As part of our programming to celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, the Keep Homestead Museum will welcome consulting historian Dennis Picard on Sunday, August 2 as he presents his lecture "Dragoon, Musketeer, Prisoner: The Hessians of the Revolutionary War in Western Massachusetts. Even though there were no battles in Western Mass during the American Revolution, there were Hessian soldiers here. Folklore says that these soldiers were mercenaries purchased by King George to fight the rebellious colonies. Hear how these men got to our area and they they were here, who they really were, and why some remained in our regions. Dennis Picard of Westfield is a living history interpreter who has held leadership roles at several historic sites including Sturbridge Village and Storrowton VIllage Museum. He continues to educate the publis about history doing reenactments, lectures, and craft demonstrations. Visitors are welcome to tour the museum from 1-3:30pm to view new patriotic button displays and enjoy refreshments.