Walking Tour: The 1692 York Candlemas Raid: Untangling Fact from Fiction
On January 24, 1692, Wabanaki forces, encouraged by the French in Canada, carried out an attack upon the colonial village of York, leaving much of the town burned, and more than 50 of its 500 residents dead. Another estimated 80 villagers were taken hostage, and marched through harsh winter conditions to Canada. It was one of the numerous raids that occurred in New England following the outbreak of King William’s War in 1688.
330 years later, the Candlemas Raid is remembered with a mixture of legend and truth. This tour, authored by Danny Bottino, a doctorial student in history, explores the complicated and important history of the event. Drawing on rigorous primary source research, the tour offers a full picture of the raid and its aftermath: Why did the raid happen? Who was involved? How did the Wabanaki and their French allies view the attack, and how did the raid fit into the overall Native strategy of opposition to English colonization? What happened to York and its inhabitants in the decades following 1692? How is the memory of the raid preserved in York, and what kind of distortions or inaccuracies have arisen over the centuries?
The tour lasts approximately an hour, and covers a three-block area along York Street, including the Old Burying Ground. The terrain is uneven, and comfortable shoes are recommended.
Tours begin promptly at the Lindsay Road entrance to the Museum Center, so please arrive no later than 5 minutes prior to check in. Because tour sizes are limited, if you do not check in by the start time of the tour, your ticket may be released to someone on the waiting list. No refunds can be issued within 24 hours of the event.
In case of inclement weather, the tour is cancelled and tickets will be refunded or credited towards another scheduled tour.
This tour is limited to ten people, and you must pre-register online (this includes members). No tickets will be sold at the door
Old York is committed to the safety of our visitors and staff. In order to limit the spread of the coronavirus, we have implemented the following safety measures:
Social Distancing: When possible we will maintain 6-feet of social distancing. We are limiting the number of people per tour in order to help comply with this measure.
Face Coverings: Guests and staff will be required to wear face coverings for the duration of the tour. If you do not have a face covering, Old York will provide one.
Restricted Access: The Old York Museum Center is closed to visitors. This includes the restrooms. Please be sure to use a restroom before coming to Old York for your tour.
Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer stations will be available to promote proper hygiene.
Thank you to Wiggly Bridge Distillery for providing hand sanitizer.
Date and Time
Saturday Aug 15, 2020
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
Saturday, August 15, 2020 11:00am
Fees/Admission
$10 adult / $5 child / free for members.
Click here to register