Why Did George Washington Want to Cross the Delaware on Christmas Night?
It's common knowledge that General George Washington and his Continental Army crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Night in 1776, but what's not as well-known are the reasons why he chose that particular night to cross. It's the "why"—the story behind the...
Read MoreWelcome to Cynthia Howerter – all things historical
Welcome to Cynthia Howerter - all things historical. Because I'm a history buff who loves to write, it's a natural fit for me to write about American history. I heard you groan. And I understand why: you hate history. And why wouldn't you? We all remember...
Read MoreEggnog – A Christmas Tradition
Americans have always loved their eggnog. Although the egg and milk-based punch actually originated in Britain where it derived from a medieval beverage called “posset,” it was brought to the American colonies where it remained popular. Thanks to the numerous farms...
Read MoreChristmas Decorations in Colonial Williamsburg
Last year, my husband and I celebrated Thanksgiving Day in Colonial Williamsburg. We were delightfully surprised to find many doors and windows already adorned with the town's famous Christmas decorations. After admiring the many...
Read MoreOld Fort Niagara’s Colonial Trading Post
As part of the research for the colonial historical novel I'm writing, I recently visited Old Fort Niagara near Youngstown, New York where the mouth of the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario. In 1726, the French military force in North America desired to build...
Read MoreA Revolutionary War-era Cemetery Inspires
The colonial historical fiction novel that I’m currently writing is set in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania during 1777. It was a frightening time for this county's settlers, many of whom were Scot-Irish Presbyterians, on what was then part of the American...
Read MoreThe Warrior Run Presbyterian Church in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania
The colonial historical fiction novel I’m currently writing is set in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania in 1777. Because I want my book to accurately reflect the Scot-Irish Presbyterians who lived in that area during the colonial time period, I have visited a...
Read MoreLife in a 1779 Pennsylvania Farmhouse
Ever wonder what it would be like to live in a house without modern conveniences? Read MoreHow Can Tea Cause Such A Stir?
During the French and Indian War (1756-1763) and Pontiac’s Rebellion (1763-1766), England’s national debt skyrocketed—in part, from the high cost of supplying its military to the American colonies to fight these two wars. After these wars ended, England recognized...
Read MoreMy Favorite Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookie Recipe
I recently attended a Christmas tea party at Christiana Campbell's Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg. One of the dining room decorations used gingerbread men, and these sweet little cookies reminded me of the gingerbread men that I've made with my son and daughter...
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