Passion for the Past: Table of Contents

Last year I created a table of contents with links to nearly every posting I wrote here on Passion for the Past from 2010 through the most current one (for the years previous to 2010 there are a few of what I consider to be my favorites or those that show up as being read frequently.)
Here is an update to that, one that should be a bit easier in guiding you to the subject you're looking for.
I hope the way its laid out makes sense...the headings of each category are in yellow, while the links below each category are (usually) in orange, with quick summaries in plain old white.
Here is a list of the catagories you'll find below:
Antiques
Civil War - Historical
Civil War - Reenacting
Colonial and Revolutionary War (Historical & Reenacting)
Crossroads Village
Dept. 56 Lighted Houses
Detroit and Michigan History
Everyday Life in the Past
Food
Fun Stuff
Genealogy
Greenfield Village
Henry Ford Museum
History in the News
Historical Odds & Ends
Historical Presentation
History: General
Holidays: New Years, 4th of July, Hallowe'en, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Informational Help for Reenactors
Ken's Personal History
Living History
Museums
Music
Opinions/Thoughts/Ideas on Historical Reenacting & History
Reenactments: Non-Colonial & Civil War
Reenacting Information
Tin Types: Real and Fake
Victorian England
WWII - Life and Music
Please let me know what you think or if any of the links don't work.
Thanks!

Back through the years...the past and the present intertwine...

Antiques
Just What Constitutes an Antique Anyway (part 2)
There's not just one answer to this question

My Home Away From...er...Wait! My HOME!!
I created a 19th century parlor in my 1944 bungalow

Revere: Collecting History - The Old North Church Lantern
I finally got an exact replica of the Old North Church Lantern - and it only took 40 years! Here's how it happened...

This Old House
If these walls could talk, the wonderful family stories they would tell.

Christmas - see "Holidays"

Civil War - Historical
Had You Been In Gettysburg the Week Before the Battle…
First-hand accounts from those who were there before the great battle took place

Lincoln at Gettysburg: First-Hand Accounts
From those who saw the President live and in color

Lincoln - Mourning 150 Years Later
Probably the most touching - and possibly the most accurate - reenactment of the 150th Remembrance. Just wow.

President Lincoln at Gettysburg: First-Hand Accounts
And expanded and updated version of the previous posting of the same name

Stories of the Tillie Pierce House of Gettysburg
Miss Pierce was there and witnessed the excitement of before, during, and after the great battle. And we got to spend the night in her home. In period clothing. Yes, it was way cool.

Into the Tornado of War: The Mustering In of the 21st Michigan

We reenacted - by the history book - the mustering in of the 21st Michigan Volunteer Infantry in the exact location where it took place 150 years earlier.

Into the Tornado of War: Perryville - The First Battle for the 21st Michigan
See the reenactment of the first battle that the 21st Michigan ever fought in 150 years ago

Jackson: Life in Jacksonburgh 2012
Creating a battle town of the 1860's, including bathing beauties, ice cream making, and, oh yes, a pretty awesome battle, too!

Jackson, Michigan Cascades Muster 2013: A Family Reunion
Why is the Jackson event so great? Here's why!

Jackson 2014: The 30th Anniversary
The civilians really had a lot of fun this year!

Jackson 2015
More pictures from one of Michigan's largest Civil War events.

Kelly Middle School and Walker Tavern 2013
Teaching middle schoolers about the Civil War, and fun at Walker Tavern with some of my better military pictures.

Kelly Middle School: History for Kids - Making it Intersting
I wish they had this when I was a kid. Of course, events when I was a kid are now history!
Also - Night at the Museum.

Lincoln - Mourning 150 Years Later
Probably the most touching - and possibly the most accurate - reenactment of the 150th Remembrance. Just wow.

Pictures From the Last Few Civil War Era Events I Participated In (2010)
Summer 2010 in photographs: Charlton Park, Port Sanilac, Crossroads Village.

Port Sanilac 2011
A battle, fashion show, and a class in school. This event is beginning to grow!

Port Sanilac 2011: My Big Fat Shotgun Wedding by "Carrie May"
Have you ever witnessed a shotgun wedding before? No? Well, read on my friend!

Port Sanilac 2012
A pretty cool battle, a snake oil salesman, and another shotgun wedding.

Port Sanilac 2013: Bringing the Citizens of Gettysburg to Life
As accurate a portrayal as we could do of the before, during, and after happenings to soldier and citizen of that most famous of battle towns.

Port Sanilac 2014: A Reenacting Repeat of Gettysburg in Pictures
It went so well in 2013 I thought it a shame to not repeat it one more year!

Port Sanilac 2015: County Fair!
Remember seeing the Little House on the Prairie episode with the county fair? Well, we can say we were there. It was amazing!

Romeo & a School Event 2012: Calm Before the Storm
Teaching kids about the Civil War is always fun, as is spending time in Historic Romeo.

School Event and Romeo 2012: Calm Before the Storm
Teaching kids about the Civil War is always fun, as is spending time in Historic Romeo.

Walker Tavern 2011: It Rained in the 1860's, too!!
Are you going to let a little rain spoil your good time? I'm not!

Walker Tavern 2012
Bringing a 19th century tavern to life.

Walker Tavern & Kelly Middle School) 2013
Teaching middle schoolers about the Civil War, and fun at Walker Tavern with some of my better military pictures.

Waterloo Farms 2010
An opportunity to bring the past to life by using a 19th century farm house.

Waterloo 2011: My Favorite Place To Reenact
Seriously! To be able to use this beautiful 150 year old farm house to bring history to life is about as good as it gets!

Waterloo Farms 2013
This year we used a cabin instead of the farm house.

Waterloo Farm 2014: Sunday on the Farm
Spending the Lord's Day on a farm

Waterloo Farm 2015
The 1860s come to life - I love this place!

Wolcott Mill 2011
Reenacting in the fall - and a visit from the wicked witch of the west!

Wolcott Mill 2012
One of our very best reenactments takes place in the autumn time of year.

Wolcott Mill 2013
Seriously...I absolutely LOVE this event. The time of year (autumn) makes it one of the best ever!

Wolcott Mill 2014: Harvest Home!
We replicated the harvest time of the 1860s - I think this was, perhaps, the best reenactment I've ever participated in.

Wolcott Mill 2015: Celebrating Harvest Time
We in the 21st Michigan did it again! We celebrated the fall harvest in all its authentic glory!

Colonial and Revolutionary War
A Rare Political Post
Yep!

Civil War vs Colonial Reenacting
Why I do two eras and the difference between reenacting and living history. Plus my complaints about so-called historians who have degrees.

Collecting History - The Old North Church Lantern
Yep - I got the Bicentennial replica of this oh-so-important piece of American History!

Colonial Christmas
A history of Christmas in America's colonial past.

Colonial Cooking: On the Hearth
A post dedicated solely to colonial-era kitchen and cooking - lots of pictures!

Colonial Ken on a Horse 2015 (Part of the 5 Senses post):
I wore full colonial garb and rode a horse for photo opps. Pretty cool! (End of article is where you'll find the pictures)

Colonial Ken Visits Greenfield Village
My first outing dressed in colonial clothing - and on the 139th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War to boot!

Colonial Ken Visits Greenfield Village on Patriots Day
April 19 - Paul Revere and the beginning of the Revolutionary War must never be forgotten. I will do my part.

