The Virginia State Navy 1781 is a living history organization that interprets life in Virginia circa 1781, during the period of the British campaign to capture the State. The group interprets maritime social history through music, military demonstrations and social activities designed to emphasize the role of the Scottish, Welsh and Irish soldiers, sailors and civilians involved on both sides of the conflict.

Individual members display uniforms from both the American and British forces involved in the 1781 campaign while demonstrating crafts, pastimes and period professional skills such as medicine, navigation, and artillery. The group also teaches adult education classes for The Shepherd's Center and the Virginia Center on Aging as well as instructing in area schools and libraries.

Dogwatch was the musical arm of the organization. They appeared at several festivals and special events throughout the region to include the Hampton Pirate Festival, the Chesterfield Celtic Festival, The Hanover Celtic Festival, The Virginia Renaissance Faire and the Battersea Re-enactment.
Nov 25th Dogwatch will make their last appearance Tuesday
at the Brickhouse Run Tavern in old town Petersburg, 7:30 - 9:30 pm

order their CD by sending them an e-mail

Be prepared to join in a merry tune and sing along to a few sea shanties with them
as they finish their run of nautical life in the 18th Century!