Revolutionary ravers party like it's 1799 in middletown — YORKTOWN, VA- OCTOBER 7: Historical reenactors at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown help provide a fuller understanding of the American colonial experience October 7, 2017 in Yorktown, VA

by Lisa Maher

MIDDLETOWN – The first annual Revolutionary Rave of Monmouth County Historical Association will bring together revelers, both costumed and not, for an afternoon of authentic period music, dancing, food and games within the elegant confines of a preserved Victorian mansion.

The event takes place on Saturday, August 4, 2018, from 1 pm to 4 pm, at MCHA’s historic Taylor-Butler House, 127 Kings Highway, Middletown. Tickets are $20 for MCHA members and $25 for non-members and can be purchased online at MonmouthHistory.org. Costumes from the 18th or 19th century are encouraged, though not required, and a changing room will be available if necessary.

“Our new Revolutionary Rave event offers an immersive experience in the social amenities and culture that our Monmouth County ancestors might have enjoyed on a summer afternoon,” said Linda Bricker, President. “Merrymakers will be transported back in time with the chance to experience what it was like to attend and participate in a prominent social event of an earlier time.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn colonial-era dance steps, enjoy live music of the period, and try their luck at historic card games such as Faro, Commerce and Whist. Light refreshments including tasty treats will be served.

Music and country dance calling will be provided by Sue Dupre, a prominent expert on English country and contra dancing, the popular dance forms of the colonial era in New Jersey. Ms. Dupre has developed a national reputation for her fun and easy instruction of colonial era dances, such as “Rory O’More,” ”Portland Fancy” and “Money Musk.”

“We believe our Revolutionary Rave will be one of the memorable social events of the century, both past and present,” commented Ms. Bricker. “I encourage everyone to come and make history with us!”

MCHA’s Marlpit Hall, built circa 1686, adjacent to Taylor-Butler House will also be open for tours throughout the afternoon.

To purchase tickets, visit www.MonmouthHistory.org. Tickets are limited. Please note this is an adult event. For more information, contact Pati Githens at pgithens@monmouthhistory.org or (732) 462-1466.

About MCHA

Monmouth County Historical Association is a private non-profit organization that has been working to preserve history and provide educational opportunities since its founding in 1898. MCHA’s Museum and Library & Archives are located at 70 Court Street in Freehold. Museum hours are: Tuesdays – Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Library & Archives are open Wednesdays through Saturdays. MCHA maintains five Historic Houses Museums throughout the county which are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from May 1 through September 30. For further information, please call (732) 462-1466 or visit the web site at www.monmouthhistory.org.

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