Our list of some of the best living history events happening across the country this year draws from many different regions and eras.
If you have a favorite that belongs on this list, please let us know.
The 24th Commemoration and Reenactment of the Boston Massacre
March 4, 2017
Old State House, Boston, MA
Witness this infamous event, authentically recreated in front of the Old State House by living historians. Before the action unfolds, hear patriots, loyalists, and moderates talk about the events and attitudes that led to that fateful night.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
Living History Weekend
March 25 - 26, 2017
College Station, Texas
Texas’s largest living history event features fully restored and operational military vehicles, a military swap meet, historic small arms demonstration, a chance to ride a UH-1 Bell Iroquois helicopter and shoot a 75mm Pack Howitzer, battle reenactments and a junior G.I. zone for the young ones. Family friendly.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
Victorian Days
May 6 - 7, 2017
Historic Grand Ledge, Michigan
This celebration of Grand Ledge’s Victorian heritage includes demonstrations and themed activities such as spinning, weaving, knitting, basket making, letterpress, hand reading, scrimshaw, soap making, gentleman’s duel, Civil War games, riverboat rides, moustache contest and many more.
The Grand Victorian Ball on Saturday night includes an appearance by Her Majesty Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
Civil War Remembrance
May 27-29, 2017
Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan
On Memorial Day weekend, honor the sacrifices and achievements of the 3 million people who fought in America’s Civil War in Greenfield Village. Join hundreds of Union and Confederate reenactors, civilians, musicians and historic presenters and learn more about this pivotal time in American history through various exhibits, presentations, battle tactics demonstration, hands-on activities and insights from historians.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
Blood on the Snow
June 1 - August 20, 2017
Old State House, Boston, MA
The Bostonian Society has a new play about the trial of the officers called “Blood on the Snow” that has gotten rave reviews. It takes place in the Old State House where the trial took place. Seating is very limited.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
Unto These Hills
June 3 - August 19, 2017
Cherokee, North Carolina
Written by the late American playwright Kermit Hunter, "Unto These Hills" retells the sufferings of the Cherokee tribe over the course of 300 years. This live, outdoor production takes place every Monday through Saturday evening at 8pm.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
9th annual 1940’s WWII Era Ball
June 17, 2017, 6PM
Boulder Airport, Boulder, Colorado
Relive the swing era with this 1940’s WWII Era Ball. Featuring Circa-World War II vehicles, planes and reenactors, a hangar replicating Rick’s Cafe Americain with belly dancers and a roulette table you can play on. Watch performances from Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Hollywood’s Satin Dollz & the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. Cap off the night in authentic 1940’s style with a radio announcement proclaiming the end of the war complete with a confetti drop and celebration!
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
Pioneer Wedding
June 17, 2017
1850 Pioneer Farm, Urbandale, Iowa
Visit the 1850 Pioneer farm and experience how weddings are done during Iowa’s time of settlement. Discover the most popular gifts for a pioneer bride, help in the “shivaree”, play a good-natured and very noisy prank on the wedding couple, test your dancing skills and share in refreshments of cake and lemonade.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
Green River Rendezvous Days
July 6 - 9, 2017
Museum of the Mountain Man, Pinedale, Wyoming
Over the course of the four days, 100+ vendors will close streets and fill parks with food, live music, beer, entertainment and more to celebrate the legendary explorers, fur trappers, and Native Americans who opened commerce in the American West. From visits to the Museum of the Mountain Man that bestows Jim Bridger's rifle to the return of the Green River Rendezvous Pageant and nightly rodeos. Cultural events will be in high supply.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
Pioneer Life Week
July 24 - July 20, 2017
Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill, Kentucky
A full week dedicated to the Revolutionary War, The War of 1812 and the settlement of lands around the Ohio River. Historical programs such as tomahawk throwing, black powder rifle demonstration, spinning and weaving, 18th century poultry care, primitive fire making, atlatl demonstration, pioneer clothing interpretation, flint knapping, old time machinery, woodcarving and other life skill demonstrations are scheduled throughout the week.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
Race of the Century
July 28-29, 2017
Stow, Massachusetts
Get your adrenaline pumping in this most entertaining event showcasing the technological advancements in air and ground transportation from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s. See an amazing display of carriages, carts, horses, steam engines, flying machines and military equipment. Over 70 automobiles, race cars and historic aircraft and tanks will also be open for viewing.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
