PINEY POINT, Md. — On April 11-12, 2026, Ship’s Company, a mid-Atlantic living history organization dedicated to U.S. naval heritage, will participate in “Redcoats and Rebels: Battle of St. George’s Island” at the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum in Piney Point. The weekend program, part of the group’s 2026 calendar, features historically accurate reenactments of British and colonial forces, period-dress interpreters, and demonstrations of military drills and camp life from the Revolutionary War era.
The Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, located at the southern tip of St. Mary’s County, preserves an important piece of local maritime history and serves as a backdrop for events that interpret the region’s role in early American conflicts. St. Mary’s County was home to significant Revolutionary War activity, including the Battle of St. George’s Island, where militia and local forces engaged British troops in 1776 in an effort to defend Maryland’s southern waterways.
Organizers of the “Redcoats and Rebels” weekend emphasize that the event is designed to be family-friendly and educational, with opportunities to interact with interpreters portraying both British regulars and American patriots. Visitors can observe demonstrations of period-correct muskets, uniforms and camp routines, and learn about how the war affected local families and communities in the late 18th century.
Residents and visitors interested in attending are encouraged to check the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum’s website or Facebook event for event details, times and any participation guidelines.
Piney Point Lighthouse Museum Activities
Both days at Piney Point will include:
- Military drills in camp
- Narrated boat tours ($5 per person; 30 passengers per cruise) at 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m.
- Musket and cannon firing demonstrations from the beach
- 18th-century music by Music of the Regiment
- Ship’s Company Living History Unit demonstrations
- 18th-century brewing and distaff cooking in military camps
- Period vendors, modern exhibitors and food trucks
- Children’s activities, games and other 18th-century programming
- Video excerpts from The American Revolution by Ken Burns, courtesy of Maryland Public Television
- Continuous bus service between the remote parking lot and both event sites
Saturday-only events at Piney Point will include:
- Additional 18th-century music by Music of the Regiment
- “Meet the Author” with Andrew Lawler, author of A Perfect Frenzy
- An 18th-century Tavern Night from 5 to 8 p.m. (ticket required)
St. George Island Activities
Both days on St. George Island will feature:
- Story Time with Leonardtown Library
- Interpretations and appearances by Lord Dunmore, the British commander
- A conversation with Lord Dunmore and author Andrew Lawler
- Cannon firing demonstrations from shipboard
- An exhibit of 18th-century objects recovered from St. George Island
- “Revolutionary Attire: Clothing of the Period”
- 18th-century music by David and Ginger Hildebrand
- Distaff cooking demonstrations
- Period vendors, modern exhibitors and food trucks
- Games and 18th-century activities
- Maryland Public Television video excerpts
- Continuous shuttle service
Sunday-only programming on St. George Island will include:
- Additional music by David and Ginger Hildebrand
- A second “Meet the Author” with Andrew Lawler
- A DAR marker dedication at 1 p.m.
Local Historical Significance
St. George Island’s 1776 clash marked Maryland’s only Revolutionary War battle, when local militia resisted British forces operating in the Chesapeake Bay. St. Mary’s County, Maryland’s first county, and home to the colony’s first capital, played a strategic role in early American maritime defense.
Organizers say the event is made possible by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, St. Mary’s County Museum Division, Southern Maryland National Heritage Area, Maryland Public Television, Southern Maryland Semiquincentennial Committee and other civic organizations.
For residents and visitors alike, “Rebels & Redcoats” offers an immersive opportunity to step into 18th-century Southern Maryland and experience the sights, sounds and stories that shaped the nation’s founding.
Ship’s Company, based in the mid-Atlantic, focuses on naval history from the American Revolution through the Civil War, interpreting sailors, marines and maritime civilians from these eras. The organization partners with museums, schools and historic sites to provide immersive experiences involving shipboard life, artillery operation, period cooking and crafts.
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