Manitoba Living History Society is a passionate team of volunteers who are dedicated to the art of historical reenactment. Our goal is to create an immersive experience that educates and entertains attendees while showcasing the rich history of Manitoba.
MLHS was founded by Judy and Barry McPherson and incorporated in 1995, but individual members have been active interpreters since the 1970s.
Our Schedule:
*During the fall, winter and spring, MLHS has monthly "Baggages" where members meet to teach each other a new skill, listen to an invited guest or simply visit. Historically, women, wagons and equipment that followed the Army on the march, were referred to as the "Baggage Train" During these baggages, there is often a "Rag and Bone Sale" where members buy and sell items to each other.
* Each January we get together to celebrate our own version of Hogmanay, a Scottish celebration of the New Year's Eve.
*Summer is a busy time with a few events each month. Our events fit into 2 main categories, private and public. Hogmanay and Baggages are private events. At public events, we are sometimes asked to simply be wall paper and other times we are very much engaged in teaching the public. Events can be indoors or out, depicting upper class or lower class, a few hours or an entire weekend. Most often, we interpret life in the Red River in the first half of the 19th century but at times we have interpreted all the way into the 20th century marking such events as the Winnipeg General Strike and votes for women. Our members have lives outside MLHS and so there is never an expectation that a person will attend all events.
*See the Events page for a list of upcoming events!
*A newsletter is published and emailed periodically with events, research and tutorials.
*Historic clothing workshops with knowledgeable costumers help new members acquire a "kit" so that they can interpret confidently and accurately.
Perks:
* Our presence is requested at local, provincial, national and occasionally international events!
*We get to meet and learn from like minded individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I learn more about MLHS and how can I join your organization?
Please contact us and we can get information to you [email protected]
Can I make a costume from clothes that I find at a second hand store?
Generally no. We try very very hard to be accurate to the time period that we are interpreting by creating clothing using the appropriate cloth, stye and sewing technique. Generally hidden seams can be sewn by machine but visible seams should be hand stitched. We have very knowledgeable senior interpreters, a library of reference books and sewing patterns to buy or borrow.
How do I acquire historic clothing?
If you want to try out historic reenactment, we will loan appropriate clothing to you for an event. If you decide that you would like to become a member, other members will help you. You may wish to sew your own clothes, buy clothes from other members or purchase clothing from a website like Townsends.
What is the cost of membership?
Membership fees are $15.00 per year, for individuals and/or families.
Can I bring my kids?
Absolutely! MLHS is a multigenerational family friendly organization. There are of course expectations that you will be responsible for your own children at events and keep them safe. Because we are often in public spaces and engage with strangers, it is important that children are guided so they can be successful in these situations. Not every event is appropriate for every member. High tea at Dalnavert would be an uncomfortable place for a two year old for example.
What if I'm not Metis, Indigenous or look like a Settler?
Not to worry. We are inclusive. Our organization is accepting of everyone who wants to reenact. We will help you find the role that you feel most comfortable with no matter your heritage, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or age. In return, we have high expectations that our members will conduct themselves without prejudice towards all people.
Do I have to pick a historic figure to interpret:
No. Some events do require MLHS to have a specific historical figure represented such as Cuthbert Grant, Lord Selkirk, Catherine McPherson etc. Individual members can choose a specific figure if they like or simply be a "member of the community".
What sort of "positions" are available in MLHS?
Generally, our members follow their own interests when choosing what to demonstrate. In the 1800's, the Red River area was home to a diverse group of people. There were farmers, blacksmiths, carpenters, spinsters, weavers, gardeners, soap makers, basket weavers, potters, tailors, cartwrights, tanners, cooks, voyageurs, candle makers, musicians, trappers, HBC guides, dancers, clerks and much more. You can choose something you already know or learn a new skill!
If you have any questions, or wish to attend an event to learn more about MLHS, contact us at:
Manitoba living History Society [email protected]
MLHS was founded by Judy and Barry McPherson and incorporated in 1995, but individual members have been active interpreters since the 1970s.
Our Schedule:
*During the fall, winter and spring, MLHS has monthly "Baggages" where members meet to teach each other a new skill, listen to an invited guest or simply visit. Historically, women, wagons and equipment that followed the Army on the march, were referred to as the "Baggage Train" During these baggages, there is often a "Rag and Bone Sale" where members buy and sell items to each other.
* Each January we get together to celebrate our own version of Hogmanay, a Scottish celebration of the New Year's Eve.
*Summer is a busy time with a few events each month. Our events fit into 2 main categories, private and public. Hogmanay and Baggages are private events. At public events, we are sometimes asked to simply be wall paper and other times we are very much engaged in teaching the public. Events can be indoors or out, depicting upper class or lower class, a few hours or an entire weekend. Most often, we interpret life in the Red River in the first half of the 19th century but at times we have interpreted all the way into the 20th century marking such events as the Winnipeg General Strike and votes for women. Our members have lives outside MLHS and so there is never an expectation that a person will attend all events.
*See the Events page for a list of upcoming events!
*A newsletter is published and emailed periodically with events, research and tutorials.
*Historic clothing workshops with knowledgeable costumers help new members acquire a "kit" so that they can interpret confidently and accurately.
Perks:
* Our presence is requested at local, provincial, national and occasionally international events!
*We get to meet and learn from like minded individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I learn more about MLHS and how can I join your organization?
Please contact us and we can get information to you [email protected]
Can I make a costume from clothes that I find at a second hand store?
Generally no. We try very very hard to be accurate to the time period that we are interpreting by creating clothing using the appropriate cloth, stye and sewing technique. Generally hidden seams can be sewn by machine but visible seams should be hand stitched. We have very knowledgeable senior interpreters, a library of reference books and sewing patterns to buy or borrow.
How do I acquire historic clothing?
If you want to try out historic reenactment, we will loan appropriate clothing to you for an event. If you decide that you would like to become a member, other members will help you. You may wish to sew your own clothes, buy clothes from other members or purchase clothing from a website like Townsends.
What is the cost of membership?
Membership fees are $15.00 per year, for individuals and/or families.
Can I bring my kids?
Absolutely! MLHS is a multigenerational family friendly organization. There are of course expectations that you will be responsible for your own children at events and keep them safe. Because we are often in public spaces and engage with strangers, it is important that children are guided so they can be successful in these situations. Not every event is appropriate for every member. High tea at Dalnavert would be an uncomfortable place for a two year old for example.
What if I'm not Metis, Indigenous or look like a Settler?
Not to worry. We are inclusive. Our organization is accepting of everyone who wants to reenact. We will help you find the role that you feel most comfortable with no matter your heritage, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or age. In return, we have high expectations that our members will conduct themselves without prejudice towards all people.
Do I have to pick a historic figure to interpret:
No. Some events do require MLHS to have a specific historical figure represented such as Cuthbert Grant, Lord Selkirk, Catherine McPherson etc. Individual members can choose a specific figure if they like or simply be a "member of the community".
What sort of "positions" are available in MLHS?
Generally, our members follow their own interests when choosing what to demonstrate. In the 1800's, the Red River area was home to a diverse group of people. There were farmers, blacksmiths, carpenters, spinsters, weavers, gardeners, soap makers, basket weavers, potters, tailors, cartwrights, tanners, cooks, voyageurs, candle makers, musicians, trappers, HBC guides, dancers, clerks and much more. You can choose something you already know or learn a new skill!
If you have any questions, or wish to attend an event to learn more about MLHS, contact us at:
Manitoba living History Society [email protected]