Historical Re-enactment
What is it and how to do it?

©PHOTO BY GRAHAME AMY. USED WITH PERMISSION

Historical re-enactment and Living History are one and the same- it's researching history and recreating it as accurately as possible- the clothing, food, occupations, daily activities, traditional skills and the pass-times from different periods of history.

Groups of like-minded individuals meet throughout the year and hold events with other groups who share their interests. There are groups for Vikings, Colonials, the Middle Ages, the Scottish Corp and everything in between, no matter the nationality and time period. You need not be an expert before you join, just possess the enthusiasm and the willingness to learn new skills and have fun.

The Queensland Living History Federation defines it as:-

"Living History is a hobby combining elements of archeology, research, arts, crafts, martial skill (at times) - and of course, fun. It is finding out what it meant to be a merchant, a convict, a farmer, a soldier, or a person of means - this list is not restricted; and can be from any time and any location. It is an attempt to simulate, or reenact life in another time, and is a very tangible and visual interpretation of aspects of social heritage. It is a three-dimensional history lesson that is entertaining as well as educational; combining the art form of dramatic performance and the discipline of historic research, it is not a medium which accepts the mythology of the past. Widely used throughout Europe, the United Kingdom and North America as an integral form of historic interpretation, its promotion as a recognized method of preserving elements of our cultural heritage is a significant objective for Queensland Living History Federation Inc."

For more information, visit these websites-
Queensland Living History Federation Inc. if you live in Queensland
Australian Register of Living History Organisations to find your local re-enactment group Australia wide.

Copyright © Rosalie Gilbert
All text & photographs within this site are the property of Rosalie Gilbert unless stated.
Artifact images remain the property of the owner.
Images and text may not be copied and used without permission.