Bushy Run prepares for 260th anniversary of Penn Township battle

About 90 reenactors are registered for this year’s Bushy Run Battlefield reenactment, which was in jeopardy earlier this year after a change in state policy.

The reenactment traditionally held the first weekend in August portrays a 1763 clash between the British and Native Americans during Pontiac’s War. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Penn Township site.

The focus of this year’s reenactment, said Bushy Run Museum Manager Matt Adams, is recognizing the long-term impact of the skirmish.

“It’s been 260 years,” Adams said. “It’s pretty remarkable that we do have that much information about the battle — the maneuvers of the battle, different testimonies from people in the battle. … It’s pretty incredible that we can go back and still have firsthand accounts of what it was like to be there.”

Reenactors portraying British soldiers and Native Americans will simulate musket fire and tactical movement on the battlefield. Each day of the reenactment will represent the engagements that occurred during the two-day fight.

An increased turnout is expected for the event, said Bonnie Ramus, president of the Bushy Run Battlefield Historical Society.

Several historical lectures will explore Native American diplomacy, the history of the battlefield after the fight and the impact of the conflict on Native American history. Children’s activities and 18th century-inspired crafts will be available. Food and drinks can be purchased at the concession stand, located between the parking lot and the museum.

Admission to the event is free, but cash donations can be made at the gate.

Reenactment controversy

The reenactment was canceled in January when the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission created a “no force-on-force” policy prohibiting two opposing sides from shooting at one another during a living history event.

Adopted from the National Park Service, the policy deemed such reenactments “disrespectful.”

The state commission reversed its decision in March, but it required all reenactors portraying Native Americans to consult with members of the relevant tribes to ensure historical accuracy in dress, gear, lodging and practice.

Two public Zoom meetings were held by the commission in June and July to discuss a draft of a new living history policy. Members of the Bushy Run historical society and museum were present to give feedback.

The final policy — which doesn’t apply to historic sites such as Fort Ligonier, which is not owned by the state — will be presented during a third Zoom meeting before the end of the month. A time and date have yet to be announced.