev War historian,  Jackie Lucia,  and she,  too,  keeps the information on Rev War history flowing.
'AMC's Turn Discussion Page' is run by Cynthia Hauer and is similar to the groups above in that it has loads of pictures and is member interactive, again, enticing members to return throughout the day.
'The Black Petticoat Society,'  also gives members information about the show as well as historical links to Revolutionary War happenings. And like the other two here it is filled with pictures, articles, and memes, and, yes, I return multiple times as well.

I myself enjoy visiting all of these pages - and that is because the administrators usually go beyond the typical gossipy fan photos and add plenty of Revolutionary War history rather than make it a Facebook version of a fan magazine. 
Um...okay...yeah, a couple sometimes can get fanzine-y,  but it's done in a fun and historical way.  They're certainly not boring,  that's for sure.  And more than once I've laughed out loud at the memes and comments!
I go to these pages quite often and love interacting with the other members.  Some of my best times on Facebook...
In fact,  one of the members of the  'Turn & Rev War History'  page,  Ann McDermott,  visited a few of the actual sites of where some of the real  "Turn"  events took place and took some excellent pictures.
I did ask her if I might share the following photographs with my readers,  and she willingly obliged in me doing so:
Here is the marker denoting where the home of 
Abraham & Mary Woodhull once stood

Here is a memorial plaque honoring Abraham Woodhull 
erected by the Mayflower Chapter of the DAR

The grave of Abraham Woodhull

And the grave of his wife Mary Woodhull

The grave of Anna Strong
Pretty cool, eh?
Thank you,  Ms.  McDermott!
Also,  many thanks to Marlene Di Via from  AMC's Turn and Rev War History for allowing me usage of a few the  "Turn"  photographs she posts on her page.  Also,  she took the time to get me the pictures of the Woodhall house.
My tricorn hat is off to you,  my dear!
The pictures of the historic Daggett house were taken by me.  Daggett is located in historic Greenfield Village in Dearborn,  Michigan.
All of the above Turn pages are very well done with heaping help-fulls of Revolutionary War and Founding Generation information.

I wrote a posting - a sort of Reader's Digest condensed version - of the original Washington's spies HERE 

By the way, there is also a blog dedicated to  "Turn"  that I read frequently whose sole purpose is to  "weigh in on each episode and discuss where historical fact ends and fiction begins."  I do enjoy reading it and have learned quite a bit.  Click HERE so you,  too,  can read it.

As most of you already know,  I also write pretty extensively on life for the colonists during the Revolutionary War.
Here are a few that I believe you may like:
With Liberty & Justice for All: HERE
Paul Revere: HERE
An excellent and true story that occurred just before the Rev War: HERE
A general overview of Colonial life: HERE
Cooking on the Hearth during colonial times: HERE
Travel and Taverns during colonial times: HERE
Flags during the birth of our nation: HERE
Thanksgiving in colonial times: HERE
Christmas during colonial times: HERE

And,  to check out my blog series on Colonial Williamsburg,  click HERE

To purchase the 1st Season of  "Turn: Washington's Spies,"  click HERE
2nd Season,  click HERE
3rd Season,  click HERE
Season Four is not available  *legitimately*  in the U.S.,  though it can be imported from Germany.
Go figure...

Make sure you stay tuned to one of the various Facebook  "Turn"  pages mentioned to keep up with and discuss Revolutionary War history,  and maybe even find out when Season Four will be available on DVD.

And here,  stolen directly from IMDb, is a  (very)  quick synopsis of each episode in Turn's four seasons:

Season One:
~Pilot
At the dawn of the Revolutionary War,  struggling Long Island farmer Abraham Woodhull is recruited by the Colonial Army to spy on the British.

~Who by Fire
Abe must discover who murdered a Royal Officer before Anna is framed for the crime.  Ben and Caleb brutally interrogate Simcoe.

~Of Cabbages and Kings
On the run from the British,  Ben is betrayed by his own militia.  Abe travels with Richard to New York to spy.  Mary confronts Anna.

~Eternity How Long
Abe and Richard struggle with British orders to dig up local gravestones.  Ben and Caleb conspire to get their intelligence to General Washington.

~Epiphany
Set during the twelve days of Christmas,  Caleb and Ben follow mysterious orders as General Washington's Army crosses into enemy territory.

~Mr. Culpeper
En route to New York,  Abe is ambushed by a desperate patriot.  Washington charges Ben with the task of creating America's first spy ring.

~Mercy Moment Murder Measure
When an old threat returns to Setauket,  Abe risks everything to protect Anna.  Rogers travels to a prison ship seeking a mysterious man.

~Challenge
Against Abe's wishes,  Anna searches for enemy intelligence at an exclusive gentleman's party hosted by British spymaster John Andre.

~Against Thy Neighbor
Simcoe ignites a political witch-hunt to weed out rebel conspirators in Setauket.  Washington assigns Ben to a secret mission.

~The Battle of Setauket
Mary grapples with the realization that Abe is a rebel spy.  Ben and Caleb lead a raid on Setauket to save the Patriot families.


Season Two
~Thoughts of a Free Man
Abe is eager to get to Washington,  while Rogers finds himself a new job.

~Hard Boiled
Abe continues his mission in New York,  while Simcoe adjusts to his punishment.  Mean while Andre seduces Peggy.

