Platteville will celebrate its 18th annual Historic Re-enactment in Mound View Park Sept. 11–13.

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 120-plus 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 in early American culture. The re-enactors are artisans in their own right, hand-chosen to represent the “best of the best” of their trade. 

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.

Because of the unique educational experience, many school districts, private schools and home school associations send students to the Historic Re-enactment’s Friday “School Day” to enhance their history curriculum Sept. 11. Upwards of 2,000 students and educators attend each year.

“We are very excited to have a working blacksmith in camp this year, making tools and other items used by fur traders and Native Americans,” said Historic Re-enactment chair Stephanie Saager-Bourret. “Another new camp will be the voyageur canoe camp, the first one we have had at the re-enactment.”

“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,” said Diana Bolander, director of the Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums in Platteville.

If you are interested in having a class attend on Friday, “School Day,” call the Platteville Regional Chamber to register,  348-8888. There is no cost for admission.  

The camp is open to visitors on Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Platteville’s 18th Historic Re-enactment coincides with the 68th Annual Dairy Celebration at Legion Field.