The 1762 Elihu Akin House was abuzz with Revolutionary era activity as re-enactors and artisans interpreted the ways of life in the 18th century during the last weekend in June. 

As a witness site to those Revolutionary times, the Dartmouth Heritage Preservation Trust volunteers once again hosted their annual event, “Never Idle Hands––Living in Early America.”  

Visitors experienced a variety of living history demonstrations such as tin smithing, chocolate making, an interpretive coffee house, bow and arrow craftsmanship, doll making and children’s games of the period, according to trust member Diane Gilbert. Additionally, the trust’s popular archaeological field work on site again yielded more treasures. 

At the event, the Wareham Minutemen and Militia were joined by Dartmouth rebels, muskets at the ready, who re-created an encampment in preparation for battles to come. 

Particularly fitting during the various commemorations of “moments that changed the world” held across Massachusetts, olde Dartmouth inhabitants played a pivotal role in the War for Independence, fervently seeking personal and economic freedoms from the British Crown, according to Gilbert. 

The Akins were at the center of it all, lending their voices and giving their wealth to the “Common Cause.”  Today, this Akin farmstead at 762 Dartmouth Street stands proudly as one of the few houses untouched by the British in September 1778 as they raided Fairhaven, Acushnet and Bedford Village. 

Closer to home, the properties on the Apponagansett River — now Padanaram Village — where the Akin brothers, James and Elihu, owned a shipyard, a tavern, great manses and other businesses were also destroyed by Major General Charles Grey and his British forces.  

Plans are already underway to commemorate the 250th anniversary of this British raid in September 2028.  Visit https://www.dhpt.org for updates.