RULES OF THE GAME
 Re-enactor Sign-in Worksheet

-- Re-enactors --

--Members of the Public--

1. OBJECT OF THE GAME: Choose a historical character likely to have lived in, or traveled through some part of New England or New York in August 1777.  Become that character for the weekend and stay in character for both the public and other re-enactors. 

2. IDEAS:  Over the next two weeks, I will be posting the history of Chesterfield, New Hampshire here on the site, but, obviously, your character doesn't need to have lived in Chesterfield.  Use your imagination: soldier, drover (New Hampshire men were employed by the Continental Congress to drive cattle all during the war), midwife, teamster.  The list goes on, and on. 

3. MOTIVATION:  You should have some idea why your character might be in Chesterfield during late August, early September of 1777.  That motivation should help "drive" your actions and conversations for the weekend.   (You might, for example be looking to purchase cider or flour for the Continental army, or you might be part of a rifle company.)

4. Language:  do your best to speak the language of the period.

5. Crafts & Skills:  If you have some period skill you can perform as part of your character's routine--do it!  In fact you should bring along some real work to do, something useful to take up the time in camp.

6. Background:  Think August 1777, the battle of Bennington.   You all have at least as many reference books as I do.  Crack the books.  Chesterfield sent 22 men to Bennington on July 22. They returned September 24th.  Our time frame is right between those two dates.

7. Follow Up:  Once you know who you are going to portray, send me the name of the character and a short biography.  I will then post the names of the characters who will be appearing.

8. Bending History:  We all know that Morgan's Rifles and the 33rd Regiment of foot probably never made it through Chesterfield, New Hampshire, but neither did they meet at Saratoga. I see no reason why the intelligent people portraying these units so professionally can't think of some pretext for their appearance.   Slight changes in persona are allowed, as are a change of unit designation without requiring a change in regimental buttons.

9. Prize:  The character receiving the most favorable votes from members of the public will receive a $75.00 cash prize.

10.Skirmishes: Safety and skirmish procedures will be administered by Jim Frassett.  Please contact him for details.   

11.Fees:  There is a camping registration fee of $12 per adult and $5 per child.  On site registration fees are $20 per adult and $10 per child.   These fees apply for the whole weekend, whether you come for one day or the whole event.  (All cabins have now been rented, but there remains "cot space" on the tavern floor and the upper meadow cabin is still open as of July 16, 2000)

1.   OBJECT OF THE GAME:  Enjoy yourself and pretend you are walking through a New England farming village in the year 1777. 

2.   Play along.  We all know there were no telephone poles in the 18th century and no helicopters flying overhead.  Try to ask questions of the re-enactors that will allow them to stay "in period."

3.   Visit:  Walk through the camps and talk to the various characters you meet.  Ask them who they are and why the are here.  Watch the skirmishes and take note of who seems to be doing the best "soldiering."

4.   Vote:  Before you leave, cast your vote for the single best historical interpreter you witnessed during your visit.

5.   Hours:   Public hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  If you want to stay longer than that, you need to rent or arrange for a costume and consider coming to the event as a re-enactor.  (It's not that hard, and we can arrange for your costumes; if you decide to go "full-tilt," start reading the rules at the left side of this page.)

6.   Admission:  there is no admission fee but there is a $5 per car parking fee.  (Large vans, school busses, and RVs pay more.  Please call 909-797-7534 for details.)