Colonial Ken & Friends - 4th of July 2014: Celebrating Independence Day in a Colonial Way
For the first time, a few of us celebrated our Nation's birth as if it were 1776.

Colonial Ken Visits Greenfield Village for the 4th of July 2015
A repeat of 2014, but different. And every bit as patriotic! As an extra bonus: Bastille Day!

Colonial Ken Visits Greenfield Village for the Fall Harvest
I'm at it again, only this time I was able to enjoy the season of fall during the 1770s while in my period clothing. I even got to make beer!

Colonial Ken Visits Greenfield Village on Black Friday
My annual anti-Black Friday excursion to Greenfield Village. In colonial clothes!

Colonial Ken Visits Greenfield Village for New Year's 2015/16
I again wore my colonial clothing for Holiday Nights, only I concentrated on the new Year's aspect of the Holiday season. Oh what fun!

Colonial Kensington 2014: Spending Time in the 1770's
Our first foray as a family reenacting the Revolutionary War

Colonial Kensington 2015
One of the best colonial reenactments in the area! And...I met Ben Franklin!

Dept. 56: Colonial Williamsburg Lighted House Collection
Ceramic lighted houses based on actual historic buildings from America's colonial period - how cool is that?

Dept. 56: My Own Personal Daggett Farm House and Farris Windmill
Home sweet colonial home

Detroit: A True Colonial City
Would you be surprised to learn Detroit was being settled at the same time as the 13 colonies?

Faces of History: Original Photographs of Revolutionary War Vets
Yes, you heard right! Actual photos of the men who fought in the Revolutionary War

Flags of Our Founding Fathers
Learn the history of the early flags of our United States

Fort Wayne 2014
My first *real* colonial reenactment (with a little Civil War to boot).
I did the 1860's on Saturday and the 1770's on Sunday

Fort Wayne 2015
It was a rain out, but I still got a few cool pictures before it hit. Plus, Kristen's first time as a colonial!!

Future Colonial Reenacting Plans
My plans to expand reenacting beyond Civil War.

Greenfield Village: Colonial Ken Visits Greenfield Village 2014
My first time ever in public wearing colonial clothing

In the Good Old Colony Days
A concise pictorial to everyday life in America's colonies

Kensington Reenactment 2014 - Spending Time in the 1770's
Our first large colonial/Rev War reenactment - what fun we had!

Kensington 2015
One of the best colonial reenactments in the area! And...I met Ben Franklin!

Noah Webster: Forgotten Founding Father
Yes, the man of the dictionary fame was actually a Founding Father. We almost lost his house to history in exchange for a parking lot. Read all about it here.

Paul Revere: Listen My Children and You Shall Hear...
The true story of Paul Revere's Midnight Ride

Meet Paul Revere & Sybil Ludington
Back to the Future Day!
Here is a presentation my friend Larissa and I put together for school kids studying the founding of our nation.

Revere: Collecting History - The Old North Church Lantern
I finally got an exact replica of the Old North Church Lantern - and it only took 40 years! Here's how it happened...

Reenacting Early American History
Pre-Civil War era reenacting

Revolutionary War History - Preventing Tyranny at Salem in 1775
How the townsfolk pulled together and beat the British - true pre-RevWar story!

Ste. Clair Voyageurs at Metro Beach: Life on the Frontier
My first time participating as a reenactor here. In fact, my first time attending. It was awesome!

Thanksgiving in Colonial Times
Just how did our colonial ancestors mark this holiday? Read on, my friends!

Travel and Taverns
To help you understand what it was like to travel and stay at a tavern in colonial times.

With Liberty and Justice For All: The Fight for Independence at the Henry Ford Museum
Telling the story of America's Fight for Independence by way of the amazing collection of artifacts in the Henry Ford Museum.

You Say You Want a Revolution
The 240th and 250th anniversary of the beginning of the Revolutionary War is at hand. How will it be handled?

Crossroads Village
4th of July 2015: I've Come to Look for America
Celebrating Independence Day in various locations: Greenfield Village, Crossroads Village, small town America, and my own home.

Christmas at Crossroads: The Culmination of the Fall Harvest and the Beginning of the Christmas Season
Enjoy Thanksgiving Past (at Greenfield Village) then join us in our Christmas travels to Crossroads.

Christmas Dreaming to Christmas Reality 2010
Christmas at the villages of Greenfield and Crossroads.

Crossroads Village: An 1860's Village Celebration
Living historians created a 19th century welcome home celebration for the boys fighting in the Civil War. Lots of pictures!

An 1860s Village Celebration Recollected
Finally, after nearly five years, I have published my account of an amazing civilian living history event that took place at historic Crossroads Village. Loads of pictures not published here before.

Crossroads Village 2013
Since this open-air museum does not have an official living history event, we made up our own, and had a blast!

Crossroads Village: An 1860's Village Celebration
Nearly 75 living historians helped to make the 1860's come alive in this historic open-air museum.

Historical Structures of Crossroads Village
Learn about the historical structures of the rural open-air museum

It Takes A Village - Crossroads Village
Want to know what I'd do if I won the multi-state $300,000,000 lottery?

Dept. 56 Lighted Houses
A Wonderful Description of Christmas Past, Courtesy of Mr. Charles Dickens
Using pictures of the Department 56 Dickens Village and the words from Mr. Dickens"A Christmas Carol," Christmas 1843 comes to life. Kind of.

Christmas Dreaming A Little Early
Putting up my Dickens Village 2012

Colonial Williamsburg Lighted House Collection
Ceramic lighted houses based on actual historic buildings from America's colonial period - how cool is that?

Dickens Village Display for 2011
My complete Dickens Village set up.

My Own Personal Daggett Farm House and Farris Windmill
Home sweet colonial home

Detroit and Michigan History
Cemetery Walks - A Unique Way To Present Local History (2013)
Have you ever did living history in a cemetery? I have. Here's how I did it.

Detroit: A True Colonial City
Explore the colonial roots of a city founded 75 years before the birth of our country.

Detroit During the War of 1812 and the Regency Era: 1811 - 1820
Detroit played a pretty big role during this oft-looked war. Here's a look at everyday life in this city during that time.

Victorian Detroit (Detroit Wasn't Always the Motor City)
Detroit blossomed in the Victorian era.

Detroit: A Pre-20th century History
Detroit from colonial to Victorian times

Eastpointe: My Modern Suburban City Was Once a Village of the 19th Century
One will look at their hometown a little different after researching its past.

Eastpointe: A Unique Way of Bringing the Past to Life
Then and Now pictures

Fashion: Michigan History Told Through Fashion
A very unique way of presenting history

Michigan's Magical History Tour
Michigan has some great and unique history if one knows where to look.

Everyday Life in the Past
1st Person Trip to the Past Written By Those Who Were There
Excerpts from diaries, journals, and letters from those who lived long ago - a look at the past from those who were there

19th Century Mourning Practices (Revised)
For those interested in how people mourned the loss of a loved one 150 years ago.

A Fall Harvest Link to the Past
Pictures of harvest time at Greenfield Village

Autumn Food Pleasures of the Past
Enjoying the bounty of Autumn in the 18th and 19th centuries.

A Visit To the Photographer (or, Having Our Likeness Taken)
Ever wonder about the 19th century process of having your picture taken? Well wonder no more.

Dinner or Supper?
What do you call the noon meal and the evening meal in your neck of the woods?

Early Farming (and other) Tools From Days Gone By
My number one posting of all time! Pictures and basic information on tools from the past.

