Jessamyn's Regency Costume Companion: Events





Beamish open-air museum in England.

Updated August 2006!
 New listings for summer 2005: A living-history event in Corydon, Indiana, focused on the period 1808-1825, and a Jane Austen Tea in St. Paul, Minnesota!

This page offers a list of events - and groups that hold events - that provide occasions to wear Regency/Federalist outfits. There are many more groups not listed here that do primitive early-19th-century living history (buckskinners) or strictly military reenactment (Napoleonic and War of 1812). I've tried to ferret out events to which you can wear civilian clothes and have something to do besides shoot things, but remember that every group has its own focus - don't expect to tackle table manners at the Alabama Frontier Days or wear a silk gown to the Muster in the Mountains.

All underlined event titles are links to a website with more information. And as ever, if you would like a group or event to be on this list (or if any of this information is incorrect or out of date), please do let me know.

For a great explanation of buckskinning and an intensive list of events in the upper midwest for buckskinners and military reenactors, I strongly recommend a visit to Eddie Little Bear's Tipi.

Nationwide

Worldcon. As the name implies, this is in fact the product of a worldwide organization: the World Science Fiction Society. What does that have to do with Regency events? Well, for complex reasons, most Worldcons include a Regency ball. The 2005 Worldcon will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, in August; in 2006 it will be in Los Angeles.

Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA). Holds an annual meeting each October that includes a costumed Regency ball. The 2004 meeting will be held in Los Angeles.

American Longrifle Association (ALRA). A pretty serious group of reenactors, but much less militarily focused than most. Holds events around the U.S. When you join, you create a persona from the period 1750-1815.

Northwest Brigade Club. Focuses on the living history of the western Canadian fur trade from 1774 to 1821. Has "a core group of reenactors in Alberta, but members from across North America benefit from the information in the club's quarterly publication, Northwest Journal."

The Canadian Corps of Voyageurs. This 1812 reenactment group is, unlike many, pretty open to women, children, and tradesmen (vs. military men). Based out of Old Fort William, they take part in events all over central Canada and the north central United States, and do have members in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

United States

Alabama


 Alabama Frontier Days. A five-day event hosted by Fort Toulouse and Jackson State Park in Wetumpka, a public-oriented living-history event in November. Also, "skilled reenactors such as the Tennessee Militiaman demonstrate the war of 1812 and the Creek war of 1813-1814 the first weekend of each month and the second week of November beginning November 6th."


Arizona


 We Make History, formerly Scott Hinkle's Historic Events. Holds various dance events throughout Arizona, including an annual Pride and Prejudice Ball each November. Events vary from an all-inclusive 1775-1945 ball to those focusing on a specific period, such as Victorian. The website is full of information on customs and costumes. Scott himself is at left.

California
Friends of the English Regency. Holds occasional assemblies in Southern California. How can one resist this tag line: "Do join us, especially if you're at least reasonably frivolous"? The site goes on to say, "We have no officers, no organization, and no formal membership, but we do get together once a year for an Assembly...and more often when we like. Period costume is welcome at our affairs, although not required. We have had tastings of Madeira wine and Ping Suey tea, a balloon ascension, card parties, a Rossini concert, and mock duels with swords and with black powder pistols. Also we like to dance."

Regency Dance Society. Holds dances in Sierra Madre. Costume is admired but not required; visit to see some photos of some very elegantly dressed participants. All dances are taught so all levels of dancers are welcome; cost is $10. As of July 2004 I cannot access the website - does anyone know whether this group is still functioning?


South Bay English Country Dance, an affiliate of the California Dance Cooperative, holds weekly country dances (not dressed up) and the annual Southern California Playford Ball (at which you can dress up as you please). In the past the ball has taken place on a Saturday in October in Pasadena, with a theme each year. Admission is $30 by pre-registration only, so be sure to visit the web site for more information and a registration form.

Lively Arts History Association. Holds and attends a variety of historical events of all periods, civilian and military, throughout Southern California.
Los Soldados del Real Presidio de Santa Barbara. Reenactment group in Santa Barbara recreating the Soldado de Cuera soldiers of the period 1769-1821; affiliated with the Santa Barbara Presidio restoration. "The soldiers of the Presidio and their wives played an important role in the colonization of California, and the families of the military became the region's first non-native population."

Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS). Holds a variety of Regency events, mostly dances, in the San Francisco Bay Area. Past events have included the ball at the Crown from Emma, as well as the wonderful annual Regency Science Fair. That's my husband seated at near left getting a phrenology reading (I'm reacting at far left). Thanks to Carolyn Dougherty for the photo.

Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society (PEERS). Holds a variety of fun historical events, also in the Bay Area, sometimes in association with BAERS. Periods vary, but recurring events include November's Le Bal des Vampires, featuring music, dancing, and costumes of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries with an emphasis on waltzes.


Greater Bay Area Costumer's Guild (GBACG). Holds workshops on different aspects of historical costume detail and throws (often outdoor) events at which to wear costumes of various periods, usually including Regency; past events have included the Romantic Poetry Picnic and A Regency Day in Ireland. Womderful fun, and open to anyone who loves costuming.


Ye Gaskell Occasional Dance Society. The Gaskell Ball is held every other month in Oakland in the grand Scottish Rite Temple. Dress is anything formal, 19th-century to the present. A five-piece brass band provides music for waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, country dances, and more. Potluck finger food.


Florida


 The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Past events have included an 18th-century Christmas open house and a 12th Night Ball, 18th-century attire only. There is some alternate information here.

Alafia River Rendezvous. A pre-1840 living-history encampment where reenactors set up and live in camps portraying and demonstrating life skills of various Early American cultures (British, Irish, Scottish, Spanish, and Native American). "At last year's gathering, over 1,000 lodges were set up, housing well over 1,600 people. Traders' Row was host to well over 100 traders selling everything from kettle corn to tents to firearms and knives, beads and sarsaparilla to skins and period clothing of all sorts." You can attend as a camping re-eanactor (adult $25, youth free - but you must register by mid-December) or a day visitor (adult $6, child $3).

Hawaii


 Mission Houses Museum. Reenacting early-19th-century Hawaiian social history in various events and programs. On Kama'aina Days (the last Saturday of each month), museum interpreters dressed in period clothing guide visitors through the historic houses and discuss nineteenth-century life in Honolulu. Demonstrations include cooking on a reproduction 1840s wood-fired cookstove, printing on a reproduction Ramage printing press, and outdoor period games for children. Or become a docent yourself! Check the events schedule for docent training days.


Illinois


 Fort Massac Encampment. An annual event held at Fort Massac State Park in October. "More than 500 participants, including members of 12 military reenactment regiments and more than 20 period crafters. Recreates the lifestyles of British, French, and Colonial military forces that occupied the historic fort at various times between 1757 and 1814." The fort also holds living-history weekends throughout the year, including an "Old Tyme Christmas."

Fort De Chartres State Historic Site. An eighteenth-century fort built on the banks of the Mississippi River near Prairie du Rocher. Annual spring and winter rendezvous offering "a blend of 18th- and 19th-century activities including muzzleloading competition, military and cannon competition, music, crafts, food, dancing, traders, and more."


Indiana
Indiana living-history statehood commemoration. I don't know the actual name of this event, but it's a new one celebrating Indiana's statehood and focuses on the period 1808-1825. The organizers of this new-in-2005 event are trying for strict historical accuracy and have actors portraying local heroes; period music; an 1812-era gentlemen's duel; and a reenactment of the signing of the state constitution in the very 1809 courthouse in which it was originally signed! Want to volunteer for next year? Contact Nathanael Logsdon via e-mail; mail (66 Loweth Ave., Corydon, IN 47112); or phone (812-457-7451).

Conner Prairie (pictured right). A living-history site interpreting various periods, including the 1823 William and Elizabeth Conner Home. Check out the spiffy new website! Offers all kinds of events and classes, such as Hearthside Cooking, Beginning Spinning with Wool, and Basics of Forge Welding. Also uses volunteers to do costumed interpretation.

Swiss Heritage Village & Museum. Primarily circa-1900, but in September throws a day-long Berne Heritage Festival in which traditions of Old Switzerland such as yodeling and the stone toss are accompanied by "nearly two dozen other living-history reenactments and craft vendors. Included are a Native American village, Fur Trade Encampment, wool spinning, rug weaving, children's old-fashioned games, a Scare Crow Contest and live musicians on a performance stage.


