Listen, I’m a total history nerd. Books, documentaries, old newspapers and photographs. I love pouring over it all to learn about interesting events and personalities from history.
But there’s something magical about seeing history played out right before your eyes! It’s like experiencing time travel, and there is so much kids and adults alike can learn from it.
That’s why I love historical reenactments! (And historic sites that have historical interpreters, though historical interpreters and historic reenactors are not actually the same thing. I’m lumping them together for the purpose of this post, however, and hoping serious reenactors/interpreters won’t take offense!)
Reenactments are both entertaining and incredibly educational as “living history”. Not only can you see important events recreated by reenactors who are usually very meticulous in their efforts to maintain accuracy, but very often you also have the opportunity to try period foods, purchase authentic artifacts or very good reproductions, and enjoy period entertainment. There is no better way to learn history than by experiencing it, and reenactments offer an incredible way to do that.
I’m sure there are exceptions, but most reenactors are students of the era or war they choose to reenact. They can readily, (and usually very accurately,) answer questions about the work, food, firearms, and living conditions of their day. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, because they are generally very eager to answer them!
Though apparently reenacting is on the decline, (please say it ain’t so!) at the Battle of Perryville reenactment a couple of years ago, I think I was surprised at the number of very young reenactors. Notice anything unusual about the guy to the far left?
I can’t talk about reenactments and reenactors without mentioning Colonial Williamsburg. If you’re ever in Virginia and you get to go, GO! You will never find a place more devoted to an accurate representation of early American history than there. But I have also found some amazing events closer to home. Chances are, you can do the same!
If you aren’t familiar with historic sites in your area, a quick web search will likely turn up several. There are probably multiple historic homes, battlefields, or forts within a reasonable driving distance of your own home. If these locations have a website, look for events listings. There might even be a place where you can sign up for an email newsletter to keep you informed about upcoming events.
This is the evacuation of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. That’s not Independence Hall and this wasn’t Philadelphia, but sometimes you have to improvise. 😉 You can still get the point and learn!
Personally, I love to follow many historic sites on Facebook and Instagram. Not only do some of them post very interesting historic facts and beautiful photographs, but they also post event information and share about special discounts for certain paid events. If something comes up that I don’t want to miss, I’ll put it on my calendar or just add an alarm to my phone.
(Check Groupon for savings opportunities, too! We’ve saved up to 50% before on family tickets to special paid events.)
The area of the country where you live may best determine the reenactments available in your area, but you aren’t necessarily limited to battles that actually took place in your region. The Battle of Brandywine in the Revolutionary War took place in Pennsylvania, and yet we watched a reenactment of it right here in Kentucky. Reenactors at the Battle of Perryville reenactment informed us there are large Civil War reenactment groups in places like California and Arizona, which are obviously far from any actual Civil War battlefields.
Without question, American Revolution and Civil War reenactments are the most plentiful. The Civil War is of particular interest nationwide because it was American versus American. If you’re interested in attending a reenactment from one of these two wars, check out the links below. Keep in mind many of these websites have been created for reenactors to share information, but they’re a great place for you and I to find info, too!
The Battle of Brandywine
The American Revolution
Brigade of the American Revolution
The Civil War
National Civil War Association
Look for reenactments of other historical events, too, like bank and train robberies, wagon train journeys, famous debates and speeches, treaty signings, sieges, raids, and rescues. Sometimes reenactments can be devoted to entire periods of history, like the Jane Austen Festival and 18th Century Market Fair we try to attend every year in Louisville. Check out the Crazy Crow website, too. It is chock-full of information about battle reenactments, but offers info and links to living history events of all sorts.
Bring history to life for you and your children! And if you are a reenactor or enjoy attending reenactments, please share you favorite events, associations, or websites with us in the comment section below…
This post was shared at:
Modest Monday Link Up, Mommy Moments, Inspire Me Monday, Inspiration Monday, A Wise Woman Builds Her House Linkup, The Homemaking Party, Friendship Friday