Heating Stoves and Wall Pockets: Items That Made A House A Home
Staples in a 19th century home.

Mourning Practices of the 19th Century (revised)
The folks of the 19th century would be shocked at our mourning practices in the 21st century.

Mourning: My Time as an 1860s Widow
Yes, I actually dressed in full 1860s widow's weeds - including underpinnings and corset - to experience a part of 19th century life most men would never dare to experience.

School Wasn't Canceled For Bad Weather
Snow days. Cold days. Did they cancel school for weather in the past, or have we gone soft?

Taverns of 19th Century Michigan - Updated
Taverns and traveling 150+ years ago.

The World of a 19th Century Country Doctor
Ever wonder what it would be like to visit a doctor in the 19th Century?

Zap! Health Care in the 19th Century
Home remedies and visiting a doctor - what was it like?

Zap! Teaching in the 19th Century
Ever wonder what it would be like to be a teacher 150 years ago?

Zap! Winter in the 19th century (newest 2013 update)
Baby, it's cold outside - but not compared to the old days!

Zap! Spring in the 19th Century (Updated March of 2014)
Can't reap unless you sow, and cleanliness is next to Godliness. Springtime in days gone by had nothing to do with shopping for summer clothing.

Zap! Summer in the 19th Century (2012)
Ain't no cure for the summertime blues except hard work, trying to stay cool, and attempting to keep the flies away!

Zap! Autumn in the 19th century
The most festive time of the 19th century calendar. learn, through pictures and information, of why this is.

ZAP! Days of Autumn Past in Photos:
Enjoy the bountiful splendor of autumn from the 18th century to the early 20th century. Many video clips are included in this 2014 update.

Zap! Thanksgiving in the 19th Century
Just how did folks celebrate this holiday before the days parades and football?

Zap! Food Survival of the Past
How to prepare food in the 18th and 19th centuries

Zap! Mills in the 19th century
As common as gas stations, visit the factories of the past.

Zap! Repair Shops in the 19th century
This repair shop did it all, from carriage and sleigh repairs to bee keeping to, well, nearly everything else!

Zap! Shopping in the 19th Century
What was it like to visit the general store in the 19th century?

ZAP! You Are Now In 1877 - - - What now???
My first ZAP! posting.

Zap! Travel in the 19th Century
Travel in the 19th century, especially the early part, was quite a bit different than hopping in your car, turning the key, and taking off.

Food
A Fall Harvest Link to the Past
Traditional autumn cooking and food in photographs

A Taste of History
This is the place to see and learn all about the historic foods of autumn's past. An expansion on "Autumn Food Pleasures of the Past."

Apples
Johnny Appleseed and heirloom apples

Autumn Food Pleasures of the Past
Come and visit the homes of Greenfield Village during the fall harvest.

Colonial Cooking: On the Hearth
A post dedicated solely to the colonial-era kitchen and cooking - lots of pictures!

Eagle Tavern: Eating Historically
Taste history while being immersed in the 1850s

Eating Authentically at an Event
Eat historically at your next reenactment. It's easier than you think!

Fun Stuff
A Night at the Museum - Plymouth Historical Museum
What happens when real life copies the movies.

A Night at the Museum 2015
And a period-dress visit to Burger King afterward

A Night FOR the Museum 2015
I was in a period play. 'nuff said.

An Interview With "President Lincoln"
Well, not the actual President Lincoln, but, rather, one who has been portraying our 16th president for going on 20 years.

Apples
Johnny Appleseed and heirloom apples

Can You Imagine Opening Your Favorite Magazine and...
Very politically incorrect advertisements found in magazines from the 1960's. Some people actually got mad when I posted a couple on Facebook! yep - they're that good!

Crossroads Village and Waterloo Farm 2009
We were in a movie you will never see.

Fashion: Michigan History Told Through Fashion
A very unique way of presenting history

I Want to go Down to Gettysburg Town...
Reminiscing about my Gettysburg vacation.

Is That A Real Fire? And Other Questions Reenactors Get Asked
If you are a historic reenactor, you can identify with this!

It Takes A Village - Crossroads Village
My dream of owning a historic village and what I would do with it.

The Last Mourner for Lincoln
My daughter, at the age of five, was Lincoln's last mourner. She was in literal tears upon hearing of his death.

Movie - The Premier Night of "Lincoln"
Dressing in period clothing and heading out to the show!

Movie - "Lincoln" and Bringing History to Life
How they brought the "Lincoln" movie to life, and visiting a courthouse where he practiced law.

Movies - Three Great Historical Movies You Should See: John Adams, Gods & Generals, and Gettysburg
I love these three movies. Read why.

Movies - American History from the Movies
Here are some of the best and most accurate (as far as Hollywood goes) movies about our nation's history, with reviews to boot!

Living History/Reenacting/Interpreter Laughs
A You Tube clip of what it's like being a museum interpreter/reenactor.

The Many Wonders of Modern Technology
As a lover of the past, is there anything modern I like?

Michigan Renaissance Festival = The Michigan Fantasy Faire
How I come to really enjoy the Renaissance Festival

Michigan Renaissance Festival: Oh! The People You Meet!
And, believe me, you meet all kinds of interesting folk!

Mourning: My Time as an 1860s Widow
Yes, I experienced a part of 19th century life that no man probably has before - as a widow in mourning. And I was dressed completely as any woman of the time would have been. Here's why and how.

Out of My Mind on Monday Mornin'
My thoughts on museum technology, minding P's & Q's, Titanic, Cormany Diary quotes, WWII, hollyhocks, the Beatles, history majors, contemporary "hip" churches, old pictures, my reenacting age, and Hollywood History.

South Park: Super Fun Time - a Satire of Living History
Adult-oriented cartoon lampooning living historians and open-air museums. Hey! You have to laugh at yourself once in a while!

Sunrise - Sunset
Photographs based on the lyrics of the Moody Blues

This is the Modern World
Though I love the past, there are so many modern things I would have a hard time living without.

Time-Travel Reversal
What would happen if we brought someone from the past to our present day? How would they react?

Time Warpians
These folks take reenacting to a whole new level!

Genealogy
Get Your Family Stories While You Can
It's unfortunate, but family members do die. Get their stories while you can so they can live on!

A Wonderful Way To Bring Your Ancestors "To Life"
Collecting local history of your ancestor's towns.

Greenfield Village

4th of July 2012: The Glorious Fourth
Celebrate Independence Day the way our ancestors did in the 19th century

4th of July 2013: How I spent the 4th of July 2013
Another Independence Day celebration in the 19th century

4th of July 2014: Celebrating Independence Day in a Colonial Way
For the first time, a few of us celebrated our Nation's birth as if it were 1776.

4th of July 2015: I've Come to Look for America
Celebrating Independence Day in various locations: Greenfield Village, Crossroads Village, small town America, and my own home.

4th of July 2015 (part two)
Colonial Ken visits GFV on the 4th of July with a little help from his friends.

Ackley Covered Bridge 1832
At one time, covered bridges were commonplace. Not so much anymore. But Greenfield Village has one from 1832.

A Day Steeped in History...Saturday, April 14, 2012...
Opening Day at Greenfield Village, seeing the Titanic Exhibit, then seeing the Cameron version of "Titanic." What a fine day this was!

