Old Northwest Military History Association
The Old Northwest Military History Association was organized in 1993 to support Fort Meigs. The non-profit volunteer group assists staff members with group tours and weekend activities. ONMHA helps create, purchase, and maintain the historical reproductions used at Fort Meigs. The organization also co-sponsors and runs living history events. Most members are costumed historical interpreters, dressed both as 1812 military and 1812 civilians. In addition, non-costumed ONMHA members work behind-the-scenes by serving food, tending gardens, and constructing equipment for the Association and the fort's use.
A volunteer talks about a musket stack to a young visitor.
The historical interpreters of ONMHA dress as War of 1812 soldiers and civilians. The soldiers portray Captain Daniel Cushing's Company, 2nd Regiment, U. S. Artillery. In addition to artillerists, many members dress as infantry, portraying Lieutenant Samuel Kirschival's Company of the 7th Regiment. Riflemen and militia soldiers are also portrayed at Fort Meigs. The 1812 civilians interpret the culture and society of frontier Ohio during the War of 1812.
In order to present a historically accurate depiction of War of 1812 soldiers, the volunteers meet often throughout the summer to train. Volunteers practice the marching and maneuvering according to the drill manuals of the time. They train to safely handle the muskets and cannons used in demonstrations. In addition to learning the military aspect of reenacting, the members of ONMHA spend time researching the history of Fort Meigs.
A member of ONMHA, in period dress, crushes herbs with a mortar and pestle.
The clothing the volunteers wear in their portrayals is all custom made. Each member is responsible for obtaining the clothing and accoutrements needed, but Fort Meigs provides much of the high-cost items, such as muskets and ammunition belts, for use by the volunteers at events. The Association purchases materials in bulk, usually at a discount, for members and it owns the patterns needed to create the clothing. A number of ONMHA members are experienced seamstresses and tailors. Several times each month during the winter the volunteers gather for sewing sessions to create their uniforms.
Not all of ONMHA's members dress in period clothing. Many people choose to help with behind-the-scenes work at events. The organization provides food at events to visiting re-enactors. They help with sales in the gift shop as well as general maintenance of Fort Meigs.
Members of ONMHA take a break during setup of a special event.
The Old Northwest Military History Association is instrumental in making Fort Meigs' living history events run smoothly. They are responsible for setting up the fort's historic tents in military order prior to the event. The organization registers the re-enactors arriving from out of town and helps to organize their set up. Volunteers also run demonstrations throughout the event and clean up the site grounds when it is over.
In addition to running reenactments at Fort Meigs, the Old Northwest Military History Association sponsors trips for its members to attend out of town events. The organization owns the military tents used at reenactments, and loans them out to members for use at other sites. ONMHA membership dues pay for the materials and food consumed at sponsored events. Many of its members could not attend these events without the support of the Association.
ONMHA is a social organization, as well. Several times a year, the group holds dances and parties for its members. ONMHA's meetings provide a place for it's members to gather and mingle. Many volunteers have said that ONMHA is one big family.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Old Northwest Military History Association please call Fort Meigs at (419) 874-4121 or print and complete a membership brochure.
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