Eric H. Schnitzer The Hessians are Coming

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF THE TOWN OF COLONIE

Cordially Invites You to a Special Presentation by
Eric H. Schnitzer “Hessians” in the War for Independence 

Tens of thousands of German soldiers supplemented the British Army during the American War for Independence (1775-1783). They served in most major military campaigns spreading from Canada to Florida, and they were even deployed to fight in India! Commonly called "Hessians," these soldiers were demonized by American propaganda - echos of which still persist to this day. Where in Germany did they come from? Why did the British hire them? What did they think of having to fight against Americans in a war they had no interest in? 

Eric Schnitzer has worked at Saratoga National Historical Park since 1997, becoming Park
Ranger/Historian in 2000. He has dedicated his life’s study to the organization, personnel, and material culture of the British, German, and American armed forces of the American War for independence, particularly as relates to the Northern Campaign of 1777. He lectures and writes extensively on the subjects and has written articles for journals such as The Hessians, The Brigade Dispatch, and The Fort Ticonderoga Bulletin. He’s also created illustrations for books such as Philadelphia 1777; Wives, Slaves and Servant Girls: Advertisements for Female Runaways in American Newspapers, 1770–1783; British Soldiers, American War: Voices of the American Revolution; and The Revolution’s Last Men: The Soldiers behind the Photographs.