Autumn: A Fall Harvest Link to the Past
Pictures of harvest time at Greenfield Village

Autumn: A Taste of History
This is the place to see and learn all about the historic foods of autumn's past. An expansion on "Autumn Food Pleasures of the Past."

Autumn: Days of Autumn Past in Photos (and Videos):
Experience the splendor of the autumn time of year as only Greenfield Village can show. Video clips are included.

Christmas at Greenfield Village 2010
The glory of Christmas past: dining at the Eagle Tavern and walking throughout the festively decorated Greenfield Village at Christmas time.

Christmas Dreaming to Christmas Reality 2010
Christmas at the villages of Greenfield and Crossroads.

~Also see "CHRISTMAS" under the HOLIDAYS heading for more Greenfield Village entries.~

Colonial Ken Visits Greenfield Village
My first outing dressed in colonial clothing - and on the 139th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War to boot!

Colonial Ken Visits Greenfield Village on Patriots Day
April 19 - Paul Revere and the beginning of the Revolutionary War must never be forgotten. I will do my part.

Colonial Ken Visits Greenfield Village for the Fall Harvest
I'm at it again, only this time I was able to enjoy the season of fall during the 1770s while in my period clothing. I even got to make beer!

Colonial Ken Visits Greenfield Village for New Year's 2015
I again wore my colonial clothing for Holiday Nights, only I concentrated on the new Year's aspect of the Holiday season. Oh what fun!

Colonial Ken Visits the Henry Ford Museum 2016
I donned my colonial clothing and, for the first time, visited the museum while wearing them. It was interesting...and fun!

My Own Personal Daggett Farm House and Farris Windmill
Home sweet colonial home

Eagle Tavern: Eating Historically
Taste history while being immersed in the 1850s

Firestone Farm at Greenfield Village
Learn about the boyhood home of Harvey Firestone, the tire magnate.

Four Seasons of Michigan
A year in the making: pictures of Firestone Farm taken each season of the year from the same angle.

Ghosts of Greenfield Village
Yep - real hauntings take place in this historic Village.

Greenfield Village Blog
An internet visit with each historic structure in Greenfield Village.

Noah Webster House
A quick overview of the life of this fascinating Founding Father whose home, which was nearly razed for a parking lot, is now located in Greenfield Village.

Old Car Festival
From the birth of the automobile through 1930 - here are the true classics.

Opening day 2013
Visiting this historic Village in period clothing.

Preserving History
Henry Ford did more for preserving everyday life of the 18th and 19th centuries than anyone else! Here's proof.

Ramblings...
Thoughts on Greenfield Village, the 4th of July, and Reenacting...

Tales of Everyday Life in Menlo Park (or Francis Jehl: A Young Boy's Experience Working at Menlo Park)
Menlo Park is brought to life by one who was there. First-hand accounts.

Thanksgiving: The Culmination of the Fall Harvest and the Beginning of the Christmas Season
Enjoy Thanksgiving Past and the preparations for the upcoming Christmas season.

Winter Time at Greenfield Village
The winter scenes so few get to see.

Winter Time at Greenfield Village 2015
It snowed while the Village was still open! Beautiful winter scenes.

Henry Ford Museum
Colonial Ken Visits Henry Ford Museum 2016
I've never visited this museum while in period clothing...til now. Had a lot of fun, too! Lots of 18th century items pictured here.

Henry Ford Museum
Pictures of a few of the antiques and collectables in this internationally known museum.

Henry Ford Museum: I'm Having a Writer's Block - So, Here Are A Few Pictures From My Visit To the Museum
More pictures from the largest collection of Americana under one roof!

Lincoln Rocker
The history of one of the most iconic chairs in history

More Americana at the Henry Ford Museum
And even more pictures (with some repeats...sorry!).

History in the News
Altered History (or What Some People Won't Do For Fame)
He had it all when it came to history, and now he's no more than one who will be considered nothing more than a blot of ink. You blew it bucko.

Earliest Sound Recording Known to Man
Here an actual voice from the 1860's. So cool.

History in the News: The Past in the Present
Mary Ingall's blindness, oldest known photo of a U.S. President, General Grant's Detroit House

History in the News: The Past in the Present (part 2)
Grandsons of President Tyler still alive,

History in the News: The Past in the Present (Part 3)
Fire destroys a 19th century covered bridge.

History in the News: Summer 2014
A Rev War Ship buried beneath the World Trade Center
Civil War Trust Buys Gen. Lee's Headquarters
18th Century Woodworking Shop

History in the News: Paul Revere Time Capsule Unearthed
Yes, you read right; a time-capsule put in place by Paul Revere has been opened.

224-year-old Rhode Island General Store Closing
How could this happen after 224 years?

"Lincoln" and Bringing History to Life
How they brought the "Lincoln" movie to life, and visiting a courthouse where he practiced law.

Save Our History - Part Two
Saving Billie Creek Village, an open-air museum in Indiana.

Taking our American Pride
In Massachusetts of all places!

Historical Odds and Ends
A Night at the Museum - Plymouth Historical Museum
What happens when real life copies the movies.

1st Person Trip to the Past Written By Those Who Were There
By way of letters and diaries, here are some insights to every day life 150 years ago by those who lived it.

The "Average Life Expectancy" Myth
Dispelling a feeble myth that tries to make modern times look better than the past.

Dinner or Supper?
What do you call the afternoon meal? How about the evening meal? What were they known as historically?

Do You Believe In Ghosts?
Well, do you? I do. here's why.

Earliest Sound Recording Known to Man
Here an actual voice from the 1860's. So cool.

Flying Solo in Period Clothing
The thought of wearing period clothing in public on your own freaks many people out.
Not me.

Four Seasons of Michigan
A year in the making: pictures of Firestone Farm taken each season of the year from the same angle.

Historical Information Index
Having trouble looking up information in your history books and magazines? This might help.

Historical Oddities
Meat Market Victorian toy, Around the world in a Model T, and Vernors

History from Those Who Were There - Book reviews
The writings inside these pages are 150+ years old. Witness the past from the writings of the period.

It'll Nearly Be Like A Picture Print By Currier & Ives
The C & I prints of the 19th century can tell us more about their lives that original tintypes.

It's Only Words...Our Ever-Changing Language
Language and words through time. Interesting and fun.

Lincoln Rocker
The history of one of the most iconic chairs in history

Living The Victorian Life - A Healthier Life
In many ways, the Victorians were much smarter than we think we are today.

Old Car Festival
From the birth of the automobile through 1930 - here are the true classics.

Our Own Snug Fireside: Historical Presentation
Historical presentations for schools, historical societies, and wherever else people want to hear us.

Preserving History
Henry Ford did more for preserving everyday life of the 18th and 19th centuries than anyone else! Here's proof.

Researching History - EXPAND Your Knowledge!
Taking research beyond the text book and understanding the whys and wherefores of the information found.

Time-Travel Reversal
What would happen if we brought someone from the past to our present day? How would they react?

Your Links to History
Links to the past, from colonial through the 19th century.

Historical Preservation
Also See "History in the News"

Cemetery Walks - A Unique Way To Present Local History
Ghosts inside actual cemeteries come alive and tell their stories

Historical Preservation - Let's Keep It Going
Saving old buildings is so important.

