The Bushy Run Battlefield Park in Westmoreland County has announced the cancellation of this year's 261st Anniversary Reenactment of the Battle of Bushy Run, which was set to take place on August 3 and 4. The decision comes in the wake of an F1 tornado that barreled through the park on June 26, causing significant arboreal damage across the site. The twister, which packed winds of up to 110 mph, did not damage any buildings, but left a swath of destruction in terms of downed and uprooted trees, making some areas unsafe and inaccessible, and leading the board to assess that the site could not be prepared in time for the scheduled event, as reported by WPXI.
According to a statement on the battlefield's Facebook page, "The board began discussing options for the reenactment the morning after the tornado," as per WPXI. Upon weighing all alternatives and community suggestions, they concluded that "the solution that makes the best sense for the safety of our volunteers, reenactors, and visitors is to cancel this year’s event." Cleanup efforts have commenced under the guidance of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, yet the site remains closed to the public and volunteers pending a thorough safety assessment.
Speaking about the weight of the board's decision, Bushy Run Manager Matt Adams expressed gratitude for the continued support from the community in light of the unfortunate circumstances. "We appreciate all the kind words and the support from everybody. We know it’s tough news, but everyone we’ve talked to has responded well and been super supportive," He said, as detailed by TribLIVE. The cancellation of the event follows a previous debate last year with the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission regarding policy changes, now resolved, that impacted the reenactment's proceedings.
Last year, the event was initially canceled and then reinstated with new requirements for historical accuracy, especially concerning the representation of Native Americans by reenactors. This year's cancellation, while providing relief since no one was hurt by the tornado in the damaged Bushy Run Battlefield, still poses a considerable disappointment to those who cherish the reenactment as an expressive connection to a pivotal historical event. In its stead, the battlefield's board of directors is planning an alternative living history event for the fall, promising to share more details as they become available.
Supporters of the Bushy Run Battlefield Museum can contribute via online donations. Additionally, the museum is exploring alternative venues for its History Speaks lecture series. If any community organizations are interested in donating space, Adams said, they can contact the museum, according to TribLIVE.
