Love, Sweat, and History
While discussing this year’s Halloween costumes with my family, I found myself looking at several items from World War II military uniforms online. I catch the reenactor bug every so often and the idea of dressing up brought another bout.
Speaking of...
A few weeks ago, I attended an event at Fort Washington named, appropriately, Fort Washington Day. The event was focused on the history of the fort from its construction through the end of its active service. There were Park Service Rangers on hand to teach and guide visitors through the fort and its history. The were also history reenactors. Lots of them.
The words historical reenactor likely conjures thoughts of battle reenactments or large-scale camp recreations. But there are many varieties of reenactors, whether individual or group-based, ranging from period to military to civilian. Reenactment is both living history and historical immersion. Each reenactment is a bit different than the next, but they are all focused on sharing stories of the past.
During Fort Washington Day, there were booths representing several eras: The War of 1812, complete with a period musical band; two separate tents featuring the American Civil War, one a mockup of an individual soldier’s kit and camp site, and another group dedicated to colored troops; there were several booths focused on World War II, one of which highlighted women’s service during the war. Other tables represented special types of history including coastal artillery and weather observation through the years. The latter was a special treat for anyone interested in science or math as the instruments for both professions were available to demonstrate the practices. Fort Washington even has a dedicated group of reenactors who demonstrate cannon firing and period dancing throughout the year. A wonderful group of history lovers.
As a historian, I love this practice. It gets people excited. Adults and children alike are always in awe of seeing how different things were. The ability to touch and feel history is a great conversation starter. It provides a tangible connection to the past that you can’t get from a book or documentary.
These reenactors come from a cross section of life. They search the internet, estate sales, flea markets, and history events looking for bits and pieces to build out their historical personas. Boots here, a hat there, buttons, cups, etc. Lots of the items are reproductions, certainly from the older eras, but many are made the same way they were originally, by hand and from the same materials. For later eras, it isn’t uncommon to see gentlemen wearing WWII jackets or pants made in the 1940’s, looking just as good today as they did then.
Despite their different cultural backgrounds and historical period of choice, all reenactors share a love of history. They honor the lives of those now gone and share their stories with others. They share views on the past and have discussions with others who are interested in events. Together, they seek to understand more about what “has been.” This is the practice of history at its most fundamental level.
I see the impact this practice has with communities and people on a regular basis.
I volunteer with an older gentleman who does living history. He represents one of the more famous WWII Generals as he greets veteran groups and other visitors on their tour of the D.C. memorials. It is an absolute joy for the visiting vets. They stop and get photos, discuss their service, and ask more questions than one can possibly keep up with. His time and commitment to simultaneously honoring a historical figure, the greatest generation of Americans and the memorial’s visitors is deeply worthwhile.
That is my opinion, at least.
My hope is that more historians, both amateur and professional, take up the practice. To all those who were sweating in the name of history in those wool uniforms, thank you. Maybe I will join you someday soon. Hopefully, others will too.
