Bruce M. Venter

Dr. Bruce M. Venter is president of America’s History, LLC, a tour and conference company best known for its annual conference on the American Revolution. He is the author of The Battle of Hubbardton: The Rear Guard Action that Saved America. He is also known for his character portrayals of General John Burgoyne and Charles Earl Cornwallis.

The First Civil War Reenactor: General Judson Kilpatrick

January 22, 2026 by Bruce M. Venter 1 Comment

Not long after the guns of the Civil War fell silent, many former combatants took up the pen to re-fight their battles on paper. The conflict had been a defining moment in the lives of thousands of young soldiers. Major General Judson Kilpatrick (1836-1881), arguably one of the most colorful figures to emerge from war, longed for a more visual reminder of things past.

And in 1878, on the bucolic fields of his northern Deckertown New Jersey farm, “Little Kil” as he was affectionately called by his West Point classmates, sought to recreate scenes familiar to the old veterans. General Kilpatrick would stage the first major reenactment of a Civil War battle.* [Read more…] about The First Civil War Reenactor: General Judson Kilpatrick

That ‘Other’ Massacre: Blood and Chocolate at Half-Way Brook

January 5, 2026 by Bruce M. Venter 1 Comment

The dramatic massacre at Fort William Henry on August 10, 1757 has been told in 18th century newspaper accounts, witness diaries, by historians, movie makers, and of course the famed novelist James Fenimore Cooper.

Another attack at Half-Way Brook a year later has been overshadowed by the carnage at Lake George. The events of July 28, 1758 were every bit as horrendous, bloody and gut-wrenching. That story has been largely overlooked. [Read more…] about That ‘Other’ Massacre: Blood and Chocolate at Half-Way Brook

Fort Amherst & Half-Way Brook’s Bloody Background

September 11, 2025 by Bruce M. Venter 1 Comment

Tucked away between a car dealership and several corporate buildings at 25 Lafayette Street in Queensbury sits Hovey Pond Park, a serene oasis in the middle of suburban commercial development.

It’s a place for the jogger, the dog walker, the nature lover, and children seeking a playground. On a pleasant day, visitors may enjoy the park’s flower garden, fishing pond and wild life sanctuary, including a fast-running, bubbling creek that borders the park’s southern boundary. [Read more…] about Fort Amherst & Half-Way Brook’s Bloody Background

Stuffing the Ballot Box: It’s Nothing New in American Politics

November 10, 2024 by Bruce M. Venter 1 Comment

It was a cold wintry night in early January 1793 in Upstate New York when a trio of political operatives reined in their horses at the home of John Van Alen. The two story wood framed farmhouse stood in newly formed Rensselaer County on the east side of Hudson River.

One of the men, John Van Valkenburgh struggled with a box and several canvas bound books. Once inside the house, the weary Dutchman was approached by Van Alen’s wife, lugging a large chest. Anne Van Alen suggested the chest could be used to store the important items Van Valkenburgh was manhandling. [Read more…] about Stuffing the Ballot Box: It’s Nothing New in American Politics

The Battle of Diamond Island on Lake George

September 23, 2024 by Bruce M. Venter 2 Comments

Today it’s a State-owned island – a day use area for picnics – but Diamond Island on Lake George witnessed a horrific bombardment by gun boats manned by Patriots during the American Revolution.

The fight occurred during British Lieutenant General John Burgoyne’s 1777 campaign to capture Albany. Initially, Burgoyne’s 9,000 man army had successfully captured Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Independence in July. [Read more…] about The Battle of Diamond Island on Lake George

Bruce M. Venter

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