For the first time ever, the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada (UELAC) will host their first virtual conference and historical event called Join the Revolution from May 27 to 31. Through a mix of multimedia and live elements, they hope to spark interest in history and heritage.
Jim Mullin, an Alexandria-based social worker, is also a well-known local historical reenactor—someone who recreates history by getting into the action, look, and life of a person from a past time. He took a moment to share how he got into this fascinating hobby, how he inspires the next generation, his involvement in the UELAC event—and what it takes to wield a musket.
WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER REENACTMENT?
My very first experience was 24 or 25 years ago on a camping trip with a friend at Fort Ticonderoga, a period encampment, where I came face to face with history. I remember there were little kids sitting at the table with their dad, all in period clothing playing period games. There was no electricity. I had to wear period clothing and sleep in a period tent with straw on the ground. Had I known all that prior to going, I may not have gone. But [the experience] was something that really resonated with me and I knew it was something I would love to keep doing.
FAST FORWARD: HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN REENACTING LOCALLY?
My sister-in-law, Jennifer Black, started working at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum in 2009 as the curator and I joined the Board of Directors shortly after. A reenactor took me aside on the museum’s opening weekend and said, “You’ve got to hold a War of 1812 event here.”
After pitching it to the museum, I became the chairperson of the Dunvegan War of 1812 Reenactment weekend; that led me to fall into the hobby. I was spearheaded Macdonell’s Company of Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles, a living history regiment, and I’m also the Vice President at Crysler Farm Battlefield.
WHAT WAS THE INITIAL APPEAL?
Once I put on my first green uniform, that was it. I was totally in. I keep amassing more and more stuff. I’m going to need a warehouse soon to store it all. I also enjoy the privilege of staying and camping in amazing historical places, taking part in exciting events, and meeting people from all walks of life.
SINCE YOU’RE RECREATING BATTLES, YOU NEED WEAPONS TRAINING, RIGHT?
The training follows a drill manual that dates back to that time period [1812]. We don’t just hand off a musket and say “Here you go!” Each person has to be vetted, over the age of 16, and trained. We don’t use musket balls, just loose powder. But the safety is still very strict. At every event there’s usually a safety officer on site.
HOW DO YOU GET YOUNG PEOPLE INVOLVED?
I have done talks at schools and bussed grade 7 and students to the museum for our education day. We focus on that age group because it’s part of their curriculum. They actually get hands-on experience, see what daily life was like, talk about the fur trade, learn about relationships with Indigenous people, and even discover how food was cooked at that time. The immersive learning experience is profound for that age group.
WHAT’S YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH JOIN THE REVOLUTION?
Jennifer and I will be doing a virtual tour at the museum on Saturday, May 29 at 2pm. We’re excited and honoured to be included in the festivities. As far as we know, we’re going to be the only live virtual tour location. I’ll be dressed in my 1812 uniform and will talk a little bit about the history of the Glengarry Light Infantry. Then we’ll probably tour some of the buildings. This is the first time we’re doing something live like this so I hope our wi-fi connection is stable!
For more information about Join the Revolution, visit uelbridgeannex.com/2021.
Featured image by Helen Mott. Submitted by Jim Mullin.