The 51st Annual Goschenhoppen Folk Festival
August 11 - 12, 2017
Porkiomenville, Pennsylvania
Experience authentic German Folklife in the 18th and 19th centuries. Over 500 volunteers are dressed in period clothing. Witness the use of authentic tools to recreate traditional home skills, trades, pastimes, foods, and folk music. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of a day in Goschenhoppen.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
Hop Harvest Weekend
September 2-4, 2017
Old World Wisconsin, Eagle, Wisconsin
Celebrate the end of summer with a visit to Old World Wisconsin. Join other guests and take part in a traditional community harvest. Afterwards, grown-ups can enjoy a cold beer in the German Settlement area and learn about historic beer brewing. Rootbeer and games are also available for the younger guests.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
Battle for the Airfield
October 7 - 8, 2017
Stow, Massachusetts
A WWII reenactment and WWII Veterans round table discussion with over 300 re-enactors representing several branches of Allied and Axis military participating in an amazing re-enactment. Fully restored military equipment of all kinds will be on display and participating in a dynamic educational living history event. Some of the vintage equipment includes tanks, cannons, troop carriers, half tracks, aircraft and support supplies.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
Anza Days 2017
October 14, 2017
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Arizona
Come and experience one of the most significant event in Tubac’s History, when Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza made the 1775 overland expedition from Tubac to the Pacific. Showcasing period costumed riders executing cavalry drills reenacting the historic journey as they head north with the first day objective of La Canao. Children will also take delight in the Anza Discovery Program featuring costumes, activities, props and ponies.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
Colonial Times: A Day to Remember
October 20-22, 2017
Living History Park, North Augusta, South Carolina
Experience the colonial past come to life through demonstrations and living exhibits. Featured attractions include horn smithing, pottery, a tomahawk throw, butter churning, weaving and spinning, quilting, candle making, scrimshaw, pewterer, musket firing demonstrations, calligraphy, gunsmithing, blacksmithing, woodworking, and meat smoking and curing.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
The Noble Train Begins
December 9, 2017
Fort Ticonderoga, New York
Discover the epic story of Henry Knox's "Noble Train" of artillery at Fort Ticonderoga's upcoming reenactment. Watch as soldiers, work as carpenters to maintain the fort. Examine the science of gunnery, preserved in Fort Ticonderoga's massive cannon collection. Stand inside the stone walls in the stark beauty of winter on the very spot where Henry Knox began his Noble Train of Artillery. The event will feature an exciting program highlighting Henry Knox's arrival to Fort Ticonderoga and recreate the beginning of the incredible feat that ultimately forced the British evacuation from Boston on March 17, 1776.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
The 243rd Anniversary Boston Tea Party Reenactment
December 16, 2017
Old South Meeting House, Boston, Massachusetts
Relive one of the most iconic public protest in American history at Old South Meeting House, the actual historic landmark where the colonists met in 1773. Witness the debate over tea tax and demand for liberty from the British crown.Then join the procession to Griffin’s Wharf and witness the destruction of the tea as the Sons of Liberty storm the Brig Beaver.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
Crossing Reenactment
December 25, 2017
Delaware River, Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania
On Christmas day, join thousands gather on the banks of the Delaware River to listen to an inspiring speech by Gen. George Washington and watch as they row across the river in replica Durham boats. Those who cannot attend on Christmas can watch a full dress rehearsal about two and a half weeks before the Christmas Day Crossing.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
Ice Harvest Festival
February 3, 2018
East Meredith, New York
Each year on the first Saturday of February, Hanford Mills Museum celebrates this rural tradition with the Ice Harvest Festival. Using historic tools and techniques, visitors can cut and manoeuvre blocks of ice from the Mill Pond, and then transport the blocks to the ice house by sled. Food, demonstrations, bonfires, and vendors round out a day of hands-on history and winter fun.
See more detail on this event's page on The History List.
If you have a favorite that belongs on this list, please let us know. And if you're looking for a special gift for a history lover, check out our store, which is what funds the operation and expansion of The History List. You'll find shirts and stickers with our original design, special commemorative shirts, and signed books by noted historians.
