Battle of Vienna Living History Event

See history come alive during an event to commemorate the Revolutionary War's 1779-1782 "Battle of Vienna." Experience a Revolutionary-era military encampment, a replica 18th-century ship, traditional music, exhibits, food, and fun for the entire family. Happening at two locations: Handsell Historic Site and the nearby Vienna Waterfront. 

At Handsell, activities include:

• The Chesapeake Independent Blues, a historical reenactment group, will set up a military encampment and conduct demonstrations and drills.
• Demonstrations of oodworking, open-hearth cooking, blacksmithing, rug-hooking, and Native culture
• Music by Ampersand and Linda Harris and David Cole
• Tours of the Handsell house and the Native American Chicone Village
• Food by Hooked on Seafood food truck and an ice cream truck

On the Vienna waterfront, activites include:

• The Ship’s Company replica vessel
• Music by the Ship’s Company Shantymen
• Tours of historic homes in the charming town of Vienna
• Visits to the Vienna Heritage Museum and the Nanticoke River Discovery Center
• Children’s games
• Food trucks

The $10 ticket (children under 12 are free) provides admission to both sites and can be purchased at Eventbrite in advance or at Handsell (4837 Indiantown Road, Vienna, MD) or the Vienna Heritage Society (303 Race Street, Vienna, MD) on the day of the event.

Additionally, NHPA will host a “Meet the Military” dinner with the Chesapeake Independent Blues at Handsell’s new Three Cultures Center from 5 to 7pm. Tickets cost $30 per person and will be available through Eventbrite. For more information, visit www.restorehandsell.org and www.viennamd.org. 

The event is sponsored by the Nanticoke Historic Preservation Alliance (NHPA) and the Vienna Heritage Society. 

The “Battle of Vienna” refers to raids by the British on the strategically important town of Vienna, a key port on the Nanticoke River. British vessels repeatedly attacked Vienna between 1779-1782, looting supplies, burning ships, and targeting homes like Governor John Henry’s Weston and the Handsell house. These raids highlight the Nanticoke River’s importance as a waterway for both commerce and conflict during the American Revolution.