Mississinewa 1812 (pictured left). Held in October, this is like an 1812 version of the popular Renaissance faires. Join 30,000 other attendees (as opposed to the military reenactors). Watch battles, buy food, see crafts, etc. north of Marion, Indiana.

Three Rivers Festival. Annual July event at Whistler's Fort in Fort Wayne. "Seeking soldiers, camp-followers, musicians, traders, and children to demonstrate military drills and daily life in the Fort from 1750 to 1812 for Festival audiences." Contact Harriet Hoxton, Three Rivers Festival, 2301 Fairfield Ave. #107, Fort Wayne, IN 46807; (219) 745-5556.


Iowa
Old Fort Madison, located in the southeast corner of Iowa, recreates military life in reconstructed buildings at a historic garrison that was home to the 1st Regiment U.S. Infantry from 1808 to 1813. "Be greeted by authentically garbed historic interpreters performing the duties that were necessary to sustain life at an isolated fort, from baking bread to drilling with muskets or cannon. Partake of the past by trying a fresh-baked morsel, dipping a candle, hefting a Springfield musket, or just interacting with interpreters." Special events include tours combined with period dinners throughout the summer; in October, Candlelight Tours with period reenactments, music, and refreshments; and in September, regulars, militia and Indians gather at the garrison to reenact the Siege of Ft. Madison, a four-day battle that occured in September 1812. Encampments, demonstrations, battle reenctments, competitions, and a trade fair take place throughout the weekend.

Ushers Ferry Buckskinners Rendezvous. In October in Cedar Rapids. "Feature demonstrations of black-powder shoots, smithing, and crafts." Other events throughout the year.


Louisiana
The River Road Performance Society is presenting a set of events under the heading "Louisiana for a Song and a Dance," celebrating the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase. Events in 2003 included a tea and fashion show recreating fashions of the 19th century, held at BREC's Magnolia Mound Plantation, and a gala reception and grand ball set in 1803, held at Louisiana's Old State Capitol in downtown Baton Rouge.

Audubon Pilgrimage. John James Audubon, of bird-illustrating fame, lived briefly in St. Francisville, Louisiana, in the 1820s. The town celebrates in March with, among other things, a tour of area homes dating from 1799 through 1811, and costumed children dancing a maypole and playing period games. Visit the Rural Homestead to experience the lifestyle of rural Southerners: open-hearth and woodstove cookery, basket-weaving, quilting, cotton-carding, spinning, cornmeal-grinding, shingle-riving, and groundbreaking by mule and plow, all accompanied by home-grown music-makers.

Maryland


 Riversdale was built in Riverdale Park between 1801 and 1807. Begun by an emigre from Antwerp, it was finished by his daughter Rosalie and her husband, George Calvert.
"Rosalie's correspondence with her father has survived....The letters give us great insight into family life and social customs in early Federal America." Events include the Battle of Bladensburg encampment, on the Saturday nearest Aug. 24 (military and civilian); a funeral reenactment held near Halloween (wear mourning attire); the Christmas Gala, held the second Sunday in December (formal civilian or military garb); plus other events throughout the year. Write or visit Riversdale at 4811 Riverdale Rd., Riverdale Park, MD 20737, or contact Ann Wass.

Baltimore Folk Music Society. Holds an English Country Dance at 8 p.m. every Monday. Beginners are welcome, all dances are taught, and the music is live. $6 for members, $8 for nonmembers.

Ship's Company. Nautical living-history non-profit volunteer group supporting the sloop-of-war Constellation. Holds various events in the 1775-1865 time period. Also, member Steven Lampredi is looking to create a truly period production of an 1829 play, Black Eyed Susan; or All in the Downs, by Douglas Jerrold, Esq. "This play established the popularity of maritime melodramas and was often performed through the rest of the 19th century. Having obtained the endorsement of Ship's Company, Steven, an actor and director, proposes to recruit volunteers from the living history community to stage this lively period play." Volunteers of all levels of ability are desired.


Mass-
achusetts


 Historically Dressed Regency Picnic. A new event to be held Saturday, May 21, 2005 (rain date June 4), the picnic will be held at Luddam's Ford Park in Hanover, Massachusetts. Of course one can show off one's finery and nibble treats, but cards, other games, and a bit of sewing may well be in the offing. Admission is free, but please bring something to share, and do RSVP!

