Halloween Lantern Tours
Ann Bates-British Spy During American Revolution
A Spy Amongst Us
During the American Revolutionary War, both sides employed spies to gather intelligence, spread misinformation and influence strategies that tilted outcomes throughout the war. Most spies were men but women also played a significant role. At the time, women were largely considered incapable of understanding military matters or the significance of what they saw or heard, and thus many were allowed unfettered access to military camps. One of the most successful British spies was Ann Bates, a Philadelphia school teacher with Loyalist sympathies. Bates even managed to gain access to Washington’s headquarters in New York! Disguised as a peddler, she eavesdropped on conversations of officers and enlisted men and gained valuable information about Continental troops advancing towards Rhode Island. She passed this information on to the British which impacted the Continental army plan.
Imagine the time is November 1777 and the Continental army under General George Washington is encamped in the hills surrounding Whitemarsh Estate (now known as Hope Lodge). A group of people is travelling along the Great Road (Bethlehem Pike) searching for loved ones wounded at the Battle of Germantown. Whitemarsh Estate is being used by Washington’s Surgeon General John Cochran as his headquarters and the group stops by to inquire where the wounded have been taken. Unbeknownst to the group, there is a British spy among them!
Join us on October 26, 2024 for A Spy Amongst Us, an immersive tour on the grounds of Historic Hope Lodge where you expose a British spy! Be part of the investigation and trial all while learning a little history!
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! Tours are outdoors and recommended for ages 7 & up. Guests must be able to walk over uneven ground and encouraged to bring a flashlight. The event is rain or shine so come prepared for the weather. Tours will be limited to 10 guests and will run every half hour from 6:00 to 9:30 pm. When ordering your tickets, please be aware that you will need to stay with your selected group. Please arrive ten minutes before scheduled tour time.
Admissions charged: General Admission $10.00 + Eventbrite fee. Friends of Hope Lodge members are free! Click on Buy Tickets Now link below to purchase or obtain your free ticket for members. Note this is rain or shine event. No refunds.
