The Revolutionary War-era landmark will host live music while marking a little-known chapter of Reading’s history 250 years later
Reading, MA — With 50 venues lined up for Reading PorchFest on June 27 and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence just around the corner, an overlap was bound to happen.
One particular PorchFest venue has a very direct link to the beginnings of our nation: the Parker Tavern.
Built in the late 1600s, the tavern had already been around for more than 70 years when the American Revolution began and was pressed into service in an interesting role during the war. Believe it or not, it served as a sort of POW camp for a few months.
The Reading Antiquarian Society, owner and operator of the property, will mark the occasion with an encampment in September, but this month marks the 250th anniversary of the series of events that led to the building’s unique Revolutionary-era role.
In simple terms, Lt. Archibald Campbell, a Scottish officer, sailed across the Atlantic with his troops intending to reinforce British control of Boston. With no way of knowing what had already taken place, he sailed into Boston Harbor three months after the royal troops had evacuated the city. He walked straight into the hands of the colonials.
Since the fledgling Continental Army had no POW camps available, the captured soldiers were simply spread out across the countryside, where they had little chance or means of escape. Campbell himself was confined in Reading at the Parker Tavern.
That same Parker Tavern will serve as a PorchFest venue.
At noon on PorchFest Day, Better Than Moonshine will perform classic rock. Then, at 2 p.m., The Bird and the Beast will take the stage, playing blues, folk, and vintage rock.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 27, and stop by this local gem of a building. Take in the free music while soaking up some history from exactly 250 years ago.
