Welch ready for Revolutionary War Day at Smyrna's Belmont Hall

SMYRNA — While time inevitably moves forward in the world, that’s not always the case for Tom Welch.

The 83-year-old Dover resident has been known to shift from present day to the 18th century.

The next trip back in time comes Oct. 12, when he portrays former Delaware Gov. Thomas Collins during the second annual Revolutionary War Day at Historic Belmont Hall.

Mr. Welch, an author and historian, said he doesn’t plan to hold a performance or re-enactment.

“The word I use is ‘portrayal,’” he said. “It’s an attempt to do the best you can to get into that person’s skin, consider what would he think, how would he talk, how would he walk.”

So when it comes to Revolutionary War Day focused on life around 1773, Mr. Welch will have his mind there too. He’s portrayed characters since 2007 and “tries to as much as possible make the audience feel like they’re in the room with that person.

“I greet people at the door as Thomas Collins with ‘Welcome to my home.’ I think they’re not as surprised being at a historic event where whoever planned it is trying so share some history.”

When Mr. Welch take a role, that’s where he’s going to stay for some time.

“Many people know me as Tom Welch and walk in and say ‘Hello Tom’ and I respond with ‘Sir, I don’t know who you’re speaking to.

“You got the Tom right. I’m Thomas Collins, the owner of this building and I’m so glad you were able to be with us for the celebration today.”

Mr. Welch spent the 2023 Revolutionary War Day greeting visitors to Historic Belmont Hall as its owner, Mr. Collins as well.

“There was some excitement to all that and, every once in awhile, people would hear of something going outside and rush out the door to see what was happening,” he said.

Also returning is Noah Lewis as African American patriot soldier Ned Hector.

This year’s event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Historic Belmont Hall, 217 Smyrna Leipsic Road.

Activities include encampments of Revolutionary War reenactments, weapons demonstrations with no live ammunition and a safety officer on duty, and tours of Belmont Hall.

According to organizers, the day will include period arts performances from the Dover English Country Dancers and Brotherhood of Breath Band, featuring pipes and string.

Artisan craft vendors include Gina Gerhard of Flax-to-Linen and wood carver Rick Schuman of For Woodness Sake.

Smyrna High student volunteers will lead Colonial kids games.

Also taking part will be S&T Southern Smokehouse BBQ and Delights and Sweet Josephine’s.

The event is hosted by the Friends of Belmont Hall and 1st Delaware Regiment.

The day is supported, in part, by Delaware Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities and the Delaware 250 Heritage Commission. Additional donations are gratefully accepted. Guided parking is free.