~False Flag
Abe returns from New York.  Andre prepares to put on a play.  Washington supports Arnold through his injury.  Caleb and Ben work with Sackett on developing their operations.  Rogers heads for New Jersey as the King's Royal Messenger.

~Men of Blood
Ben and Abe find a better form of communication and discuss new plans with Anna.  Caleb and Rogers get into an altercation while on their missions.  Andre has an interesting time at the Shippens.  Abe plays checkers with Townsend in New York.

~Sealed Fate
Judge Woodhull confronts Abe about his  "mission"  for Major Hewlett.  Ben learns important information from multiple sources.  Abe has dinner with Townsend and his Father in New York. Simcoe returns to Setauket.

~Houses Divided
Anna takes action when learning of Abe's capture.  Ben and Caleb struggle to come up with a new plan.  Simcoe pushes himself back into Anna's life.  Andre gains vital intelligence.  Mary speaks her mind to Judge Woodhull.

~Valley Forge
Washington has anxieties about an illness he believes he has.  Major Hewlett's tale of capture is finally revealed.  Abe fights to survive his own capture.

~Providence
Caleb and Ben plan to free Abe from his capture in New York.  Major Hewlett must survive the wild to make his way back to Setauket.  While planning his next attack,  Washington is told that an alliance with the French is imminent.  Andre and Peggy receive unfortunate news on their status in Philadelphia when a visitor comes unannounced.

~The Prodigal
Tensions between Major Hewlett and Simcoe reach a critical point.  Abe gets released from captivity and searches for Townsend.  Arnold makes quite the impression on the Shippens.  Back at Valley Forge,  Ben tries to protect Washington from an internal threat.

~Gunpowder, Treason and Plot
Abe plots Major Hewlett's assassination;  Ben fights at the Battle of Monmouth;  Benedict Arnold longs for Peggy.


Season Three
~Valediction
Abe is forced to work with Rogers.  Andre gives Simcoe a new mission.  Peggy begins adjusting to life with Benedict Arnold.

~Cold Murdering Bastards
Arnold goes to Valley Forge,  runs into Ben and Caleb, and talks to Washington.  Abe must face the consequences of his father's actions.  Simcoe and Hewlett's forces collide.  Townsend and Andre meet for the first time.

~Benediction
Peggy gets Benedict Arnold to contact the British;  Caleb plans an ambush for Simcoe;  Anna tries to save Major Hewlett.

~Hearts and Minds
Ben is rescued by a mysterious woman.  Abe tries to stop Anna from marrying Hewlett.  Arnold begins negotiations with the British.  Andre betrays Peggy.

~Hypocrisy, Fraud, and Tyranny
Townsend uncovers a British counterfeiting operation.  Rogers threatens to destroy Abe's spying ring.  Simcoe threatens Richard.

~Many Mickles Make a Muckle
As Simcoe and the Rangers continue their hunt for Rogers,  Abraham pushes ahead to warn Townsend of the danger they will bring,  but when Anna and Caleb show up secrets are revealed that may cost the Ring.  Meanwhile,  Arnold holds a ball in General Washington's honor and pleads for his help in clearing up his court martial.

~Judgment
Mary tries to kill Simcoe on her own.  Benedict Arnold defends himself at his own court-martial.  Ben reunites with the woman who saved his life.

~Mended
The Culper Ring is resurrected in time to save Washington's army.  Simcoe terrorizes Setauket as he hunts for Rogers.  Anna infiltrates New York.

~Blade on the Feather
Benedict Arnold plots to turn over West Point to the British.  Andre negotiates for Peggy.  Abe plots revolt in Setauket.

~Trial and Execution
There is an inevitable march to the gallows for the captured spies on both sides.  Benedict Arnold demands glory revenge.


Season Four - *(Not sure if this link is to the import or a bootleg,  so buyer beware)*
~Spyhunter General
Benedict Arnold rounds up spies in New York.  Abe plots to destroy essential British supplies,  but he will need his father's help.

~The Black Hole of Calcutta
When one of the Culper Ring members is captured,  Arnold seeks to interrogate him - with the help of a ruthless Colonel Simcoe.

~Blood for Blood
Abe's scheme to rescue Caleb turns deadly.  Anna faces a difficult decision.  Arnold suspects Peggy is keeping a secret from him.

~Nightmare
A mutiny erupts in camp.  The Culper ring must find a new course.  Benedict finds an unlikely ally.  Townsend learns a lesson from Rivington.

~Private Woodhull
Abraham Woodhall joins Arnold's Loyal American Legion.  Anna's husband visits the continental camp.

~Our Man in New York
There's a plan to kidnap Benedict Arnold.  Peggy learns Cicero's secret.  Washington disagrees with the French's strategy.  Mary is betrayed.

~Quarry
Abe's plan to kill Simcoe conflicts with the plot to kidnap Benedict Arnold.  Loyalties are challenged and enemies turn into allies.

~Belly of the Beast
Abe settles his score with Simcoe.  Ben makes a passionate appeal to Washington.  Caleb seeks redemption.

~Reckoning
Washington heads south to lay siege to Yorktown but must convince Clinton he is heading to New York.  Abraham joins the Continental Army.  Peggy goes into labor.

~Washington's Spies
The fate of the Culper ring is revealed.  The war for American independence ends and America struggles to begin.


Until next time, see you in time.
















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