Michigan


 Support the Fort. Sponsors the annual Historic Fort Saint Joseph Rendezvous & Colonial Market Faire in Niles each June. Events include voyageur landings, military drills, an 18th-century fashion show, and the reenactment To Wish Him Good Morning: The 1763 Attack on Fort St. Joseph. Learn about life from the mid-1700s to the early 1800s, such as what they ate and wore, their music, and their occupations. As of July 2004, the old site is down - I've linked above to a site saying that the 2004 event was canceled, but to look for its return in 2005.

Feast of the Ste. Claire. An annual May event sponsored by the Port Huron Museum of Arts & History. "Parade, presentation of colors, tomahawk throws, puppet show, fashion show, fife & drum show, frying-pan toss, battle demonstration, dances, ladies' tea, and more." When you take the link above, click on Calendar, then Feast of the Sainte Claire.

Lenawee County Heritage Festival. Annual September event in Adrian. "Looking for participants of French and Indian War to Civil War time periods. Mountain Men, Indian, Celtic - all welcome. Abraham Lincoln's camp and Father, Son & Friends will be there. Lost art demonstration." Contact Alice Clark, 4390 E. Mulberry Rd., Jasper, MI 49248. A brief but up-to-date listing is available here or here (use the Find function in your browser (usually Control-F) so you don't have to read the entire list of events in Lenawee County for the year!).

River of Time Living History Encampment. A free educational event held in September on the banks of the Saginaw River, it showcases a timeline of eras in the history of North America, Michigan, and Bay County. As many as 900 reenactors dress and act the part of Native Americans, Colonists, French voyageurs, and Civil War-era soldiers. Demonstrations of 18th-century crafts, music, children's activities including a historical puppet show, and preparing meals are part of the scene. Even canoe rides!

Spirits of the North. A dedicated society of historical reenactors focused on the people and events of the Mackinac area from 1600 to 1815. Events include War of 1812 Encampment, Mackinac Island (including everything from a Firearms Comparison and Drill Firing to a fashion show!). NOTE: website is gone as of February 2005, but I've linked to an events page listing the 2005 encampment.

Minnesota
Lady Elegant's Tearoom is holding a Jane Austen Tea each Saturday in July 2005 except Independence Day weekend. Hear readings of Austen's works while enjoying a sumptuous four-course afternoon tea. Austen memorabilia and collectibles will be available in the gift shop. On July 16, Kim Wilson, author of Tea with Jane Austen, will talk about her book and sign copies. Lady Elegant will be serving a four-course 19th-century British tea, including Bath buns, Rout cakes, and strawberry ice cream.

Historic Fort Snelling. This fort and year-round living-history center is looking for both paid employees and volunteers! "Discover an 1820s military outpost once at the edge of a small settlement but now at the center of Minnesota's Twin Cities metropolitan area. This restored stone fortress opens its gates to welcome you to frontier life. Imagine that the year is 1827 as costumed guides greet you as if you've just arrived via steamboat up the Mississippi River." 1827 is a little late for Regency, but then again, people weren't exactly fashion-forward on the frontier and clothes of the early 1820s would still be worn by most. There's also some information here.

North West Company Fur Post. Open during the summer. "From the early 1500s to roughly 1840, the North American fur trade brought American Indians and Euro-Americans together in the exchange of goods and furs. The post has been reconstructed on its original 1804 site." Holds various events.

The White Oak Society (pictured left). Recreating 1798 fur-trade America. Holds a summer rendevous and also lists a variety of other rendevous in Minnesota. Attractive website.

Festival of Adventures. The town of Aitken celebrates various periods out of its past, including the 1790-1830 fur-trade era, during this September weekend festival. Held over several acres and including various Renaissance-Faire-style reenactments, music and dance, and period crafts, admission is only $3. The public is encouraged to dress in period style; or contact them about becoming a full-blown reenactor. Call early to reserve a spot for period camping.


Missouri
Fort Belle Fontaine, the first fort west of the Mississippi and the starting point for the Louis and Clark Expedition, holds an encampment usually the third weekend in September; in 2006, September 22-24 celebrates the 200th anniversary of Lewis & Clark's return! The link above will take you to Living History Re-enactors, Inc., a nonprofit corporation in the St. Louis area that puts on the event and clearly has done a lot of hard work of restoration and education.

