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20th annual Historic Re-enactment this weekend
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PLATTEVILLE — The 20th annual Historic Re-enactment will be held at Moundview Park in Platteville through Sunday.

This event showcases the history of America and the area from the mid-1700s to 1840. It provides accurate first person interpretations of European exploration, military engagements, the fur trade, Native American life, lead mining, and common arts and crafts that would have supported life in the area as people came to Wisconsin and Grant County. 

The re-enactors/historians/educators have been chosen for their knowledge, crafts, and skills and for their ability to embrace artistic expression and development, enjoyment and understanding of arts and culture. 

Because of the unique educational experience, many school districts, private schools and home school associations send students to the Historic Re-enactment’s toda School Day to enhance their history curriculum.  Since the inaugural event, more than 40,000 students and educators have been able to experience this unique living history presentation.

    Dozens of different demonstrations are planned for this year’s event. All visitors are encouraged to not just listen, but to experience each of the demonstrations presented at the event. This living history event presents the unique opportunity for the general public to have a hands-on experience with history.

The re-enactors are true artisans in their own right, hand chosen to represent the "best of the best" of their trade. 

A scavenger hunt is also incorporated into the event, which has proven to be very popular with young visitors.

Every year, the committee tries to add to the re-enactment. This year, Kristen McDaniel of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction will be attending the Friday event with a special commemoration taking place at noon. 

"We are very excited to have a historic juggler, and a master bagpiper join camp this year to celebrate our 20th anniversary," said event chair Stephanie Saager-Bourret. Seeing so many students, educators and the public engaging in this unique living history experience is very rewarding. The Mining and Rollo Jamison is honored to be one of the partners that help make this living history event relevant and accessible to schools and the general public each year." 

“When we organized our first Re-enactment in 1998, which was part of the Wisconsin Sesquicentennial Celebration, we thought it would be a one-time event," said Platteville Regional Chamber executive director Kathy Kopp. "The overwhelming success that followed is why we decided to continue this annual event and why that success continues to grow.”

The camp is open to visitors today until 4 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Platteville’s 20th Historic Re-enactment coincides with the 71st annual Dairy Celebrationat Legion Field.