Most events focus on specialized activities. If you go to a battle re-enactment, you will see guns fired, troops maneuvered, and orders relayed with the fife and drum. If you go to a farmstead, you will see oxen and horses used to plow and haul. If you visit a blacksmith, a miller, or a cooper, they will demonstrate their special skills. There are, however, some skills that everyone in the 18th Century needed. Adding one or two of these to your impression will add authenticity (and fun) to your presentation. These are some of my skills:
- Making a quill pen
- Letter-locking your secrets
- Making Prussian style musket cartridges
- Making French style musket cartridges
- Starting a fire with flint and steel
- Sharpening your Knife with a Whetstone
- Using the Sky to Determine your Position on Earth
- Measuring a field with a compass, chain and alidade
- Making soap
- Making candles
- Brewing beer
- 18th Century Parlor and Tavern games
- Making Gunpowder
- Making Matchcord
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 