Reenactor Guidelines

I [and my company, if applicable] voluntarily agree to the following terms:

Event Registration

  • Pre-registration is required for reenacting groups, unaffiliated individual reenactors, and living history presenters.
  • All units must sign the Release From Liability waiver. All participating organizations must have current insurance policies.
  • A copy of your insurance certificate must be forwarded to Westmoreland Historical Society prior to the event. Email Lara Bromyard directly at lara@westmorelandhistory.org or mail to WCHS, ATTN: Lara Bromyard at 809 Forbes Trail Rd. Greensburg, PA 15601. You can also upload this via our Reenactor Registration form.

Event Attendance, Interpretation and Demonstrations

  • On arrival reenactors must check in first with the Director of Education or coordinating unit: I.B.W.C.P. Proctor’s Militia. At the end of the event, reenactors must not tear down until given the all clear by the Director of Education or coordinating unit. We ask that all reenactors clean up their campsites before departure.
  • Units will receive a packet upon receipt of the registration form, insurance verification and completed waiver. This will be issued upon arrival and will include reenactor parking pass, program of the event, reenactor guidelines, and garbage bag for trash.
  • Please follow the camp set up guidelines according to the coordinating unit.
  • Vehicles must be parked in the designated area.
  • Anachronisms must be removed from camps and living history areas before public hours.
  • Fire pits are permitted. To build campfires, 6-8 inches of topsoil may be removed. Fires must be closely monitored and extinguished. Please replace the sod when finished, after thoroughly quenching your fire.
  • Historic Hanna’s Town will provide firewood to pre-registered reenactors.
  • Reenactors at this event represent camp life in the late 18th century and base their representations on accurate historical research.
  • All reenactors to be attired in period dress and be set up in their designated area by 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and will not break down their camps / displays until after 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.
  • Reenactors may be asked to join in some of our living history activities, including militia drills, demonstrations, and skirmishes.
  • We ask all reenactors and presenters to welcome all visitors into their camps throughout the day and be willing to engage with visitors and answer questions.
  • Programs and events at Historic Hanna’s Town are family friendly and each of us must refrain from foul and inappropriate language.

Artillery and Firearms Rules & Regulations

Artillery and weapons must conform to applicable federal, state, and local safety guidelines and the following provisions, based on the National Park Service Standards for Historic Weapons Firing. The following will be enforced:

  • Firearms must be unloaded at all times unless they are being used during scheduled demonstrations.
  • A safety inspection with a site designated Safety Officer will be conducted at the beginning of the event. Any late arrivals must have arms checked by the Safety Officer before they may participate. This is not negotiable.
  • No modern firearms allowed in camp. Keep them locked and secured in a vehicle.
  • Demonstrations must be supervised by a licensed technician.
  • Visitors will not be allowed to touch, handle, or discharge any loaded weapon or equipment containing ammunition.
  • Visitors may be permitted to touch unloaded firearms provided they are kept under physical control by the demonstrator.
  • Visitors are prohibited from touching or handling any edged weapon.
  • Any injuries or accidents that require medical attention must be reported to local authorities and personnel at the Westmoreland Historical Society.
  • All lost or stolen historic firearms must be reported immediately to law enforcement.
  • Ranges for historic weapons demonstrations are as follows:
    • Minimum Distance Between Closest Firearms Demonstrator and Visitors — 10 Yards
    • Minimum Distance Between Cannon and Visitors — 12 Yards
    • Visitors may not be located anywhere beyond the muzzle line for a distance of at least 100 yards to the front and both sides of the piece.

General Policies and Procedures

  • This is an outdoor “rain or shine” event.
  • Any minors participating in the event with the reenactor(s) are the responsibility of the reenactor(s), and we ask that their behavior and safety is closely monitored.
  • Use of Historic Hanna’s Town collections (furniture, cookware, etc.) is prohibited.
  • Alcohol is prohibited during visitor hours. Underage drinking is prohibited at all times.
  • Smoking is prohibited inside buildings.
  • Please use distributed trash bag for the removal and disposal of any trash or debris in camp.
  • Historic Hanna’s Town is a county park, all participants in this event must also comply with rules, regulations, and ordinances for Westmoreland County Parks. To learn more visit: https://www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/1001/Rules-Regulations

Photography and Video

The Westmoreland Historical Society and Historic Hanna’s Town reserve the right to take photographs/videos of reenactors and distribute these images for any lawful purpose, including in our publications, marketing, social media, presentations, and college/university project.