Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Nova Hollandia Reenactment do?
A: Nova Hollandia Reenactment seeks to recreate the history of the Maritime Canadian Provinces in the 17th Century. Between 1604 and 1696 the area of what is now New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI was variously explored and claimed by the English, Scottish, French and Dutch – let alone the land’s indigenous peoples. We aim to recreate and portray the lives of these people.
That portrayal can take different forms – from an earlier Acadian blacksmith in 1606, to a Scots settler in 1629, an English Soldier in 1654, a Dutch trader in 1674 or a well to do Acadian lady in the 1690s. No role is more important than any other, and members are encouraged to consider broadening portrayals across the period.
Q: I’m not an Acadian or a Scot, can I still take part?
A: Yes! Our view is that we portray the history of our provinces, and if we call them home then you have a shared right to explore their history. The people we portray all came from other places anyway; and infact one of the members of Samuel De Chaplains expeditions was a free Afro-French man - Mathieu da Costa, who acted as an interpreter. However, in the spirit of reconciliation we ask members not to portray indigenous people, unless they are a member of a First Nation.
Q: What age must I be to join?
A: To join as an individual member you must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Members under 18 must attend events with a suitable parent or guardian (who does not need to dress up or be otherwise involved) . Members are able to take part in reenactment combat from the age of 18.
Q: Do I have to buy all the clothing / kit at once?
A: No you don't. The group has some limited spare men's / ladies kit that can be leant out to help cover your first show and into your first season; but you would be expected to purchase kit to slowly build this up as you go. We can provide a Clothing/Kit List for what you will need and by when.
Q: Where do you get all the kit from? Will I have to spend a lot of money?
A: There are a range of possible sources of new and used kit from across the world. Please see the Clothing/Kit List for a non-exhaustive list of suppliers! The kit can be built up slowly, and its cost will vary depending on what you are portraying. There is a low membership fee. Reenacting is no more expensive than many other hobbies.
Q: Can I make my own kit?
A: Yes. You can buy patterns and make your own but please ensure that the materials you use are natural fibers and colours that would be available in the 17th Century. We can help with this!
Q: I need to wear glasses does this matter?
A: Contact lenses are better, but if not suitable, it will not stop you taking part. Recreations of period glasses are available, but a (inconspicuous) thin framed modern pair is also an option! Also if you chose to do reenactment combat, wearing glasses isn’t recommended for some roles.
Q: I have a medical condition will this stop me from taking part?
A: It depends on the condition and severity of course, but members of our group are diabetic or have long term back problems (for example), and still take a very active part in events. It is crucial that you make senior members aware of any condition you may have, and we can advise you accordingly.
Q: I don't have loads of spare weekends, do I have to commit to lots of events? Do I have to attend every event?
A: No. It is a voluntary society and you only attend those events you can afford to, or are interested in. You can come to as many or as few as you like. The group will agree a number of "preferred events" that members should concentrate their efforts on getting to. There is an expectation that if you commit to support an event that you’ll do your best to make it along.
Q: Do I have to camp?
A: No, you can find a local hotel or bed and breakfast if you prefer. However, the majority of group members do camp in some form or other, either on the 'plastic site' in a modern tent, camper van or caravan or on the "authentic site" in a canvas tent made to 17th Century specifications.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: If you are camping just bring whatever you need to make yourself comfortable for warmth, eating, sleeping and whatever kit you have. All modern equipment, camp beds, lighting, bedding, cooking equipment, food, drinks etc is fine in ‘plastic’ camp. It’s also totally acceptable inside an authentic tent, but will need to be hidden during show hours.
Q: Can I bring pets?
A: Dogs only are recommended! Usually, yes, but there may be occasions where the landowner places restrictions on this. There are quite often mentions in the "Warning Orders" for the events (a communication sent out before each event which will be distributed to you) if there are special provisions for dogs or if they are not allowed. Many events will include musketry, which they may not appreciate.
Your dog will be expected to be on a leather (inconspicuous) lead at all times while on the campsite and you will be expected to clean up after it.
Q: What can I do?
A: Lots of things! Period appropriate crafts, from period music to wood working via wool crafts, open fire cooking to portraying a period apothecary or barber surgeon! Aspects of most interests can be incorporated. You can try out any military role, including pike, musket and artillery. Women wanting to portray a military can dress as men in male kit for battles and displays, but can transform into women's kit outside of these (or remain in male kit – whatever your preference!)