Lincoln Rocker
The history of one of the most iconic chairs in history

Preserving History
How Henry Ford Saved Americana

Save Our History - Part Two
Billie Creek Village, Greenfield Village, and Colonial Williamsburg

History: General
1st Person Trip to the Past Written By Those Who Were There
Excerpts from diaries, journals, and letters from those who lived long ago - a look at the past from those who were there

A Biblical History of Man's Developments from Ancient Times
A history of man and his inventions according to the Bible. Great stuff!

A Day Steeped in History...Saturday, April 14, 2012...
Visiting Greenfield Village, seeing the Titanic Exhibit, and watching the Titanic movie on the 100th anniversary of the great ship striking the iceburg.

American History from the Movies
Here are some of the best and most accurate (as far as Hollywood goes) movies about our nation's history, with reviews to boot!

Collecting History - The Old North Church Lantern
Yep - I got the Bicentennial replica of this oh-so-important piece of American History!

Lighting - Historic Lighting
A history of lighting through my own collection of historic and replicated lamps and candle holders

Lincoln - Mourning 150 Years Later
Probably the most touching - and possibly the most accurate - reenactment of the 150th Remembrance. Just wow.

Lincoln Rocker
The history of one of the most iconic chairs in history

Meet Paul Revere & Sybil Ludington
Back to the Future Day!
Here is a presentation my friend Larissa and I put together for school kids studying the founding of our nation.

Movies in American History
Here are some of the best and most accurate (as far as Hollywood goes) movies about our nation's history, with reviews to boot!

Stop Historical Revisionists By Showing Them The Truth
Revisionists who call themselves historians are trying to change the way our history is being taught in schools.

Tales of Everyday Life in Menlo Park (or Francis Jehl: A Young Boy's Experience Working at Menlo Park)
First-hand account of what it was like to work for Thomas Edison at Menlo Park.

Past & Prologue
Students in schools are learning only the dark side of American history. This needs to change.

Taking our American Pride
In Massachusetts of all places!

You Say You Want a Revolution
The 240th and 250th anniversary of the beginning of the Revolutionary War is at hand. How will it be handled?

Holidays

New Years
Colonial Ken Visits Greenfield Village for New Year's 2016
I again wore my colonial clothing for Holiday Nights, only I concentrated on the new Year's aspect of the Holiday season. Oh what fun!

4th of July
4th of July 2015: I've Come to Look for America
Celebrating Independence Day in various locations: Greenfield Village, Crossroads Village, small town America, and my own home.

4th of July 2015 (part 2) - Greenfield Village
Colonial Ken strikes again, with a friend (or a few). Also, celebrating Bastille Day.

4th of July 2014: Celebrating Independence Day in a Colonial Way
For the first time, a few of us celebrated our Nation's birth as if it were 1776.

How I spent the 4th of July 2013
My ever-growing love of this most American of holidays!

The Glorious Fourth 2012
See how Independence Day was celebrated in the 19th century.

Christmas
A Christmas Carol Film Reviews Updated for 2011
My reviews of the majority of the filmed versions of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol"

A Wonderful Description of Christmas Past, Courtesy of Mr. Charles Dickens
The words belong to Dickens - the pictures are all Dept. 56. - revised again.

A Christmas Eve Pictorial Through Christmas Past (Revisited) 2013
Loads of photos of authentic historical Christmas decorations - not of the craft store variety but the real deal.

Christmas 1860 ~~and~~2011
A description of Christmas Past from Godey's, and our own celebrations in Christmas present.

Christmas and Thanksgiving 2014: The Culmination of the Fall Harvest and the Beginning of the Christmas Season
Enjoy Thanksgiving Past at Greenfield Village, and Christmas at Crossroads.

Christmas at Greenfield Village 2010
The glory of Christmas past: dining at the Eagle Tavern and walking throughout the festively decorated Greenfield Village at Christmas time.

Christmas at Greenfield Village 2014 (part 1): Smiths Creek Depot (and Other Historical Holiday Happenings)
Such an enjoyable time to spend Christmas in a mid-19th century train depotas part of an 1860s Soldiers Aid Society. Plus, Christmas at Waterloo Farm and with Simply Dickens to boot!

Christmas at Greenfield Village 2015: Going Home For Christmas - - Holiday Nights
A very Victorian Christmas

Christmas at Historic Fort Wayne in Detroit 2012
Spirits of Christmas Past brought to life through immersion.

Christmas Dreaming to Christmas Reality 2010
Celebrating Christmas in the past at Crossroads Village and Greenfield Village.

Christmas is Past - 12th Night's the Last 2011
The 21st Michigan period dress Christmas party.

Christmas Time and Reenacting Go Hand in Hand (Fort Wayne & Greenfield Village) 2009
My first venture into a Christmas reenactment.

Colonial Christmas
A history of Christmas in America's colonial past.

A Mid-19th Century Christmas Celebration 2012
Bringing Christmas Past to life through Immersion at Historic Fort Wayne.

A Wonderful Description of Christmas Past, Courtesy of Mr. Charles Dickens
The words belong to Dickens - the pictures are all Dept. 56. - revised.

All You Have to Do Is Ask: Having an 1860's Christmas celebration
Now you, too, can celebrate Christmas past. here's how!

Christmas Celebrations as Described in "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens
The words belong to Dickens - the pictures are all Dept. 56. - the original posting.

Christmas is Coming, the Goose is Getting Fat 2013
Celebrating the first weekend of Christmas: Thanksgiving, tree cutting, Holly Dickens Festival, and Greenfield Village.

Christmas Past: A Photographic Journey
A relaxed journey through Christmas past with lots of pictures taken at Greenfield Village and other places (including of Simply Dickens).

Christmas Past and Present - Black Friday at Greenfield Village/Christmas Tree Cutting 2015
Wearing colonial clothes at GFV...and then we cut down our Christmas Tree!

Fort Wayne and Waterloo Farm 2012
Celebrating Christmas in the country and in the city in the 1860's - both on the same weekend!

Fort Wayne 2013: An Immersion Experience: Christmas at the Fort
Probably the most amazing Christmas time-travel experience I've had thus far. Wow!

Fort Wayne 2014: Ghosts of Christmas Past 2014
Another wonderful day and evening spent celebrating Christmas as it was 150 years ago.

Fort Wayne 2015: Christmas at the Fort - Shadows of Things that Have Been
It was one of the best yet!

Having a Historic Christmas in My Own Home
Decorating my home in an authentic 19th century style.

O Christmas Tree - A Family Tradition 2012
Cutting down our Christmas tree.

Spirits of Christmas Past 2013
Christmas at the Crocker House, Mill Race Village, and Greenfield Village - lots of snow pictures!

This is a Time of Joyfulness, and a Merry Time of Year 2010
The differing ways we celebrate and decorate for Christmas at my home.

Thoughts As The Season Winds Down 2011
Just what the title says.

Troll the Ancient Yuletide Carol
Christmas music---the good stuff!!

Waterloo: Christmas at Waterloo Farm 1861 (2010)
Our first year celebrating Christmas at Waterloo Farm!

Waterloo: Ghosts of Christmas Past 2011
Not immersion but very festive, especially with our friends joining us!

Waterloo Farm and Historic Fort Wayne 2012
Celebrating Christmas in the country and in the city in the 1860's - both on the same weekend!

Waterloo Farm 2014 and Other Historical Holiday Happenings
Such an enjoyable time to spend Christmas in a mid-19th century parlor dressed in period clothing. Plus, Christmas at Greenfield Village and with Simply Dickens to boot!

Hallowe'en
Cemetery Walks - A Unique Way To Present Local History
Out of the graveyard comes a ghost - really! Check this out!

