Living History Volunteers

1812 sailors demonstrating how to use boarding pikes
Reenactors demonstrating the use of boarding pikes.
Calling all Reenactors
If you would like to volunteer your knowledge and skills at the 2025 Perry's Victory's Historic Weekend, September 5-7, now is your chance. We are looking to showcase the US Military (British/Canadian as well) from before the War of 1812. Only Flintlock small arms and 18th century artillery will give firing demonstrations. We will provide powder as usual. Look for more information coming out Spring of 2025. Question about the event can be directed to robert_whitman@nps.gov.

To register to participate apply at volunteer.gov by July 26, 2025. This important since Historic Weekend falls so close to the end of the fiscal year.
 
Three reenactors dressed as War of 1812 Infantry and Sailors at different stages of firing their muskets

Activities

Here are some of the normal planned activities for Historic Weekend.

Friday

  • Weapons firing demonstrations
  • Flag Retirement Ceremony

Saturday

  • Ceremony to commemorate the Battle

  • Grand Parade

  • Historic weapons firing demonstrations

  • Cooking & other trade demonstrations

  • Evening Concert
  • Harbor Illumination

Sunday

  • Weapons firing Demonstrations

  • Cooking & other trade demonstrations

 
Accommodations

Water, wood, restrooms, and straw will be provided in the camp. A hospitality tent will also be available if you need something to drink and cool off away from the public.

 
Two pieces of naval artillery fire. Closer is smaller 6 pounder on a naval carriage. Half the picture is smoke filled.

Historic Weapons

Due to the current certification of the park’s Historic Weapons Supervisors only flintlock muskets, rifles, smooth bore non-chambered artillery and swivel guns will be allowed to fire. Other weapons such as chambered artillery or other special weapons may be brought for display purposes only. If you have any questions feel free to ask. Blank musket rounds will be provided by the NPS. For your artillery rounds bring your prepared foil (or former ready to roll) and we will schedule a time to fill your rounds together either Friday night or early Saturday Morning. You are allowed to bring your own quills for priming. All weapons to be demonstrated will need to pass an NPS inspection as in previous years. This will require muskets to have both flash guards and hammer stalls. For more information on Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial's visit our Historic Weapons Policy Page. Again if you have any questions feel free contact Rob Whitman at e-mail us .

 
Two young reenactors saluting flags as they are being raised. One dressed as civilian with brown vest and black felt round hat. The other as a sailor with a red vest.

Important Registration Information:
You MUST register though Volunteer.gov. Rob will then contact you to get you on the ferry list, and find out what space you require to set up camp and other arrangements.

Reimbursement for travel:

Do not pay the ferry and get a receipt!

We will not be able to reimburse you.

Last updated: January 13, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 549
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456

Phone:

419 285-2184

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