As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday this week, a small but dedicated cohort of citizens has stepped back into the spotlight: historical re-enactors. These patriotic devotees, known as "living historians," wear period clothing, demonstrate historic trades, and use authentic tools to bring the past to life. While the national focus on the semiquincentennial has increased demand for their demonstrations, many re-enactors emphasize that their work has always been rooted in local communities.
A 50-Year Legacy of Living History
Joe Ryan, now 80 years old, has been bringing history to life for over five decades. In 1972, while teaching middle school in northern Westchester, a student asked him, "Mr Ryan, were our ancestors stupid?" after seeing a textbook image of soldiers in rigid formations. Inspired by his mentor Dr. Ernie Coons, who urged teachers not to be "stuck between the two covers of the book and the four walls of a classroom," Ryan organized his students to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with muskets made by the school's shop and home economics departments. Today, Ryan serves as president of the Living History Education Foundation and a board member of the fifth New York regiment.
Ryan stresses that the semiquincentennial celebrations will be local: "They can talk all they want in Washington, they can do whatever they want in Albany, but from our point of view, the cavalry is not coming."
Demand Surges for Re-enactors
Sherry Emershaw, president of the 24th Connecticut militia regiment, notes that while the anniversary has brought renewed interest, her group has always been active. "We don’t need a special anniversary to celebrate and educate people about the revolutionary war. Every single day, we do this," she says. "As a result of that focus – you know, state, local, federal – we are in demand. Every weekend we’re doing something, and frankly, I have to be turning people away."
Emershaw, a recently retired financial adviser, began re-enacting 16 years ago. When she joined, women were just gaining acceptance in living history organizations; now, it is the norm. While many women play camp followers, they are also welcome to portray male soldiers in battle.
Living History Across the Country
Most revolutionary war re-enactment groups are concentrated along the east and mid-Atlantic, where key battles occurred. However, interest in portraying history exists nationwide. The Spirit of 76 Living History Association, based in Washington state, focuses on 18th-century soldier, sailor, and civilian life rather than specific battles. Membership coordinator Elsie Criswell explains, "We live where we live and our interests are our interests. So it’s a small but a very unique offering, because it is very uncommon to see [re-creation] here."
Kenneth Gavin, commanding officer of the Spencer’s Additional Continental Regiment and a public historian, grew up visiting Valley Forge national park and now works part-time as a tour guide. He notes the challenge of meeting semiquincentennial demand: "There aren’t a whole lot of us. There’s probably a few thousand, and we’re on the eastern seaboard, but definitely not enough of us to do all the things that we’re being asked to do."
Divergent Views on the Nation's Future
The quarter-millennium festivities occur amid political division. According to a Pew Research Center poll, over half of US adults believe that by 2050, the country will be less important globally, more politically divided, and its system of government will work worse than today.
Emershaw criticizes those who choose not to celebrate: "I think it’s a disgrace personally. I love my country. Politicians don’t define what this country is about. ... We have the greatest country in the world. That’s why people are knocking down the doors to get in here." Gavin, however, understands disillusionment: "Looking back to the time of the American Revolution with 21st century eyes, we see so much imperfection. We talk about freedom, we talk about liberty, but who’s really getting the freedom? Who’s really getting the liberty? Are we really extending those freedoms and liberties to all people? And, of course, we’re not."
