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79

7 May 1974

[[underlined]] Status of the National Armed Forces Museum Advisory Board (NAFMAB) [[/underlined]]

Mr. Brown, chairman of NAFMAB, reported that in observance of the Bicentennial of the American Revolution the National Armed Forces Museum Advisory Board is now involved in active preparations for a public presentation in downtown Washington during the summer of 1976. The presentation will consist of an authentic portrayal, via the proven technique of "living history," of the camp life of the citizen-soldier of the Revolution. Thus there is coming into being an idea envisioned by the Advisory Board in 1969 as a contribution both educational and inspirational to our Nation's 200th birthday.

Our Revolutionary historical encampment will be open to the public out of doors from about Memorial Day to Labor Day 1976 in that portion of West Potomac Park known as the "Old Polo Grounds." There will be authentic demonstrations of the various skills and crafts employed by Washington's men in order to live in the field and colorful presentations of the 18th century fife and drum music, drill, and parading.

This Bicentennial program will be presented jointly by the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service. There is a very good possibility that the Department of the Army will join in the program, contributing personnel who are now undergoing special training in the drill and marching evolutions of the Continental Army. Such participation would be most appropriate and very desirable. To that end, Secretary Ripley has already signed, and we expect that Secretary of the Interior Morton will shortly sign, a joint letter to Secretary of Defense Schlesinger inviting Army participation in this undertaking.