Soldiers of the 60th

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BA Michigan State University

Reenacting 30 years+

 I have been involved in reenacting almost my entire life, and have developed a great interest for this time period along with history in general.  Through the years I also have picked up several skills from my fellow reenactors, and help to produce some of the equipment and clothing for our group.    I’m married and we have two young boys who have a very active interest in this hobby.  This has always been a family based activity for me, and our group has maintained a strong family atmosphere. 

At 60thra, our mission is to collect, preserve, and share the rich history of our community with the world. We are committed to providing educational opportunities and engaging programming that encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of ou 

BA in History from Saginaw Valley State University. 

Like many of my fellow historical reenactors, we all have a love and passion for our history. Our passion is so great we dress in wool and camp out in the middle of a hot summer weekend to share our passion and love of our American history. Furthermore, in this 60th Royal American Company, we love doing research and sharing that information with anyone who wants to learn more. 

 I've been in this hobby for more than 30 years. I've been to reenactments and rendezvous in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York so far. As this 60th unit grows, my wish is to see visit more historical sites in the future. Over the years I've met many people who've developed into lifelong friends. It also helps that my wife and children like this hobby. What's best about our group is our shared family values, the desire to be more authentic each year, and our general respect for history 

USMC Veteran 13 Years

I've been reenacting for over 30 years since I was a little kid. It was my best friend John H. that got me into it, and my passion for it has grown from there. My love for military history has always been part of my life and ultimately led me to join the service straight out of high school. I joined the United States Marine Corps in 2005, honorably serving for 13 years and deploying a total of 7 times overseas. After getting out of the USMC in 2018, I transitioned right back into reenacting—strengthening my love for history more than ever. I aim to portray our unit as accurately as possible. I’m married and have 2 kids, and we all reenact together as a family. It’s amazing to see the next generation of reenactors growing up just as myself and John did as kids. We hold our reenacting group close to our hearts, and even though we are all friends, we really are more like a big family. 
 

I’ve had a passion for history my entire life, and I truly credit that to spending time with my World War II veteran grandfather. In addition to this, some of my fondest memories are from family trips in Northern Michigan, where we visited places like Fort Mackinac and Colonial Michilimackinac. Those destinations, rich with history, became some of my favorite spots and really fueled my love for the past. My cousins had always been involved in reenacting and would invite me to watch their events, telling me, 'We’ll get you out here someday.' When that day finally came, I jumped at the opportunity, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve really enjoyed diving deeper into the history of the French and Indian War, Doing the research and sharing those stories with others has been an incredibly rewarding experience 

 Dalton Lee was 3 weeks old at his first event in 95. Dalton was a member of the First Foot Guards for over 18 years before helping start the 2nd South Carolina Regiment in Michigan and the 49th regiment of foot where he serves as the cpl. Dalton wanted to be on the winning side so he  joined the 60th in 2023 to come full circle. Dalton grandfather and father were founding member with Gerry Olson for the lights company from the 80s of the 60th Royal Americans.

Reenacting for 20 years.

 I became a historical reenactor because of my father, who introduced me to the world of living history. Watching him passionately bring the past to life inspired me to follow in his footsteps and develop my own appreciation for history. He taught me the importance of authenticity, attention to detail, and the value of preserving historical traditions. Some of my best memories are of attending events with him, learning period skills, and immersing myself in different eras. Reenacting became more than just a hobby—it became a way to connect with my father, honor our shared love of history, and pass that passion on to others. 

Reenacting for 20 years.

 My neighbor was the one who first got me into historical reenacting, and I’ll always be grateful for that. Watching him meticulously prepare for events, dress in authentic gear, and passionately talk about history sparked my interest and made me want to experience it for myself. He invited me to my first reenactment, and from that moment on, I was hooked. Through him, I learned the importance of preserving history, the thrill of stepping into the past, and the camaraderie that comes with it. Now, I hope to pass this passion on to my own children one day, just as he did for me. I want them to appreciate history not just from books, but by living it—learning the skills, wearing the uniforms, and experiencing firsthand the traditions that shaped our world. 

5 years 

BA Michigan State University

Reenacting for 10 years.

 I love historical reenacting because it allows me to step into the past and experience the discipline, camaraderie, and challenges that soldiers once faced. Through reenacting, I developed a deep respect for military history, tactics, and the sacrifices of those who served before me. Learning how to march, drill, and lead in historical settings instilled a sense of discipline and leadership that naturally led me to want to be a part of the U.S. Army. The sense of purpose, teamwork, and dedication I experienced in reenacting made me realize that I wanted to serve not just in a historical context, but in the real world, honoring those who came before while making my own mark in history. 

Reenacting for 30 years.

 I started historical reenacting with my father before the Bicentennial, and it quickly became a meaningful part of my life. Together, we spent countless hours researching history, gathering gear, and perfecting our impressions to bring the past to life. The excitement leading up to the nation's 200th anniversary made it even more special, as there was a renewed passion for history and a sense of pride in commemorating America’s past. Those early reenactments with my father not only deepened my appreciation for history but also strengthened our bond. Ever since, reenacting has been more than just a hobby—it’s a lifelong passion that connects me to the past, my family, and the generations who came before us.