Pomme de Terre Rendezvous. Held in Hermitage in May, this is a pre-1840 buckskinner's event that features arts & craft shows, a black-powder competition, an Indian artifacts display, antique equipment, a blacksmith, bobbin-lace making, children's games, and even a petting zoo! The 2003 event's feature was a timeline fashion show of various outfits from 1740 through 1840. Camping is free and day admission is only $1!


Nebraska
The Friends of Fort Atkinson is an organization dedicated to living-history interpretation of the reconstructed 1820 Army fort just outside of Omaha. All stations of life during the late Federal period are portrayed. Even though a frontier post, life and social events continued. "A living history experience that is not soon forgotten."


New Hampshire


 Muster in the Mountains. Run by the Pequawket Alliance, a French & Indian War group, in September. "Covers the fur trade period from the late 1600s to about 1840, which really makes it more of a rendezvous than a muster."

New Mexico
The Georgian Society. Holds mid-18th-to-early-19th-century dances and events in Albuquerque. Check out the "photo album" on their site for inspiration.

El Rancho de las Golondrinas. A Spanish Colonial living-history museum with both 18th- and 19th-century buildings and reenactments. Offers themed weekends, including the Summer Festival, Frontier Days & Peruvian Paso Horses in August. "A wild weekend with mountain men, soldiers, traders, and gunfighters. Music, dance, art, entertainment, and fun for the whole family. Food is available."

New York
Genesee Country Village & Museum. Does 1820s-30s mostly. Offers Hearth Dinners on Saturday evenings. "Gather three other couples and participate in an open-hearth cooking experience at Hosmer Inn kitchen. Prepare a sumptuous repast and enjoy an evening of food and friendship." $80 per couple. Wow the museum folks and show up in period dress! Also check the events calendar.

Old Fort Niagara. The 300-year-old fort and grounds (originally French, then English, finally American) offer various events and reenactments, including War of 1812.


The Elegant Arts Society in New York City holds regular workshops on Regency dance and an annual Regency Assembly in October, and also lists other East Coast Regency events. The workshops require neither partner nor experience - a great way to get started, or polish your skills.

Albacon is an annual science-fiction convention held in Albany that includes a Regency ball, put on with the help of the Elegant Arts Society (listed above).

Lunacon is the annual sci-fi event of the New York Science Fiction Society, held each year in New York City and also including a Regency ball.


North Carolina
Historic Latta Plantation. Just outside of Charlotte, Latta Plantation features a federal house built in 1799 and events and interpretations there focus on the 1800-1830 period. They welcome costumed volunteers and have several events (admission only $5 or free to members); past events have included a folklife festival and a Backcountry Christmas. A new feature is the ability to rent the plantation for your event!

Old Salem (pictured right). This permanent living-history village recreates life in Salem in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, a time when it was a church-run town occupied by the Moravians, a German religious group that escaped persecution in the old country. Open all year. I don't think it's the kind of place you'd wear a costume as a tourist, but it might be worthwhile to look into work and volunteer opportunities.

Polk Memorial. This site, on land once owned by the parents of 11th U.S. President James K. Polk, has period log buildings and furnishings from the early 1800s. Offering, in addition to a paean to Polk, various events throughout the year including an 1805 militia muster and candlelight Christmas tours. For more information on current events, call (704) 889-7145.

Asheville Heritage Festival. Asheville's Smith-McDowell House Museum is inaugurating this event on Memorial Day Weekend 2005. The house was built in 1840 but the event's living history, craft demonstrations and sales, and military encampments will span the years 1750 to 1948. All free! Also on offer for a charge: award-winning barbeque and as-yet-to-be-determined "special events."

I volunteer at Smith-McDowell and expect to be heavily involved with this event, so I hope to see you there!


Ohio


 The Fair at New Boston. Held Labor Day weekend by the George Rogers Clark Heritage Association, which also holds other events and classes. It is a recreation of an early American trade fair representing 1790-1810. "The 'frontier celebration' showcases the best living history craftsmen, artificers, artisans, entertainers, and militia units. You can observe spinners, potters, joiners, cordwainers, printers, and many fine period craftsmen working diligently at their tasks. Or you can shop for 18th century goods such as wool blankets, baskets, tinware, furniture, clothing and more." There is also stage entertainment, food and drink and taverns, and a woodland Indian village. You can even take a ride in a horse-drawn coach.

