How did the first settlers of Port Roseway in the 18th century live? Find out as history comes alive. People will get the opportunity to learn everything from clothing to mannerisms, cooking and musket care.
This opportunity to live history is being offered for the first time in Shelburne hosted by the Shelburne Reenactment Association and open to all of the public.
The May 4, 5 and 6 weekend will begin with a presentation entitled Whatever Shall I Wear on Friday evening at 7:00 pm. The presentation will answer any question about clothing worn from the 1740’s to the year 1812. No registration is needed for the presentation and a $5 admission for those not attending the remainder of the sessions.
A variety of topics will be covered over the weekend including men and women’s clothing and accessories, basics of leatherworking, camp authenticity, 18th century anachronisms, English country dancing, speech and mannerisms, deportment and acting the part.
Functional living will be covered as well including portable blacksmithing, camp cooking with period recipes and ingredients, musket care and use, wilderness foraging, longboat use, fire starting and making charcloth, quill cutting and writing.
Nearly every aspect of daily life in the 18-century will be explored during this fun and informative weekend.
A pattern swap will also be featured where attendees will have the opportunity to copy actual period patterns of various garments including resources of what fabric to use.
“This is a terrific opportunity for those involved in museum interpretation as well as individuals that might be interested in learning more about animating the past,” said quarter master for the Shelburne Reenactment Association, Samantha Brannen.
She hoped that this would bring more members of the public to learn more and discover a fascinating new hobby.
Registration for the weekend is $10 and includes lunch and snacks for Saturday and Sunday.
Brannen herself was drawn into re-enacting because of her love of history.
But it was the camaraderie of the group that kept her involved.
“I love getting together with everybody,” she said. “And it is a great family hobby. We go and have a lot of fun.”
Brannen has brought her child to the reenactment events as early as a few weeks old.
While she says she loves being involved in reenactments she said that it wasn’t the main reason for her doing it.
“We are not doing this because we are a bunch of elitists wanting to dress up,” she explained. “We want to provide a reason for visitors to come to the area.”
The Shelburne group is the largest reenactment group in the entire Maritimes.
One that Brannen said she hopes will grow even larger with the upcoming workshops.
“It is going to be a very interesting for everybody and not just for people in reenactment…if you are interested come by.”
Contact Samantha Brannen at 902-637-3422 or sambrannen@b-wactions.com for more information or to register.
