Historic-minded hobbies (Exeter: buy, university, living)

[WannaComeHome]

I'm wondering if anyone out there is familiar with the 'sub-culture' of Living History and Historic Re-enatments.

Down here we have a lot of different era historic activites, and by that I mean things like Living History groups that portray any era from Roman or Viking up past WWII (not just Civ War or Rev War).

There are also some annual 'markets' for the historic minded, places where re-enactors can buy from various merchants: like an 18th century market fair, or even a Black Powder 'rendezvous'.

Is there anything at all like these in NH? I've occasionally met a Civ War group from NH that came down for an event, and I know some towns (at least in Mass) have Rev War parades or something. I'm so hoping to find at least something. I've tried asking down here, but they only know the mid-atlantic area.

Any ideas??

[MrsM]

Exeter has a "Revolutionary War Festival" every summer in late July, with re-enactments and such, hosted by The American Independence Museum; they may have more information on other groups, events, et cetera. http://www.independencemuseum.org/default.asp I know there are a bunch of RevWar reenactment groups around in NH and Massachusetts has LOADS of them, they might be able to help you find them.

I'm pretty sure there are some SCA groups scattered around here, dunno if they're what you're looking for; here's a link to the East Kingdom's directory page:
http://www.eastkingdom.org/branches.html

[WannaComeHome]

Originally Posted by MrsM

Exeter has a "Revolutionary War Festival" every summer in late July, with re-enactments and such, hosted by The American Independence Museum; they may have more information on other groups, events, et cetera. http://www.independencemuseum.org/default.asp I know there are a bunch of RevWar reenactment groups around in NH and Massachusetts has LOADS of them, they might be able to help you find them.


Thanks! I'll look into them. We enjoy historic events of most any time - my grandmother was very active in DAR and hubby likes Black Powder stuff, so RevWar (if they work with civilians) can be great. either way, it's fun to watch.

I'm pretty sure there are some SCA groups scattered around here, dunno if they're what you're looking for; here's a link to the East Kingdom's directory page:
http://www.eastkingdom.org/branches.html

I'm very familiar with SCA (lots of friends in it) although we've mostly shied away from it - can't handle all the "m'lady" stuff! But... they do have good 'university' events and I've heard about a fair called 'Birka' that I'd love to go to.

A friend suggested Smoke & Fire newsletter has a good calendar, so I'll look there as well.

thanks!

[Dancingearth]

I'm not sure what you are looking for--to do living history or to visit? What era? I do Fur Trade Rondy's. When I moved to WA I researched on the Internet to find events. Look for trader's websites. They willl often list events. Also search by buckskinning, muzzleloading, National Muzzleloading Rifle Association. Local gun clubs usually know where black powder events are.

[WannaComeHome]

Originally Posted by Dancingearth

I'm not sure what you are looking for--to do living history or to visit?

tough to say right now. We might want to join a group to do living history, we might want to attend as visitors (I know I like to shop the markets!). But I'd like to know what's out there for options.

What era? I do Fur Trade Rondy's.
very cool. We like history of just about any time period, so we're open. there was an event here that used to be part Rondy part 18th cent market fair - but the Fort clamped down on the time frame and limited it to about 20 years, so all the F&I people pretty much left. Unfortunately it seems that was most of what my husband enjoyed (I wanted fabric and sewing stuff, so I was fine). I think Rendezvous are a lot of fun.


When I moved to WA I researched on the Internet to find events. Look for trader's websites. They willl often list events.

yeah, I tried some of that, but I wasn't getting very far. Most of the sutlers I know don't seem to go up to New England, so I cna't tell if there's stuff up there.

Also search by buckskinning, muzzleloading, National Muzzleloading Rifle Association. Local gun clubs usually know where black powder events are.

so are there Rendezvous up in NH?? when? where?

thanks!