Flying Cloud Academy of Vintage Dance. A Cincinnati-based group that holds historic-dance classes and occasional events.

Fort Meigs. Built in 1813 by William Henry Harrison (shown at left) to defend the Ohio Country against British invasion, Fort Meigs is the largest wooden walled fortification in North America, rebuilt on its original location in a wooded park in Perrysburg. The Fort Meigs Overnight is available May through October by appointment and includes learning about the War of 1812, dining on period food, participating in period skills and games, and camping overnight.
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. On South Bass Island in Lake Erie. An event commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, a decisive victory for Commodore Perry (shown at right) is held each year the weekend after Labor Day. Events marking the anniversary include War of 1812 reenactors/living history encampment, military demonstrations, ceremonies, and an evening concert.

Penn-
sylvania
Fort Necessity National Battlefield. A National Park Service site, including the 1828 Mount Washington Tavern (pictured left). Mostly just an interesting site to visit (most reenactments seem to be French & Indian War), but does hold a 19th-century harvest festival in October and an Old-Time Christmas at the inn each year.

Tapestry. An "historic dance ensemble dedicated to the research, reconstruction, and performance of historic social dance. The group's repertoire encompasses historical eras from the late 15th through the mid-19th centuries. Court dances, country dances, and ballroom dances, researched from period sources, are showcased in diverse and entertaining programs presented in colorful and authentically styled historic costume." Available for performances, workshops, and programs of various lengths, themes, and historic eras, including Regency. Holds weekly classes and welcomes knowledgeable participants for performances!

Meadowcroft Museum of Rural Life. Holds Time-Travel Weekends in August and October in which you "explore the lifeways of Scotch-Irish immigrants who settled in Western Pennsylvania during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Sleep in a restored log house, prepare meals on the fireplace hearth, and participate in early farm tasks such as butter-making, woodworking, and spinning wool." $115.

Also, events where costume isn't expected but could be fun: 19th-century rural American Independence Day festivities; an introductory workshop on the basic skills of blacksmithing as practiced in the 19th century; Halloween village tour by lantern light with traditional ghost stories of the region - period refreshments included; Christmastime taffy-pull and carol-singing.


South Dakota


 The Brookings Renegades Muzzleloaders Club. The primary interest of the club is the fur-trade era before 1840. Most of the club's members recreate mountain men, fur traders, and voyageurs of the plains and mountains, but sponsors several weekend reenactment events throughout the year, including a Christmas party and historical dinner.


Texas


 Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Click on Folk Festival, which offers reenactments and demonstrations. Dates reenacted aren't given, but it's largely the right period (Sam was born in the late 1790s and accomplished much as a young man).


Vermont


 Living History Association. Established in Wilmington in 1977. Dedicated to civilian and military reenactment of all periods of history (although being in Vermont, they tend to do a lot of War of Independence).


Virginia
Sully Historic Site. Work on the manor house here in Chantilly, Virginia, was begun in 1793, and among the site's events of various periods are several of interest to those interested in the Federal period. Events for 2004 include a War of 1812 Muster in October in which you can drill with troops and learn about early military life, dance to period tunes, sing with the Ships Company Chanteymen, play outdoor games, and see picnic foods prepared in the open-hearth kitchen - all for only $6 per person.

Washington
Jane Austen Day, to be held March 12, 2005, in Seattle. This sounds an enticing afternoon: a lecture on "What Readers of Jane Austen Want to Know," by Janet Todd; a catered luncheon; music of the regency, sung by Charlene Kern; and Mrs. Darcy at Home, a performance by the J.A. Players. The event will take place at the University Congregational Church, 4515 16th Ave. NE, from 11:30 to 3:00. Cost is $30; send reservation (before March 7) and check payable to the Jane Austen Society of Puget Sound to Treasurer Judith Fiedler, 1250 NW 126th St., Seattle, WA 98177. Regency attire is encouraged - those so dressed will be entered into a drawing - and questions should be addressed to Kimberly Brangwin at (206) 352-8228 or (206) 720-7646.

West Virginia


 Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. An area with a rich history, including the Federalist period (check the link to Merriwether Lewis, who outfitted his expedition at Harpers Ferry in 1803); they're always on the lookout for volunteers - including costumed interpreters.