Hallowe'en
Who says Hallowe'en can't be historically fun??

My Time as an 1860s Widow
Yes, I dressed up in full 1860s women's clothing - including a corset - and lived to tell about it. Lots of pictures.

Hallowe'en and a Period Clothing Party 2015
No, I didn't dress as a widow this year. You'll have to check out the article to find out! Plus Hallowe'en in Romeo.

Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving
The history of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving & Christmas 2014: The Culmination of the Fall Harvest and the Beginning of the Christmas Season
Enjoy Thanksgiving Past at Greenfield Village, and Christmas at Crossroads.

A Colonial Thanksgiving
Just how did our colonial ancestors mark this holiday? Read on, my friends!

Zap! You've Been Transported Back in Time to the mid-19th Century...and it's Thanksgiving! What Now?
A real 1860s/1870s Thanksgiving celebration! Loads of photos!!

Informational Help for Reenacting
Camping vs Motel Militia
Believe it or not, as a civilian, you are more accurate sleeping in a motel than in a tent!

Civil War vs Colonial Reenacting
Why I do two eras and the difference between reenacting and living history. Plus my complaints about so-called historians who have degrees.

Costume or Period Clothing?
The great debate - - just what are we wearing?

De-farbing Your Campsite
How to hide all of the modern-isms from the public.

Eating Authentically at an Event
Do you want to really be accurate in camp? Then begin with eating the food of the season, just as our ancestors did.

For Social History, Don't Over-look Books Geared Toward the Youth
Sometimes children's history books have more history than those written for adults.

The Immersion Experience (with a strong dose of Living History)
Learning the ins & outs and the do's & don'ts of immersion.

It'll Nearly Be Like A Picture Print By Currier & Ives
We can learn as much about clothing from a Currier & Ives print as we can from CDV's. Here, I'll prove it to you...

Lighting - Historic Lighting
A history of lighting through my own collection of historic and replicated lamps and candle holders

Meeting to Improve Your Impression - Winter 2014
Learning how to get "there" through Immersion

Meeting to Improve Your Impression - Spring 2014
Practicing 1st Person and Immersion

Men's Clothing of the 1860's
Most sites concentrate on women's clothing of the 1860's. Well, we men want equal time. he's something to get you started should you want to do a civilian impression.

Museum in a Book Books
With inclusion of replica artifacts, these are some of the coolest history books out there.

The Public is Here to See You - Please Be Kind
As a visitor at a reenactment, I was ignored. As a reenactor, I try to make sure no one is ignored.

The Satisfaction of Civil War Living History
Why we do what we do...from my own personal perspective.

Self-Hypnosis + Authenticity + 1st person = Time-Travel
How to get "there" through mind-travel.

Spring Civilian Meeting #2 2014
Learning about immersion

Workin' Workin' Workin' Day and Night
Dispelling more modern myths about people from the past.

Ken's Personal History
4th of July 2015: I've Come to Look for America
Celebrating Independence Day in various locations: Greenfield Village, Crossroads Village, small town America, and my own home.

A Trip to the Cider Mill: Michigan Apples, Cider, and Raspberries
A real country cider mill - not a tourist trap.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!
History book reviews.

Citizens Companion
A picture I took made the cover of this magazine!

Having a Historic Christmas in My Own Home
Decorating my home in an authentic 19th century style.

History in School Musings
It may surprise you but I didn't do well in history class in school.

How One Family Became Living Historians
The story of how we became a time-traveling family.

Living History - One Person's Story
How I began my journey from reenacting to living history

My Grandfather: From Immigrant to Proud American
Unlike millions of immigrants today, my grandfather had no government hand out, came over legally, and became a proud citizen of the United States.

My Home Away From...er...Wait! My HOME!!
Trying to turn my house into a period-looking home.

My Passion for History Did Not Begin With Reenacting (or...And How Long Have YOU Been Into History?)
I came out of the womb straight into history.

Our 25th Wedding Anniversary Celebration
We did it our way - our dream wedding finally comes true after 25 years!

Raising Your Kids In History
How to raise your kids to love history

Ramblings...
Thoughts on Greenfield Village, the 4th of July, and Reenacting...

Reenacting 2011 - January, Get Thee Behind Me!
Solace
Dedicated to our family dog, Spencer

This Old House
Making history in my own house - if these walls could talk...and sing!

Living History (and period dress non-reenactments)
(also see Reenactmets: Non-Civil War)

Accessorize To Accent Your Journey Through Time
Reenacting is so much more than clothing. It really is. Clothing only tells a part of the story. Here's why.

An Afternoon in the Parlor
Immersion in my home

An Interesting Perspective on Authentic Reenacting
Is there racism in reenacting?

Are You A Reenactor or a Living Historian?
There is a difference, you know.

Crossroads Village: An 1860s Village Celebration Recollected
Finally, after nearly five years, I have published my account of an amazing civilian living history event that took place at historic Crossroads Village. Loads of pictures not published here before.

Crossroads Village 2013
Enjoying a day in an authentic-looking 19th century village. Yes, we dressed the part!

Eating Authentically at an Event
Do you want to really be accurate in camp? Then begin with eating the food of the season, just as our ancestors did.

Fashion: Michigan History Told Through Fashion
A very unique way of presenting history

Fort Wayne 2015: Christmas at the Fort - Shadows of Things that Have Been
It was one of the best immersion events yet!

Greenfield Village - Opening Day 2013
Dressed in period-clothing, a few of us ventured out on the first day the Village opened up since the previous December.

I Believe A Change Is Gonna Come
More and more reenactors are turning toward living history. Crossroads pictures.

It Takes A Village - Crossroads Village
I want to buy Crossroads Village. Seriously. And when I do, these are my plans.

Living History - One Person's Story
How I went from a reenactor to a living historian.

Living History: Using Your Five Senses
I found this to be the best way to accomplish immersion

Millrace Village 2011
A reenactment that never took hold, but we had fun anyway!

Mourning Practices of the 19th Century (revised)
Just how did people from the 19th century deal with death?

Mourning: My Time as an 1860s Widow
As you know I like to experience many different parts of life of our ancestors, so...I dressed up in full 1860s women's clothing - including a corset - and lived to tell about it. Lots of pictures.

My Back Story
Here's my 19th century biography

My Big Fat Shotgun Wedding by "Carrie May"
Have you ever witnessed a 19th century shotgun wedding? No? Well, you're about to!

Picturing the Past
Bored on a cold winter's eve, I took some night time period pictures.

Reenactors in Tin Types
Just when were these tintypes taken?

Port Sanilac 2015: County Fair!
Remember seeing the Little House on the Prairie episode with the county fair? Well, we can say we were there. It was amazing!

More Reenactors in Tin Types
Is it real, or is it Memorex?

Reenactors in Tin Types - Third Edition
I asked for more, and, boy! did you respond!

Troy: Civil War Candlelight Tour Meeting 2011
Planning a lantern tour in a historic open-air museum village.

Troy: Historic Village Lantern Tour 2011
A wonderful springtime lantern tour - what a fine time we had!

Troy Lantern Tour in Historic Troy Village 2013
After a year hiatus, we did another lantern tour. Wonderful!

Waterloo Farm 2009: Self-Hypnosis + Authenticity + 1st person = Time-Travel
One of my early ventures into immersion.

