Reenacting History: Come Live in the Past
Historical Reenactors Do More Than Play Dress Up
There is a lot more to historical reenacting then dressing up in funny looking clothes, many take a step back and try to live in the past while in character. Generally living in the past is considered a negative thing, however historical reenactors often deliberately live in the past for fun. If you have a love of history, maybe you have what it takes to be a historical reenactor.
Most people think of civil war reenactors, if they think of reenactors at all, however there are reenactors for a wide variety of time periods, from medieval ages right on up. Not only does time period vary, but so does how serious groups take them, for some reenacting is a fun hobby and an attempt is all that is necessary, for others complete 100% historical accuracy is demanded.
If you are considering doing some historical reenacting you must consider how much time you are willing to put into it, and what time period you wish to reenact.
Medieval Reenacting
There are a number of groups that reenact medieval times in various ranges of seriousness, from renaissance faires up to professional historical reenactors that strive for as close to perfect historical accuracy as possible. Each group has its drawbacks and advantages all depending on what you want to get out of it. Groups such as Darc company for example pride themselves on historical accuracy and fit in a very narrow time period and geographical area.
One aspect that draws many people to medieval reenactment is the costuming, or as its often called in the reenacting circles "garb".
Society For Creative Anachronisms
Time Period: Pre 17th Century
Location: Europe
Characterizations: Peoples in regular contact with Europeans during the specified time period.
If you are interested in Medieval Reenacting the SCA is a good starting place. The SCA or Society for Creative Anachronisms is an international group that truly does span the globe. They are not quite as stringent on historical accuracy as many other historical recreation groups, but they do require a reasonable attempt at pre 17th century attire.
I am a SCAdian myself, scadian is the name members of the SCA often refer to themselves as. The SCA is wide open for a variety of interests and allows you to delve as deep into historical research of your area of interest as you wish and yet does not require you to have 100% accuracy.
More info:
Darc Company
Time Period: 800 - 1000 AD
Location: Northern Europe - Primarily Scandinavia, England and Ireland
Characterizations: Primarily Norse but can include Saxon, Celt, Britain, - peoples in regular contact with the Norse.
Darc Company is for more serious medieval reenacting, Darc company prides themselves on historical accuracy, to partake in a Darc reenactment all visible garb (clothing) must be historically accurate. The group is based in Canada mainly in Central Ontario. Darc often have paid historical reenacting events, so the reenactors can earn money for their work.
More info:
Regia Anglorum
Time Period: 850 - 1100 AD
Location: Northern Europe - Primarily Scandinavia, England and Ireland
Characterizations: Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Norman and British Living History
Regia Anglorum are professional living history experts. Their events are paid events, those who participate are all paid to do so. Naturally the historical accuracy required to be a member is quite high, if you are not in 100% period garb you will not be allowed to participate.
More info:
War of 1812
Time Period: War of 1812
Location: North America
Characterizations: British and American forces.
There is no unifying group for 1812 reenactors but rather a collection of units. Historical accuracy is maintained by the Unit leaders.
Still Looking?
Haven't found the right time period yet? Keep looking, there is bound to be one that fits what you are looking for.
© 2012 Jeff Johnston
