In case you haven’t heard, the British will be coming to Bristol May 16 to 18 (Don’t worry, patriotic Bristolians are going to send them packing!). In addition to historical re-enactments, sea chanteys, cider tastings, tours of the Tall Ship Oliver Hazard Perry and more, I’m thrilled to announce that several new events have been added to this spectacular weekend.

On May 15, the St. Michael’s Men’s Group is sponsoring a lecture by Dr. Matthew Perry on the man himself, “Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, America’s Naval Hero.” Also, on May 17, the Bristol Train of Artillery will be open for tours, a craft fair, a rum tasting, and clamcakes and chowder. And, Rogers Free Library is hosting a lecture on May 7 by Patrick Barosh on the events at Lexington and Concord and a lecture on May 14 by Christian McBurney on the Bristol Raids. Check out our website, bhpsri.org, for more information.

But Bristol, we need your help for one more event. On May 19 to 21, eighth-graders in the Bristol Warren Regional School District have the opportunity to sail on the Oliver Hazard Perry — but only if we can fund it. The Bristol Rotary Club has generously offered a major donation, but we need more to make it possible for every student to go. If you are able to help sponsor an eighth-grader at $50, we humbly ask that you do. Please visit https://bhpsri.org/brits-attack-bristol to do so (scroll down to below “Events”).

Thanks so much to everyone who is working hard to make this weekend a smashing success. We’re looking forward to kicking the British out, this time for good!

Catherine W. Zipf
Bristol

The writer is director of the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society.