Q: What about my kids? Is this family-friendly?
A: Definitely! Nova Hollandia is a family centered group, and children are very welcome. Reenactment is a great hobby for all ages to enjoy.
If the children are between the ages of 11 and 18, they can be enrolled as an "apprentice". Here they will be drilled in all arms and be given training that will enable them to take the battlefield at the age of 18. The apprentices also undertake pre-battle drill displays and provide escort for VIP's. At some events they may participate in closely scripted scenarios.
Up to the age of 11 there is no official organization for the children; however at times they will be asked to participate in scenarios around camp; and we have a range of period appropriate toys and games. Re-enactment kids are never bored!
Q: Do I need to know the history of the events portrayed?
A: It is not at all necessary, but a general knowledge of the overall events is beneficial – you don’t need to be an expert to take part and there are no tests at the end! If you are happy talking to the public at events then you will require a greater depth of knowledge, but you find you'll pick things up from other members as you attend more events.
Several members weren’t interested in history at all when they joined, instead enjoying the other aspects the hobby provides
Q: Do you do events all year round?
A: The event season tends to be between May and September/October; which lends itself to camping in the fairer weather. Between October and April there are various social events, usually with some drill thrown in, and which may include a Banquet.
Q : Is reenactment dangerous?
A: Due to the use of black powder for the muskets and artillery and the sheer physical nature of sword fighting (if you choose to partake) there is some element of danger. However, rules of engagement, tests for musket and sword, the blunted nature of any weapons used for combat, and general drill tend to minimize these.
Q : Are the guns real?
A: All firing muskets and artillery pieces are genuine black powder muzzle loaders. They are certainly capable of firing projectiles, but we only load black powder and wadding to make the bang and puff of smoke! Further, they are inspected at the start of each day of events to ensure they are in safe condition to operate
Q : Are the other weapons real?
A: All weapons are metal/wood. Some display and drill pieces are sharp; but only blunted pieces are used in combat. These are inspected prior to each and every display to ensure they are in safe condition.
Q : Do I need any special licenses? Or a PAL?
A: Muskets and other long arms are classified as antiques (all being matchlock, flintlock or wheel lock muzzle-loading long arms), and no PAL is required. The owner/operated needs to be over 18 years of age. All muskets and artillery crew are given extensive training and must pass a safety test prior to being allowed to use them at public events.
Q : Can I switch to another role later on?
A: You can change roles anytime you like, but make sure the group knows – just so that we can ensure that you are incorporated in our planning, and given any training/support that you need!
Q : How authentic do I have to be?
A: There are minimum dress standards issued by the group, and you will be encouraged to move beyond these, but it is a matter of choice and finances as to how authentic you become.
Q : Do I have to wear all the clothes?
A: If you don’t want to participate in authentic period activities, then no. But what you’ll soon find is that those in modern dress look like the odd ones out! The clothes are actually a great social leveller – when you’re all dressed up it produces a great camaraderie between everyone.
Q : Do you all stay ‘in character’ all weekend and speak ye olde English?
No, we don’t have ‘characters’ and we don’t pretend we’re really from the 17th Century – we’re just ordinary people having fun with our friends. Some of us do a bit of acting at smaller events, which is great fun, but our interaction with the public is as normal people who just have a passion for what they do. With regards to speech amongst ourselves we use modern language but will use C17th titles whilst addressing other members in front of the public, e.g. referring to married ladies as "mistress".
Q : Where are we based?
A: The main core of the group is currently in southern/central New Brunswick and central Nova Scotia, but we welcome members from all over.
Q : How do we keep in touch/who do we contact?
A: We have an email list and a private members Facebook group
Q : Where are your events?
A: Currently our events are spread across New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Q : Doesn’t this glorify war or colonialism?
A: We don’t just re-enact war – we also bring the lives of ordinary people back from the past, demonstrating the jobs and personalities of the 17th Century. Re-enactment is a hobby, first and foremost. Nova Hollandia exists to commemorate and re-enact the history of our area, as honestly, accurately and impartially as possible. Early settlers in the Maritimes typically were more focused on trade than ‘colonial domination’ and had excellent relations with the indigenous people – they struggled to survive when they didn’t! We would welcome indigenous members to enable their stories to be told more authentically.
Q : How do I get involved?!
A: Message the page, and we can go from there! Typically we’d have a chat over coffee or zoom, and encourage potential members to come and see us at a show before getting folks into kit.