2018 Beginners Living History Rendezvous
Join us for the Annual Beginners Living History Rendezvous on July 28-29, 2018 at the Seven Eagles Historical Education Center in Grand Rapids, Ohio. Seven Eagles Historical Education Center and Common Space Centers for Creativity (Toledo, OH) are family members of the Arts Council Lake Erie West.
Ever browsed those history books and wondered how Native Americans and pioneers survived in the wilderness? Have you ever been to one of those festivals where reenactors portray life in the American colonies or in Native American settlements? Ever wondered how you could become one of them, how you could find your persona and bring it back to life, live the old way, wear the clothes you have admired in books, cook over an open fire, sleep under the stars, and of course, share your love of history and be a constant presence at rendezvous – the only way to understand what the word means is by attending the Beginners Living History Rendezvous. This is the perfect opportunity to learn all this and much more: different Native American lodging styles, cooking techniques and utensils in the Native American camp vs. pioneer camp, Native American style beadwork, hand sewing, finger weaving, basketry, buckskinning, flintknapping, blacksmithing, butter churning, soap making, entertainment and much, much more.
Reenactors will be demonstrating all day in their camps set up on the property. Traders will have their trade blankets ready for you to buy the gear you need to start up reenacting history. Special events are scheduled at specific hours of the Beginners Living History Rendezvous: canoeing, competitions in archery, black powder shooting, hawk and knife. Music (and how you can become a traditional guitar entertainer) will be provided by Jerry Eicher & Brenda Holdridge under the Drum Arbor. A special talk on the material culture of the Eastern Woodland Indians will be delivered in the longhouse by Seven Eagles executive director Martin Nagy. Lots of children activities, so make sure you bring your kiddos (please have them under your constant supervision – this is an outdoor venue and we cannot take responsibility for accidents).
The buildings on the property will be open for visitors and a guided tour can be provided on request. Make sure you stop by and say hello to our innkeeper lady in Catfish Inn, a replica of a 1700s Scottish tavern, to the pioneer couple living in the back of the woods in a 217 years old log house, to the trappers in the Trappers Lodge… All reenactors are education-oriented, seasoned campers, with many, many years of experience – some of them started as young as 16, and their mission is to help you learn all the skills you need to survive and become one of the key-persons in keeping history alive. We are always looking for young people interested in history and living off the grid; if you are one of them, this is the place for you. If you are older…. This is the place for you too, you are never too old to learn or to share your experience.
If you love the outdoors and, moreover, if you love photography, don’t forget your camera and make sure you walk around the property and enjoy the wildflowers and wildlife; the entire venue is an environmental center as well as a historical center. The forty-acre piece of property is home to endangered species of flora and fauna and get ready for a weekend full of adventure, education and excitement! For more information and updates, check out our website and follow our facebook page.
Event Hours
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location
The center is located one mile south of the village of Grand Rapids & one mile north of US 6. Note: The 295 bridge over the Maumee River is closed! Use the Waterville or Napoleon bridges.
Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Beginners Living History Rendezvous at the Seven Eagles Historical Education Center in Grand Rapids, Ohio.
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