Living History Days

Step back in time to the 18th century and experience the excitement of building a new nation.

Current Event – Fall 2021

Encampment Setting: November 20, 1780 Blackstock’s Farm, South Carolina

Map and Directions, Cost, Project Sign-up, Schedule, etc.

Next Event – Spring 2022

Encampment Setting: 1780, Location/Event TBD

Other Events

These are events and celebrations that we also participate in:

• May 1, 2021 – Fort Lupton Heritage Fair | Ft Lupton, CO
• July 24, 2021 – Cheyenne Frontier Days Grand Parade | Cheyenne, WY

Experience 18th-century life through costumed interpreters, hands-on activities, and military demonstrations. Aspects of colonial American life will be available for you to experience – agriculture, blacksmith, education, games, gunsmith, military, and much more.

November 20, 1780 – Blackstock’s Farm, South Carolina

Thanks to a deserter from the 63rd British Regiment, Brigadier General Sumter has discovered that Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton plans to attack Sumter’s 1000 backcountry militiamen with more than 500 regulars including many mounted dragoons and cannons. Sumter set up a defence at the farm of William Blackstock, which had solid log outbuildings with no chinking between the logs, allowing the militia to fire between them.

Will Sumter’s preparations be sufficient? Visit us to find out.

18th-Century Military Demonstration – twice daily

Both Continental and British troops will demonstrate 18th-century military maneuvers. Though similar, you will learn the differences between the two opposing forces. This will be introduced by a rousing fife and drum march and concluded with a booming artillery demonstration.

Medical Demonstration

Stop at the apothecary tent to learn about 18th-century medicine. Several surgical techniques will be demonstrated.

Candle Dipping

Made from beeswax and beef tallow come and dip your own candle to light the way before the shorter nights of winter arrive. $2 each (paid at registration tent).

Cider Press

Cider was one of the most common beverages of the colonies. Come try the press and then drink some of the fruits of your labor (apple harvest permitting).

Projects – twice daily

We offer optional hands-on crafts to make something special to take home. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

JOIN US!

We require each family to fill out a Liability Waiver. Save time, and print at home. Print each guest’s name, and have each adult sign. Children under 18 are not required to sign, so long as a parent or guardian has signed.

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Pray thee, have you any queries? Here are some of common ones and answers.

• Is the event still happening with COVID-19 restrictions?
  At this time, yes. Please stay tuned for any updates.
  • For September 2021, we expect to have no restrictions. See the Jefferson County Public Health Orders for more information.
• How do I pay admission?
  Payment is made upon entry to the encampment. We accept cash, checks, and credit/debit cards (we do not accept Continentals due to British counterfeiting and their depreciating value).
• What is the admission price?
  $5 per person. Children under 4 are free, and an immediate family is $20.
• Do school groups and field trips have a discount?
  If you are a schoolmaster, bringing 5 or more people, and you will be making a single payment for the entire group, then the price is $4 per person. Each child will need to have a liability waiver. Please download the liability waiver and have the parents/guardians of each child sign one. When you arrive, have one adult proceed to the line marked for school groups to pick up all the wristbands for your group. While within the encampment, please have a chaperone with each group of children.
• I am a homeschooler, may I have the school discount?
  Aye, if you meet the requirements for school groups above (5 or more people, single payment for the group, waivers for each guest, etc.) you may pay $4 per person.
• Do I need to preregister my school group?
  It is not required, but it does help us plan. Please contact us at fieldtrips@livinghistorydays.com with the number of people you are bringing, which day, and your approximate time of arrival.
• Will there be refreshments for sale?
  Ginger cookies, drinks, and other snacks are for sale in our general store, but there will not be any items for dinner, the mid-day meal. You are welcome to bring your own provisions, and eat it outside of the encampment display area. We recommend that you bring full canteens as well. You are also welcome to leave and return as many times as you need during the two-day event to go get food. There are taverns, markets and other establishments within 10-15 minutes of our locations.
• What should we bring?
  To be sure you have an exceedingly agreeable time, we recommend planning for any sort of weather. It is often prodigiously sunny and hats, bonnets, canteens, and sunscreen are recommended. Feel free to don any 18th-century attire you wish. A form of payment for admission as well as to purchase items from the general store. To expedite your entry print and bring your liability form.
• I purchased a doll dress kit. How do I sew it?
  You may download the instructions. Please choose the appropriate one: doll dress with pinner cap or doll dress with mob cap.
• Lose something at the event?
  We have a lost and found at the registration table that you can inquire at during the event. Otherwise, you may contact found@livinghistorydays.com. Any children left behind will be bound out into apprenticeships.
• Have you other queries?
  Please contact us at queries@livinghistorydays.com