Wyoming


 Green River Rendezvous. Held on the second weekend in Pinedale in July. "The Green River Rendezvous was originally an annual event where Mountain Men, trappers, travelers, and Indians all gathered in a valley below the green river and bartered, traded, sold, and swapped. It was a time for getting new supplies, renewing acquaintances with old friends, story swapping, drinking and general rowdiness." Now it runs for four days and offers a variety of activities.

Canada


Alberta


 The Northwest Brigade Club. Focuses on the living history of the western Canadian fur trade from 1774 to 1821. Has a core group of reenactors in Alberta, but members from across North America benefit from the information in the club's quarterly publication, Northwest Journal.


Manitoba


 The Forces of Lord Selkirk. A group of historical reenactors from Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, Wisconsin, and Minnesota "who portray the soldiers that came with Selkirk as well as civilians of the Red River Settlement of the period 1812-1820." Annual events include a Spring Muster in June at Seven Oaks House, a Regency Dinner and Dance in September, and participation in reenactments at various sites in Canada and the U.S. The group also produces a newsletter.

The Manitoba Living History Society is a community of men, women, and children who share a common enthusiasm in interpreting their heritage: "From the Hudson's Bay Company and the North-West Company of the fur trade, to the years of the Selkirk Settlement, to Lord Woseley's expedition we have portrayed a wide range of personalities in the Red River Valley: fur trades, voyageurs, clerks, country wives, farmers, housewives, soldiers, buffalo hunters...We research and interpret pioneer lifestyle and skills such as spinning, weaving, dyeing, moccasin making, cooking on an open fire, black smithing, woodworking." Events include the annual Red River Rendezvous. Sounds like a great group. Unfortunately, as of July 2004 the web site is down. Surely this longstanding group is still around?


Nova Scotia
The Playford Dancers hold weekly English country dance classes in Dartmouth (ordinary dress) and occasional costumed performances.

Ontario
Queen Charlotte's Birthday Ball is an annual event held in January. A day-long celebration of music, food, and dance, it begins with a symposium focusing on entertaining in the Georgian Era and culminates in a lavish period banquet and ball at Historic Fort York in Toronto. It costs $80 per person, but this includes lectures, a dance workshop, a packet of materials including instructions and recipes, and they'll even let you bunk for the night in the North Soldiers' Barracks, if you apply early!

Battlefield House Museum. Normally has demonstrations of early 19th-century life at this ca.-1796 house, but also holds events including the Winter Frolic (old-fashioned outdoor ice-skating, snowshoeing, and winter games; hot chocolate, cider and cookies) and the 1812 Regency Wedding (following the Wedding, a five-course meal is served by candlelight in the Keeping Room - seating limited to 25).

Crysler's Farm. The Battle of Crysler's Farm, fought on muddy ploughed fields beside the St. Lawrence River on November 11, 1813, was a crucial moment in the history of Upper Canada and marked the end of the most serious attempt to that time to invade Canada. A reenactment of the battle takes place every July at the Battlefield Memorial, complete with plenty of camp followers.

Lang Pioneer Village (pictured right). A living-history site covering 1800-1900. Events include military reenactments, hands-on tehcniques such as blacksmithing, and a Heritage Christmas Celebration.

The Faire at the Forks. "The only 19th-century pleasure faire in Canada" takes place in October at Thamesgrove Conservation Area in Chatham, Ontario, a 26-acre site offering reenactor camping and a period ball. "Fifty sutlers and merchants will offer all necessities of life 1812-style." Various entertainments arranged for the public.


Fort Erie. Various War of 1812 events. Unfortunately the Garrison Ball, which included a formal dinner and ball with a Best Dressed contest, live band, and dance mistress, is defunct. But it sounds like it's just waiting for someone to step in and revive it! Anyone?

Fort George. Become an early-19th-century-reenacting volunteer! "Adults are always welcome to participate in Fort Activities. Learn period blacksmithing, period cooking, sewing, gardening, period drill. We always welcome assistance in co-ordinating our special events."

Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada. According to their website, they are "a family-friendly unit famous for our great hospitality, comfortable (if not necessarily regulation) accomodations, the speed and crispness of our musketry, the sharpness of our drill and the camraderie of our unit! Our members come from across the Toronto area, representing all ages and walks of life. All you need to join is an interest in the War of 1812, a pair of black boots, a white shirt, and eventually an Ontario FAC (Firearms Acquisistion Certificate): we'll outfit you with the kit you need to get started."


