Talk:Comparison of historical reenactment groups

The Netherlands 1940-1945, Study and Living History Group aims to educate people at events in Holland and abroad about how the civilian population lived through the occupation of Europe during the Second World War.

We believe that there are more interesting ways to educate people about the past then just going to museums or reading books. We think we can give the public a better notion of what the past was really like, by showing them, letting them hear, smell and even taste history.

We do this by 're-enacting' people from that era. In authentic clothes we participate in historical and educational events, where the public can ask us anything and may even have a look what is inside our bags and suitcases. It is just like walking onto a film set or like traveling with a time machine! Outside Holland many museums make use of this so-called Living History, in Holland this is mostly done in Archaeological Theme park at Archeon.

The members of our group assume the role of someone who lived through the occupation of Holland in 1940-1945. For a day or weekend they become a housewife, schoolchild, police officer, a soldier or evacuee. By doing this we hope to educate people about the way the war really was for the civilians of wartime Europe. We also hope to learn more about this ourselves, we want to learn things you can't find in history books. For instance, how does soup made of tulip bulbs really taste? And how does it feel to ride a bicycle with wooden tires? etc., all the sorts of things you don't learn at school.

The Company of Chivalry, circa 1370.
We are a Living History and military re-enactment Society with associations with English Heritage, CADW, the BBC and ITV. We portray military and civilian life in Plantaganet England with varied displays of military prowess and peasant life in the 1370's. We have a web presence at www.thecompanyofchivalry.com

Nicholas Dykes.