Waterloo Farms 2010
Portraying life on a 19th century farm on a Sunday afternoon.

Waterloo 2011: My Favorite Place To Reenact
Yes, we got into 1st person here to speak about farm life in the 19th century.

Waterloo Farms 2013
This year we spent time in the log cabin.

Waterloo Farm 2014: A Harvest Supper in 1864
What happens when you bring two 21st century couples into the 1864 world of living historians?

Waterloo Farm 2015
The 1860s come to life - I love this place!

Museums
A Night at the Museum - Plymouth Historical Museum
What happens when the museum world copies the movies.

A Night at the Museum Winter 2015
And a period-dress visit to Burger King afterward

A Night at the Museum spring 2015: History for Kids - Making it Interesting
I wish they had this when I was a kid. Of course, events when I was a kid are now history!
Also - Kelly Middle School.

A Night FOR the Museum 2015
I was in a period play. 'nuff said.

Collecting History - The Old North Church Lantern
Yep - I got the Bicentennial replica of this oh-so-important piece of American History!

Colonial Ken Visits Greenfield Village on Patriots Day
April 19 - Paul Revere and the beginning of the Revolutionary War must never be forgotten. I will do my part.

Crossroads Village and Waterloo Farm 2009
We were in a movie you will never see.

Old Sturbridge Village
I've never been, but I know some who have. Here's a posting loaded with info and photos.

Music
100 Years of American Music
Music From George Washington's Time to the Civil War

Beatles - And Here They Are...The Beatles
Learn why Capitol Records changed the first few Beatles' records from their British counterparts.

Christmas Music - Troll the Ancient Yuletide Carol
Want to have a Victorian-feel for Christmas? Begin with the right style of music.

Jump For Joy I'm Telling You It's Hullabaloo!!
Do you remember this teen hit TV show from the mid-1960's? I do!

Let Me Dig That Jive Once More (Hep! Hep!): In the Age of Big Band, Swing and Sweet - Popular Music of the 1930's and '40's
Learn of the music and the times of the swing era.

May 22, 1961
The Billboard Top Singles chart.

Monterey Pop Festival: Down in Monterey
The greatest music festival ever was Monterey - not Woodstock!

Moody Blues
Photographs of the sunrise and sunset based on the lyrics to Days of Future Past

Music of the Civil War Era – to get you in the mood
Before each event we listen to period music to help us mentally get in the mood.

My First Venture into Collecting Early Rock and Roll Music (just in case you want to know)
I love pre-Beatles pop and rock n roll - here's how I began to collect it.

Rock & Roll - Pre-Beatles Rock and Roll
Those great tunes from the early 1950's through 1964 are celebrated in this post.

Radio - Another Frivolous Kenny G Rant!
Radio sucks!

R.I.P. Patty Andrews of the Andrews Sisters - The End of an Era
There are not very many greats from the era of World War II still around. here's my tribute to one of the best.

Simply Dickens - A Period Music Vocal Group
The finest period vocal group around. Read why they are!

Simply Dickens - Boar's Head Party
Yep - we had a medieval-type Boar's Head party!

Simply Dickens: Purveyors of Old World Carols
Just some of my favorite pictures of the group - past and present

Simply Dickens, Waterloo Farm and Other Historical Holiday Happenings 2014
Simply Dickens at Greenfield Village! Plus other fun Christmas stuff.

Simply Dickens - A Photographic Journey Through Christmas Past
A relaxed journey through Christmas past with lots of pictures of Simply Dickens and more that were taken at Greenfield Village.

Opinion / Thoughts / Ideas on Historical Reenactments and History
Accessorize To Accent Your Journey Through Time
Reenacting is so much more than clothing. It really is. Clothing only tells a part of the story. Here's why.

Accuracy - How Accurate Should We Be When presenting History?
Should every nuance and every detail be 100% correct?

Authentic Reenacting
At least, according to the History Channel.

Are You a 9 to 5 Reenactor?
Or do you keep it going even after the public leaves?

Are You A Reenactor or a Living Historian?
There is a difference, you know.

Cameras at Events and Photographs from Historic Fort Wayne 2012
Photographs of us using the period homes to bring the past to life at Historic Fort Wayne in Detroit.
Plus, modern cameras at an event - yay or nay?

Camping vs Motel Militia
Believe it or not, as a civilian, you are more accurate sleeping in a motel than in a tent!

Civil War Was Then - WWII Is Now
Why I will not reenact World War II

Civil War vs Colonial Reenacting
Why I do two eras and the difference between reenacting and living history. Plus my complaints about so-called historians who have degrees.

Common Sense
Is dead.

Clothing - The Cost and Satisfaction of Civil War Living History
A guide on what to where and the cost.

Dinner or Supper?
What do you call the noon meal and the evening meal in your neck of the woods?

Do I Have a Favorite? (and other ramblings about reenacting)
Yes I do-----but you'll have to read this post to find out which one it is.

Extreme Reenacting?
According to who?

Flying Solo in Period Clothing
The thought of wearing period clothing in public on your own freaks many people out.
Not me.

Historian: What makes a Historian a Historian (or Passion for the Past pt. 3)
Does it take thousands of dollars and a college degree to make one a historian?

Historical Perspectives
Has life changed that much since 1983?

How One Family Became Living Historians
Here's my wife, kids, and I turned reading about history into living the history.

Immersion Experience (with a strong dose of Living History)
Accomplishing immersion by sensurround.

I Believe A Change Is Gonna Come
Civil War reenacting is growing, but not necessarily in numbers.

Is Nostalgia "Portable"?
One of my more thought-provoking postings about how the lives of my family relates to the past in a nostalgic way.

Crossroads Village - It Takes A Village
Here's my dream of actually owning an open-air historical museum and how I would run it.

"It's Just A Hobby!"
So, you think this is just a hobby? Well, bub, you better think otherwise!

Living History/Reenacting/Interpreter Laughs
This is a pretty look at museum interpreters from You Tube.

Living History: Using Your Five Senses
I found this to be the best way to accomplish immersion

Look Into the Future - How Much of Our Time Will Be Lost?
How many letters do you send through the mail?
How many do you receive?
How many of your e-mails or text messages do you print and keep?
Do you Journal? Keep a diary?
No to all of the above?
I thought so.
Then how will future generations know about life during our time?

The Military Needs To Step Up To The Plate As Well
Civilians really do an awesome job in their attempt to bring the past to life. The military needs to do the same.

Museum in a Book Books
With inclusion of replica artifacts, these are some of the coolest history books out there.

My Passion for History Did Not Begin With Reenacting (or...And How Long Have YOU Been Into History?)
Why do many reenactors assume newbies aren't knowledgeable about history?

My Time as an 1860s Widow
As you know I like to experience many different parts of life of our ancestors, so...I dressed up in full 1860s women's clothing - including a corset - and lived to tell about it. Lots of pictures.

New Year Ramblings...2013
Thoughts and links to my favorite postings of 2012.

Out of My Mind on Monday Mornin'
Postings I started that never made it to fruition. So I put them all together and this is what came out.

Past & Prologue
Revisionist history as taught in our schools.

Past vs The Future
How industry and technology used to create jobs. Not so much any more!

Preserving History
Henry Ford did more for preserving everyday life of the 18th and 19th centuries than anyone else! Here's proof.

The Public is Here to See You - Please Be Kind
Let's ignore the public and maybe they'll go away. And so will our events!

