November 12, 1775, General Washington issued an order forbidding the enlistment of Black men, along with vagabonds and old men, into the Continental Army. However, this ban was short-lived, as Washington reversed the policy within a few months due to manpower shortages and the British actively recruiting enslaved people by offering them freedom. By January 1776, he allowed free Black men who had already served to reenlist, and the restrictions were further lifted over time, eventually allowing all free men to enlist regardless of race.
NWTA’s own Walter Hast was an extra on this show, Best Medicine! You’ll never know where reenacting might take you!
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Hamilton’s Artillery has a long history. Check out this special event at Cantigny in Wheaton, IL on November 14.The history of Hamilton’s 5th Artillery spans 250 years of American military service.
From early artillery to modern advancements, the regiment’s story reflects the changing nature of warfare and the soldiers who served through those changes.
Explore that history during a guided tour of our Hamilton’s 5th Artillery exhibition on November 14 at 1 PM. Space is limited.
Register here: bit.ly/48lUYqa
NWTA EVENT SCHEDULE 2027
As approved 7 November 2026
May 1-2 Menomonee Falls
School Day April 30
TBA event location
May 29-30 Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous, Vincennes, IN
June 5-6 Colonial Days, Heritage Park, Taylor, MI
July 10-11 Riverview Park, St Joseph, MI
July 24-25 Gelatin Park, Grayslake, IL
Aug 21-22 Ft Meigs, Perrysville, OH
Sept 18-19 Cantigny Park, Wheaton, IL
School days Sept 16-17
Sept 25-26 Vermilion Valley Encampment, Forest Glen Preserve, Westville, IL
School Day Sept 24
Feast of the Hunter’s Moon, W Lafayette, IN
TBA date
TRY REENACTING!
Do you want to fire a musket, help crew a cannon, or just enjoy an evening around the fire?
Our Units are excited to host folks who want to try out the hobby.
They will supply the necessary gear and clothing for you (and your family) to join us for a weekend reenacting the American Revolution!
What are you in for? Read our “What Re-enacting with the NWTA Looks Like.”