Reenactor John Koopman III, playing George Washington, waves to attendees at the Thomas Baird Homestead in Millstone Township, N.J., on May 30.The event re-created a Revolutionary War encampment to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
Michelle Gustafson for NPR hide caption MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, N.J.— One recent day in central New Jersey, the grass field around a historic farmhouse was transformed into a Gen.
George Washington Revolutionary War encampment, with tents, people in costume and families taking photos.Suddenly, an unmistakable figure appeared on horseback, wearing a long navy wool coat and a black tricorn hat."March!" yelled a man, as a drum and fife (piccolo, actually) struck up a Revolutionary battle tune.Three people dressed as soldiers lined up for review by Washington, then fired shots from long muskets.Scenes like these have played out across the country as America celebrates its 250th birthday and more people look for ways to take part."Anything that pops up, I try to go to," said Robin Fox, who's lived nearby for 21 years but never been to this site.The semiquincentennial has meant a banner year for historical reenactors and interpreters, especially those who portray the ever-popular Founding Father.
Some have driven hundreds of miles a week to meet the demand.And whether it's a hobby or a career, they believe George Washington's life holds important lessons for today, especially at a time of such divided politics.John Koopman III looks straight out of a history book.
It's not just his angular face and hair tied back with a ribbon, but his entire tall frame, as he learned from the tailor who made his military costume."Where my sleeves fall and my wrist, the size of my chest, where my breaches fall, is all identical to Washington," he explained."That made my day."We met under a shade tree as he stood next to his belove...