Reenacting for Beginners

A How-to Guide

Have you ever walked through a historic site and wished you could step back in time? As a historic reenactor of the French and Indian War, that's exactly what you get to do: dress in period costume; learn a traditional craft or trade; use old-fashioned equipment and weaponry; assume the character of a French, British or Native American soldier or civilian. You can recreate the past—it all starts with visiting events and sites focused on the history you enjoy most.

All along the Seaway Trail, throughout New York State and extending into Pennsylvania, the French and Indian War 250th Anniversary Commemoration Commission has planned events through 2010, including battle reenactments that mirror the originals between 1754 and 1763.
Schedule your trip to coincide with these events—or visit anytime to learn more about the French and Indian War—and you'll be on your way to joining the living history community.

Step 1: Make Friends

What's the easiest way to get started reenacting? Approach some of the reenactors you see at an event. It's not as difficult as it may sound—and now's your chance to learn more about the history of the French and Indian War, the type of red paint Native American reenactors use, and the possibility of joining a unit to get involved yourself.

"Reenactors are very willing to share information," says Paul Lear, historic site manager at Fort Ontario, in Oswego, NY, who reenacts the French and Indian War as a British soldier. "Most units are willing to loan uniforms and equipment to people for the first year. It's a real team effort. Everyone helps you along."

Borrowing clothing and other accoutrements is definitely advised as you get started. Purchasing items can get expensive; uniforms, for example, are tailor-made using authentic fabrics and stitching methods. Many reenactors have friends make their clothing, or they use a company that creates historical reproductions, like The Discriminating General, in Ontario, Canada.

Of course, if you're good with a sewing machine yourself, that's another way to get started. Marsha Hough portrays a cook, though she sometimes finds herself manning a cannon when the unit is short on men. She needs two sets of clothing: one for reenacting the French and Indian War and the other for reenacting the War of 1812. She makes it all herself for events at several sites, including Fort La Presentation, in Ogdensburg, NY, and Fort Ticonderoga, in Ticonderoga, NY. "It's much easier and more cost effective," she explains.

Michael Whittaker, a Canadian government worker, also reenacts the French and Indian War reenactments at Fort La Presentation, portraying a French Navy lieutenant. "One doesn't jump into this," he notes. "You have to build into it."

When he started reenacting, Whittaker could fit all of his clothes, utensils and blankets in a duffel bag; years later, he had so much stuff—including tents, tables and chairs—he used an extended van and trailer to cart it around. Since he wears glasses in real life, he even had a pair of 18th century spectacles made to wear at events.

Step 2: Indulge Your Interests

Many people find their way into the living history community through a passion for research. Collecting items from the French and Indian War period—or even finding authentic-looking items that aren't quite so expensive—requires plenty of research. What could be more exciting to a history enthusiast who wants to start reenacting the French and Indian War?

George Bray began researching the period as a teenager about 30 years ago. He started with history books, found more titles in the books'
bibliographies and went to larger libraries—including the Library of Congress—to obtain those titles. He also collects original period items like documents, prints, newspapers and weaponry by searching antiquarian book sales and, these days, ebay. In fact, he's become an expert in his own right, writing articles on the French and Indian War for publications including The Early America Review and Muzzleloader Magazine.

Bray also serves as commanding officer of Rogers' Rangers, a unit that reenacts the French and Indian War at sites including Fort Ticonderoga, Fort Niagara, Fort Ontario, Fort Stanwix, in Rome, NY, and Rogers Island Visitors Center, in Fort Edward. "It's my passion,"
Bray says. "It's my escape from 21st century life."

According to many reenactors, it's important to know your passion before making a commitment to joining a unit. After all, some units are more "hard-core" about being authentic, while others focus on commemorative aspects, historical programs or creating a social atmosphere. "A lot of people think all units and organizations are the same, but there are a lot of differences," says Douglas Cubbison, command historian, who belongs to two French and Indian War units, one British, one French. "That makes a huge difference in your experience."

Some people like to go camping in the primitive style—eating only what the soldiers ate back in the day. For Marsha Hough, the enjoyment comes from having friends in her unit, which has grown over the past six years to about 40 members. "There's a lot of camaraderie. We've all gotten close," she says. "It's like a big family."

Step 3: Join A Unit

Why join a unit? It's essential, since participation in reenactments at historic sites is often by invitation only. As Michael Whittaker explains, the invitation system is a way to control numbers and make sure only proven individuals and units attend. But it's not meant to discourage anyone from participating. It's easy to arrange an invitation by contacting a site.

Once you know what you're looking for in a unit, you can find it—even if there's no group based in your immediate area. Visit a historic site, and see which groups they recommend. "We all maintain lists,"
says Bob Emerson, executive director at Old Fort Niagara, in Youngstown, NY, who reenacts as a regular French soldier in French and Indian War events. "Some groups may have events in your area even if they're not based there."

Most importantly, make sure to visit French and Indian War events and historic sites along the Seaway Trail. That's where you'll find the living history community in action—and ready to welcome you as a spectator or a participant.