What was it like to live in a once thriving colonial seaport in February 1775 on the eve of the American Revolution? The Newport Historical Society will host costumed interpreters from the Middling Sort, a living history group, who will represent personas from colonial Newport on Saturday February 20, 2016from 10am-2pm during Liberty or Loyalty.

During this interactive program patriots and loyalists will discuss the city’s tense political climate and how remaining loyal to the crown or declaring liberty effects their daily lives. Watch Daughters of Liberty sew homespun fabric. Listen to Crown supporters debate if they should return to England and the consequences to their families, businesses and property. Visitors will be invited to take a stance and decide if they choose Liberty or Loyalty.

Liberty or Loyalty takes place at the 1739 Colony House on Washington Square. Admission is free, donations are welcome.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...

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