Not much is known about the music that was played in the Cushetunk settlement along the upper Delaware River in colonial times, nor about the men and women who might have played it. One of the members of the largest family in Cushetunk, Nathaniel Tyler, son of Bezaleel Tyler II, has been described as “a musician,” and spent six years as a drummer in the Revolutionary War, but little else has been recorded about the subject.

There is no reason to believe that Cushetunk was any different from the many other frontier settlements of the day, however, and music played an important role in daily life in most of them.

“The colonial era in America was a vibrant tapestry of cultural exchanges, and music played a pivotal role in shaping the social and cultural landscape of the time,” it is written in “The Role of Music in Colonial Traditions.”

“The types of music and instruments used during this period not only reflected the diverse backgrounds of the settlers but also contributed significantly to the communal fabric of colonial life.”

In general, string instruments were the most popular instruments in the colonial era, although there were many others used. The fiddle, or violin was perhaps the single most popular instrument of the day, and for years has been part of the interpretation at Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History in Narrowsburg, NY, which tells the story of the Cushetunk settlement. Prominent among the musicians at Fort Delaware over the years were the young siblings Leo and Elektra Kehagias, both extremely talented violinists.

Wind instruments, such as the fife, and percussion instruments like the drum were also commonly found in colonial settlements, and Fort Delaware has recently introduced its own Fife & Drum Corps as America begins its semiquincentennial celebration of the Revolutionary War, during which both instruments played a key role in conveying orders over long distances.

The dulcimer was another string instrument that was popular with colonial settlers, primarily because it was relatively easy to play. And tomorrow, Saturday, August 2, at 4 p.m., the Bold Gold Media Speaker Series at Fort Delaware will feature historical musician Linda Russell, formerly the balladeer at Federal Hall in New York City, presenting a program on colonial music, largely featuring the hammered dulcimer.

It has been said that “through ballads, broadsides, love songs, marches, drinking songs, dance tunes and Revolutionary War anthems, Linda Russell brings the 18th Century to life.”

In promoting the program, Fort Delaware notes that “Linda Russell leads us on a historic journey that is both entertaining and enlightening by punctuating her musical performances of actual songs from the period with anecdotes and facts from primary source material. The pioneers, patriots, and other figures of America’s past come to life before our very eyes as Linda sings and shares stories of their joys and hardships.”

Her program at Fort Delaware includes music and narration. It will take place in the event tent behind the Fort, and is free and open to the public.

“The influence of music on colonial identity cannot be overstated,” according to “The Role of Music in Colonial Traditions.” “As colonists sought to define themselves in the context of their relationship with the British crown and each other, music became a powerful means of expressing their aspirations, frustrations, and hopes. The emergence of patriotic songs during the lead-up to the American Revolution illustrates how music was used to galvanize public sentiment and foster a sense of unity among colonists.

“Songs like “Yankee Doodle” and “The Liberty Song” became rallying cries for those who sought independence from British rule. These songs were not merely entertainment; they were tools of political expression that conveyed messages of rebellion, resilience, and a shared vision for the future. By singing these songs, colonists could participate in a collective movement that transcended individual differences and emphasized their common cause.”

“The role of music in shaping colonial identity extended beyond political expression. It also provided a means of preserving cultural heritage amidst the rapid changes occurring in colonial society. As immigrants from various European countries settled in America, they brought their musical traditions with them. The blending of these diverse influences contributed to the creation of a rich and varied musical landscape, one that reflected the complexities of colonial life.”

Come see—and hear—for yourself tomorrow, at Fort Delaware.

Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History is located on the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway at 6615 Route 97 in Narrowsburg, It is owned by Sullivan County and operated by the Barryville based non-profit history education group, The Delaware Company.

John Conway is the Sullivan County Historian and a founder and president of The Delaware Company. Email him at jconway52@hotmail.com.