A few notes about our founding member, from our founding member.
I first began reenacting in 2006, I was always enamored with history from a young age. I couldn't get enough of it, growing up in the '90's you got your history from books and encyclopedia's in black and white I was a voracious reader, but I always wanted more. History is much more than text on the pages of a book, it is and was as vibrant and colorful as any given day is today.
I think what drew me to living history and reenacting is that desire for a deeper connection to our past. Is there an element of reenacting that could be brushed off as just playing war, or dress up in funny long outdated clothing? Sure. Is it a little bit nerdy? Yep. But I think it goes a little deeper than that, as it relates to the period of my greatest interest, the American Revolution, what better way to try to scratch the surface of what our first veterans went through than trying to step ever so slightly into their shoes. Standing in the ranks with the men, feeling a crisp breeze on your face, the smell of leather warmed by the sun. The weight of a musket in your hand and a canteen and bayonet on your shoulder and the crick in your neck from the weight of it all. The din of a simulated battle, as volley and cannon shots pierce the air, the acrid smell of white clouds of powder smoke. And once a battle is complete, the ambiance of food cooked in a period manner over an open fire, as pipe smoke and the sounds of camp waft through the air. For me it gets me closer, lets me walk in the footsteps of our Revolutionary forebears, sure, there is no constant risk of death from battle or minor disease, no reenactment is ever going to be truly authentic on a 1:1 scale. But its close, close enough for my mind. Its a little bit of make believe and escapism from the world which we live in a healthy vacation for the mind to get into a different time and place.
My experiences and goals of reenacting have changed as I've grown older, sure taking part in a crisp action is still exciting, but just interacting with visitors to events is a pleasure just the same. I've always taken care to try and portray people in the past with great attention to detail, and displaying the best material culture possible is important to me. Small items mater, from small details not readily noticeable to the deportment of the characters we portray. The "rev war" era of reenacting has evolved greatly since its initial heyday surrounding the bicentennial, the amount of research material available at your finger tips is amazing. There will always be conjecture about things that occurred 250 years ago, but we know a lot today, and in my mind there is no excuse to not have the best portrayal possible. As with anything in my life, I've always stated, "if its worth doing, it's worth doing right" I hope to bring this attitude to life with Knox's Regiment.
A little more about me, I have been in the living history hobby since 2006, I have participated in the Revolutionary War, World War Two and Civil War Eras, but I've always come back to the 18th Century. I am extremely excited to be able to participate in this hobby and era as we approach the 250th anniversary cycle of the revolution. On the real world side, I am a native of the Northshore of Massachusetts, I work as career firefighter/paramedic, a licensed pilot and served 7 years with the Army National Guard. I look forward to working with everyone in the hobby to build and bring forth a fun, safe, respected and quality reenactment group.
-OB
Comments