Questions I'd Love To See Answered
My questions to fellow reenactors - - only three responded, but each had wonderful answers!

Random Historical Thoughts and Commentaries
The Cormany Diaries, and my opinion on the History Channel's Story of US.

A Rare Political Post
Yep!

Reenacting Frustrations
Don't you hate it when a reenactor suddenly whips out a modern-ism (phone, water bottle, etc) during a reenactment? Some will do it in front of patrons!! Here is my rant against those types.

Reenacting - Taking It Seriously
In the living history world, little things really do mean a lot!

Researching History - EXPAND Your Knowledge!
Taking living history beyond the typical camping trip in funny clothes.

School Wasn't Canceled For Bad Weather
Snow days. Cold days. Did they cancel school for weather in the past, or have we gone soft?

Simple Thoughts from a Simple Man...
Main Street USA: 21st century vs 19th century - what would ggg grandpa think?

Stop Historical Revisionists By Showing Them The Truth
All too often modern "historians" interpret the past based on personal views and agendas, but the new followers of Zinn and his ilk are desperately doing so to change the past to fit their views.

The Small Events Need Your Help!
You are rarely noticed at the large events, but your absence from the smaller ones is very conspicuous. Why don't you show?

Tales of a Male Civilian Coordinator
Most civilian coordinators - heck! most civilians in the reenacting world - are women. Here's my tale of being a male in what had always been the female side of reenacting. No, I don't wear hoop skirts or bonnets.

This is the Modern World
Though I love the past, there are so many modern things I would have a hard time living without.

Thoughts About Modern Digital Cameras at a Reenactment + Photographs From the Historic Fort Wayne Event
To use a digital camera or not to use a digital camera - that is the question. My answer? Well, check out the Fort Wayne reenactment pictures to see.

Thoughts of Then vs Now
In this age of entitlements, would you/could you live/survive in the past?

Three Great Historical Movies You Should See: John Adams, Gods & Generals, and Gettysburg
No offense, but I don't care that you hate Gods & Generals. I happen to like it---a lot!!

Time and Again - A Reenactor's Story?
Are we as living historians like the characters from the Jack Finney time-travel novel?

Time-Travel Reversal
I wonder what my 3rd great grandfather would think of the modern world.

Time-Travel: Are We Traveling Through Time and Space...or is it Mind-Travel?
I felt like I was "there" a couple of times. I really did. Let me explain...

Update: Look Into the Future - How Much of Our Time Will Be Lost?
Do you print and save your e-mails? Thought not. Here's why you should.

War is Hell...or Is It?
Someone should tell these reenactors that soldiers didn't smile during battle.

Who Cares About Boring Old History?
The popularity of genealogy, the Titanic, and reenactments show that history is loved by the masses.

Reenactments: Non-Civil War
Also see "Civil War Reenactments" "Colonial," and "Living History"

4th of July 2014: Celebrating Independence Day in a Colonial Way
For the first time, a few of us celebrated our Nation's birth as if it were 1776.

Colonial Ken Visits Greenfield Village
My first outing dressed in colonial clothing - and on the 139th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War to boot!

Colonial Ken Visits the Henry Ford Museum
Yep - lots of cool 18th century items pictured here as well.

Colonial Kensington: Spending Time in the 1770's
Our first foray as a family reenacting the Revolutionary War

Reenacting Early American History
Pre-Civil War era reenacting

Reenacting: Information
Accessorize To Accent Your Journey Through Time
Reenacting is so much more than clothing. It really is. Clothing only tells a part of the story. Here's why.

Camping vs Motel Militia
Believe it or not, as a civilian, you are more accurate sleeping in a motel than in a tent!

Costume or Period Clothing?
The great debate - - just what are we wearing?

De-farbing Your Campsite
How to hide all of the modern-isms from the public.

Eating Authentically at an Event
Do you want to really be accurate in camp? Then begin with eating the food of the season, just as our ancestors did.

Flying Solo in Period Clothing
The thought of wearing period clothing in public on your own freaks many people out.
Not me.
For Social History, Don't Over-look Books Geared Toward the Youth
Sometimes children's history books have more history than those written for adults.

The Immersion Experience (with a strong dose of Living History)
Learning the ins & outs and the do's & don'ts of immersion.

It'll Nearly Be Like A Picture Print By Currier & Ives
We can learn as much about clothing from a Currier & Ives print as we can from CDV's. Here, I'll prove it to you...

Lighting - Historic Lighting
A history of lighting through my own collection of historic and replicated lamps and candle holders

Living History: Using Your Five Senses
I found this to be the best way to accomplish immersion

Meeting to Improve Your Impression - Winter 2014
Learning how to get "there" through Immersion

Meeting to Improve Your Impression - Spring 2014
Practicing 1st Person and Immersion

Men's Clothing of the 1860's
Most sites concentrate on women's clothing of the 1860's. Well, we men want equal time. he's something to get you started should you want to do a civilian impression.

Museum in a Book Books
With inclusion of replica artifacts, these are some of the coolest history books out there.

The Public is Here to See You - Please Be Kind
As a visitor at a reenactment, I was ignored. As a reenactor, I try to make sure no one is ignored.

The Satisfaction of Civil War Living History
Why we do what we do...from my own personal perspective.

Self-Hypnosis + Authenticity + 1st person = Time-Travel
How to get "there" through mind-travel.

Spring Civilian Meeting #2 2014
Learning about immersion

Workin' Workin' Workin' Day and Night
Dispelling more modern myths about people from the past.

Tin Types: Real and Real Fakes
Faces of History: Original Photographs of Revolutionary War Vets
We've seen the tintypes of Civil War soldiers, now see tintypes of Revolutionary War soldiers.

Reenactors in Tin Types
Would you know these were reenactors if you weren't told?

More Reenactors in Tin Types
Is it real, or is it Memorex?

Reenactors in Tin Types: The Third Edition
I asked for more from my fellow reenactors and they gave in droves! Enjoy!

Victorian England
Boar's Head Party
Yep - we had a medieval-type Boar's Head party!

Ragged Victorians - "The Great Unwashed"
Meet one of the most remarkable reenactors/living historians I've ever seen! You won't believe your eyes!

WWII Life and Music
A Look Back at the WWII Generation
We could learn a lot from our parents/grandparents. True patriots.

Let Me Dig That Jive Once More (Hep! Hep!): In the Age of Big Band, Swing and Sweet - Popular Music of the 1930's and '40's
Youth culture in the late 1930's and early 1940's.

R.I.P. Patty Andrews of the Andrews Sisters - The End of an Era
There are not very many greats from the era of World War II still around. here's my tribute to one of the best.

3 comments:

Kat said...: This is a great resource Ken. As always, the labor you put into this blog is apparent and much appreciated. Can you put a link to this entry on your sidebar?

Thank you for sharing your passion with all of us. May you always enjoy educating those of us who are not reenactors but love American history all the same.

Blessings to you and your family.; January 10, 2015 at 9:36 PM
Stephanie Ann said...: Awesome. I've been trying to organize mine but there's no real fantastic way to do it. I like the color coding. :); January 26, 2015 at 11:37 AM
Unknown said...: If anyone is interested in Antique pieces of Americana, we (Oma's Attic) have a number of pieces that you can find in our store in Monterey,Ca. Or if you can't get to us you can shop online at www.omasattic.net.; February 21, 2015 at 7:27 PM

Passion for the Past

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Table of Contents - Update

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