Enactors and guests filled the rooms of the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds on Saturday for a racy Revolution-themed cocktail party. 

“Naughty Newton at Night: Revolution After Hours” followed “Revolutionary Newton,” a family-friendly daytime gathering featuring crafts and games. The cocktail party offered adults a look at 18th-century life, exploring its risqué side, said Historic Newton’s education manager, Allison Pagliaro.

“It is our 21-plus historic cocktail party, where people can learn about life in the 18th century with the more risqué side of things—gambling, drinking, sex and prostitution,” Pagliaro said.

Both events were part of Newton’s involvement with Revolution 250, an initiative to commemorate the events leading up to the American Revolution.

Taverns were a central social space for men in the 18th century, serving as venues for conversation and community gatherings over drinks. At Saturday’s event, Glenn Siner, a history teacher from Rhode Island, displayed spirits such as gin and whiskey from countries like Portugal and Spain, and explained their use in cocktails of that era. 

Glenn Siner, a historian from Rhode Island, explains the ingredients included in 18th century cocktails at Historic Newton’s “Naughty Revolution” event on March 15, 2025. Photo by Vivian Ainomugisha

“A lot of people feel like the Revolution was born in the tavern,” Siner said. “Every time you get men with strong opinions and alcohol it leads to fiery reactions.”

Not only did reenactors dress in period costumes, but some attendees also embraced the Revolutionary-era fashion. Guest Debbie Wasson described her look as “the wench in the bar.”

Wasson wore a dark brown and olive green dress with a brown corset top and a green skirt. The outfit was finished with white puffy sleeves, giving it a historical touch. “I thought for this period, this time, this is a perfect outfit,” she said.

She attended the event to support a friend who was one of the organizers and to enjoy herself. To immerse herself in the period atmosphere, Wasson prepared by listening to 18th-century music.

“I went on Spotify and got this music just to get in the mood,” she said. “It was called Tavern Music from the 1700s. It was marvelous.”

Two friends from Newton, Annie Greene and Allison Antonakas, arrived dressed as “Renaissance fairies,” wearing matching outfits—one in pink and the other in green—with winged headbands, unaware that the event had a different theme.

“We were told that it was a renaissance party… so we were wrong,” Greene said. “We love a themed party and knew that it was gonna support Newton in different ways, so we were for it.”

Despite the costume mishap, the two “enjoyed the rum punch” and walked through the exhibits.

Annie Greene and Allison Antonakas attend Historic Newton’s “Naughty Revolution” event as “Renaissance fairies.” Photo by Vivian Ainomugisha

One of the rooms had games for the attendees to play, with cards and colonial-style games like “Tabletop Ninepins,” a bowling-like game played with nine pins and two balls.

Other exhibits depicted bedrooms from that era, women’s fashion and affectionate letters. 

Ward 1 City Councilor-at-Large Alison Leary, who was among the attendees, emphasized the city’s commitment to historic preservation and fostering community connections.

“Newton is committed to our historic past and how important it is to understand our history,” Leary said.

While Leary said events like these help raise awareness about historic preservation, she also appreciates the role that they play in bringing people together. 

“In the past, people engaged with their neighbors through women’s clubs and in-person events,” she said. “Now, it’s so easy to isolate at home, and that contributes to the loneliness epidemic. Events like these bring people together and help build stronger communities.”

This story is part of a partnership between the Newton Beacon and the Boston University Department of Journalism.