England


Beamish. An "open-air museum" covering the early 1800s on up. Has ongoing living-history interpretations and many special events.

Scandals at the Spa is a Georgian (pre- and early Regency) event held at Tunbridge Wells this year. The link is to the 2004 itinerary, so keep your eyes peeled for updates, but another site tentatively gave this year's dates as the end of July. Dancing, food, games, and other events spread over five days!

The Jayne Austen Fayre will be held August 20-21, 2005, at the Walled Garden, Basingstoke, Hampshire. Offering dancing, duelling, Redcoat equestrian displays and musket firing, archery, fashion, crafts, music, food, drink, and even a Regency Punch & Judy show. Admission is £3.50 for adults, children £2.50, or free to visitors in Regency costume! (Parking also free.) Contact Helen Trebble for more information.

The Jane Austen Festival at Bath sounds a perfectly wonderful treat. Spend several days in September promenading, dining, and dancing in costume, as well as attending lectures and tours on Austen's work and life in Bath, plus plays and readings. Gentlemen's fashions are covered too, in "Undressing Mr. Darcy"!

Historical Maritime Society. 18th- to 19th-century maritime reenactment, particularly focused on Lord Nelson's time. "We are expanding roles all the time, including civilian roles, so that we can portray various scenaria both on board ship and on the quayside."


The Jane Austen Dancers hold late-Georgian dance workshops twice monthly in Bath and twice monthly in Bradford-on-Avon, as well as an annual ball in Devizes in September. They can also be hired for performances and teaching at your own event.

The Hampshire Jane Austen Dancers is a new group using the same teacher as the listing above. Fortnightly workshops are open to all ages and abilities, and in addition to learning the dances of the era, the group will also be taking a look at the fashions and manners of the time, with possible visits to museums to look at original costumes.

The Salon. A Regency living-history group that exists "to provide costumed entertainment and Regency gossip (largely female as the title suggests!) at historic houses and sites owned by English Heritage. Its members prefer to live a civilised lifestyle discussing latest fashions, scandals, eligible gentlemen and ladies, etc." Past events have included picnics, a meeting at Jane Austen's house in Chawton, and a Regency assembly in London to celebrate the long-awaited recognition of Dr. John Polidori, Byron's physician and creator of the first vampire novel. Contact Miss Natalia Wiecorek, Flat 6, 21-26 Caversahm Street, Chelsea, London SW3 4AE, or call 0441-71-351-3170.

Pride & Prejudice Regency Ball in Aid of St. Leonard's Hospice. Held in the Assembly Rooms at York, there is dancing from eight to midnight (with a period band and a dancing master to call the dances), a catered buffet supper, and a cash bar. Plus, you're raising funds for a worthy cause. £29 includes supper and two dance practices in the weeks preceding.

Thanks to Gillian for the information! (She says the Companion helped her make her lovely outfit.)

Alas, as of July 2004, this event seems to be no more?



Australia

The Australian Costumers' Guild's events have included a Regency Ball at the Northcote Assembly Rooms in Victoria. Featured a four-course meal, live music, dances including the quadrille, a dance caller, dance cards for the ladies, and a whist and games room. Also, hosted Costume-Con 20, the 20th International Costume Convention, in 2002.

Earthly Delights is a period music-and-dance group that offers Pride & Prejudice dances to live music, Sundays, 4-6:30pm, from February through early April, leading up to its annual Canberra Playford Ball. Sessions focus on dances from the time of Jane Austen and from movies of her work, as well as dances specifically planned for the ball. The last Sunday in March this year was augmented by an afternoon of video viewing, costume checking, dancing, and eating for those attending the ball. $10 per session or $5 regular (or prepay for the workshops and ball for just $55).

The 42nd Royal Highland Regiment 1815 "fosters understanding of the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment of the British Army in the period of the Georgian/Napoleonic Wars by means of public education/theatrical representation of a company of that regiment. We are actively seeking more family memberships and involvement in our Association. Some of the families of our association prefer to take active roles in our reenactments whilst others support with garments and documents. Our Association prides itself on being a social group as well as being a living history group. Many friendships have been formed amongst members past and present. Don't feel that it is only redcoats and military functions. There are many aspects that we are actively trying to implement to fully represent all aspects of the Georgian Life." The website shows a fine complement of ladies, as well!