This will be a fun program for all ages! Read more about Michael Grillo's work in the biography below.
As a Living Historian my mission is to to bring the past to life. There are many individuals who dress in clothing and accessories that are appropriate for the character they are portraying. However, Living History centers on Bringing that character off the pages of history and breathing life into them. It helps people understand history better when they can actually see, touch, or feel the past!
Michael's passion for 18th century history was sparked at the age of 7 while on his first field trip to Valley Forge. He was completely entranced by every aspect of the site! His imagination was captured by the historic artifacts he saw, especially a Grenadier’s bearskin hat and a Brown Bess musket.
Michael credits his love of European and American Colonial History to his high school teacher, Mr. Scotto. "His presentation and portrayal of people, places and things during these eras was unique. It left an indelible mark on me as my interest in these topics continued to grow."
Michael started visiting reenactments in 1992 while living in Washington Heights mere blocks north of Bennett Park—the site of the American Revolutionary War’s Fort Washington. His interests were further honed by his actually living in such incredibly close proximity to an actual site!
He witnessed his first full scale battle reenactment at Monmouth Battlefield in New Jersey. The excitement and passion for historic portrayals were further stoked as he walked through recreated campsites for both the 18th century British Army’s Crown Forces and the American Continental Line. Michael breathed deeply of the camps’ smells redolent of cooking food and the sulfurous and acrid stench of gunpowder and muskets being cleaned, the friendly banter of soldiers recalling the day’s victories, losses and strategies.
He could realize the want of basic supplies such as ammunition, food, clothing, and shoes in the Continental camp. Despite this, they remained steadfast and grimly determined to win at all costs thanks to their fighting spirit and improved training and leadership.
They collided again and again with unending rank upon rank of well equipped, professional and experienced British Crown Forces. Everyone must have wondered during my visit and during the actual event so long ago who would prevail?
Monmouth Battlefield itself stepped directly out of time as the temperature soared that day as it did on June 1778. Men, horses and artillery strove constantly to gain the upper hand on the field. Courageous under fire, water mollies came again and again to offer water to men and beasts alike and to help sponge down rapidly heating artillery. Mollies and men alike braved horrendous conditions of the extreme heat, fatigue, capture, injury and death on the field.
Today Michael re-creates his own period clothing. Seamstresses and tailors guided him in his quest to learn more about the necessary clothing and sewing details. His interests in the 18th century continued as he discovered his interest in 18th century music. As his experiences continued, he soon found that he needed a 3 piece civilian suit, commonly known as a Ditto Suit. Through this, he resolved to learn how to properly tailor 18th century clothing.
"At first, I tried my hand at figuring it out myself from patterns and sewing everything by hand. Then I started taking tailoring courses with The Master Tailor of the Brigade of the American Revolution, Henry Cooke IV. I learned how to draft my own patterns from measurements. Master Tailor of Colonial Williamsburg Mark Hutter is another highly esteemed authority ion the matter of period clothing with whom I worked.. I also learned how to tailor buckskin britches through my active, hands-on participation in a workshop offered by Colonial Williamsburg's artificer, Jay Howlett."
Since 1998, he has especially chosen to portray Continental Commander General George Washington. In his portrayals of him the obvious choice for him was to reproduce a uniform he wore during the American War for Independence. He chose to reproduce his uniform as portrayed in a period painting of him during the Battle of Princeton. (The fine scalloped cuff details and Washington’s very similar stance as his opponent King George the Third’s as seen in His Majesty’s official coronation portrait!)
While Museum Educator at the Van Cortlandt House Museum for the span of 20 years. Michael saw this historic home as an educational tool, a living and breathing embodiment of a family which has had 384 years of New Amsterdam/ New York history. Its presence connects to some of the most prominent families of the time.
Michael Grillo has been performing as General and President George Washington at various locations and venues since 1998. Among these are The Purdy House in White Plains, New York, The New York Historical Society, The Friends of Historical New Utrecht Church, Philadelphia’s own National Constitution Center’s The Real George Washington Exhibit, New York City’s famed Fraunces Tavern Museum, television news program Fox and Friends and CBS’s The Great Race, Federal Hall National Historic Site and Hamilton Grange.
