Luke Day: Revolutionary, Farmer and the Master Spirit in Shays' Rebellion

Storrowton Village Museum in West Springfield, MA will host its annual First Person Presentation, “Luke Day: Revolutionary, Farmer and the Master Spirit in Shays’ Rebellion,” by Stan Svec on January 26, 2018 at 7pm in the Village’s historic Meetinghouse.

Svec, of Southwick, Mass., is the History Department Chair at West Springfield High School. He will portray Day (1743-1801) who was well known for his leadership role in Shays’ Rebellion, for which he was convicted of high treason and sentenced to death, before being pardoned by Governor John Hancock. He was referred to as the "Master Spirit" of the insurrection, and was only passed over as overall leader in favor of Daniel Shays due to the perception of overzealousness on his part, by his men. As a lieutenant, and then a captain, he served for eight years and participated in many key battles of the American Revolutionary War. After the war, he joined the prestigious Society of the Cincinnati, which included the likes of George Washington and Alexander Hamilton.

A member of one of the most prominent families in West Springfield, Day was christened at the First Congregational Church. His cousin, Josiah, owned the home which still stands today on Park Street – The Old Day House – and is the oldest known brick saltbox-style house in the country. His brother-in-law, Justin Morgan, developed the Morgan horse breed.

Captain John Potter, whose home stands in Storrowton Village Museum, served in the Massachusetts Militia and on two occasions, his Brookfield Company was called on to suppress the tumult of Shays’ Rebellion.

Admission is $8 in advance online at storrowtonvillage.com and $10 at the door.  The Meetinghouse is wheelchair accessible.

Note: This event is weather permitting. If the weather is questionable, please call the Village for details prior to your departure.