2008 Interpretive Events!

Events in bold are OLRHS MAXIMUM effort events.



February 23-24:
"Echoes of the Past" Historic Trade Fair, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Sunnyview Exposition Center, Winnebago County Fair Grounds, Oshkosh, WI

Plenty to see and do at this excellent indoor trade fair! The OLRHS sponsors a booth at this show-- ORIGINAL artifacts, Black Hawk War information, discussion on the U. S. Mineral District, and demonstrations of 1830s period skills! Exposition Center is located on County Trunk "Y", 1/2 mile East of Highway 45, north of Oshkosh.) For directions and hotel information, click here.

April 26-27
"The Gathering at Macktown,"
Macktown Forest Preserve, Rockton, Illinois
A nice site located near the confluence of the Pecatonica and Rock Rivers. Word has it the OLRHS has been approached to attend, in order to move the event more toward the 1830s--Sauk and Fox indians burned Stephen Mack's fur post during the Black Hawk War (read Greg Carter's excellent article here.) Flag raising, drills and musket demonstrations, even a "sham battle!" It has been a fun event for members who have attended in the past. Be prepared for unpredictable weather!

April 26-27
"War in the Old Northwest"
Lyon Farm and Village, Yorkville, Illinois.
This is a War of 1812 event, sponsored by the same fine folks that run the Villa Louis event. Lyon Historic Farm and Village is located just north of Route 126 on Route 71 in Yorkville, Illinois - approximately 45 minutes southwest of Chicago. Event is open from 10am until 4pm each day with battles at 11am & 3pm. All Impressions wanted. For more information, click here.

May 23-24-25:
Fort Atkinson Rendezvous.
Rock River Park, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

This year, the Fort Atkinson Rendezvous celebrates the "The Wheels of the Fur Trade." OLRHS will be located at the "Old Fort"-- specifically in and around the southeast blockhouse and along the south wall-- same place as last year. ALL impressions wanted! Our Society will provide its costumed interpreters and supporters with two cooked meals per day. Militia drill and guard-mount, musket demonstrations, "running" bullets, cooking, activities of daily living. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. both days.VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED for the Friday, May 23 "School Day" 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This traditionally has been a FUN day, with many interesting visitors and school groups!

May 31-June 1:
1830's Militia Muster.
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, Illinois.

Militia muster at New Salem-- election of officers, drill, flag ceremonies, parades, musket and rifle demonstrations, and plenty of FUN in an excellent 1830's village setting. All civilian impressions needed. Perhaps even a running of the "Striped Hog?" Please dress for the weather, which can be quite hot and humid. OLRHS members may stay on-site in tents or at the Herndon Brothers' cabin. Please make every effort to attend this event! 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

July 19-20:
Battle of Fort Shelby, 1814.
Villa Louis State Historic Site, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
This is a War of 1812 event. An historic encampment and battle reenactment at Wisconsin's only War of 1812 battlefield — now the rear lawns of the Villa Louis! British assault on Fort Shelby in a battle scenario 2 p.m. each day. Camp tours and military life in 1814. Looking for portrayals of Missouri militia (Note: MOST (but not all!) 1830s male civilian clothing, weapons, and equipage will work for 1814 militia.) For more information, please contact the militia commander.

September 5-6-7:
Platteville Historic Encampment
Mound View Park, Corner of Madison Street and County B, Platteville, Wisconsin.

This is an excellent, well-run, closely-juried event featuring historical groups and demonstrations from Platteville's past. Beautiful grounds and lively participants! Our 1832 Black Hawk War militia and period demonstrations--particularly the student "militia drill" on School Day was a HUGE HIT! ALL IMPRESSIONS WANTED! Participants on Friday's "School Day" will enjoy a catered meal Fri. night! For directions, please click here.



'Attention, Company!'
Black Hawk War Militia Encampment, 
Lincon Home National Historic Site. November, 2002
(Credit: Rusty Ayers.)