Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek

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The re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek returned to Battlefield House Museum and Park this weekend.

The battle has always been considered a major turning point in the war of 1812 and has been faithfully re-enacted at Battlefield Park for 33 years.

It’s a visceral chance for young and old to learn or be reminded of this incredible piece of local and national history.

But for the dedicated re-enactors like Bruce Bainbridge, who recreate all aspects of life at the time, the battle is a history lesson and nothing more.

“We try not to glorify war, we know there are atrocities on both sides and horrors of war, we try to stay away from that as much as we can.”

There’s a great camaraderie amongst the ranks and civilian folk alike.

For the re-enactors it’s very serious business, including for their wallets, it’s about $1500 for the uniform and the musket, which is the most expensive. There’s a lot of care taken to recreate the camps as realistically as possible, including and also keeping an eye out for anything historically out of place.

There’s much to see on the sprawling grounds, including a magic show which keeps things on the lighter side.

Vendors hawk their authentic wares, no debit terminal here.

The long climb to the monument is well worth the view, while lectures at the museum fill in the blanks. And food is prepared the good old way.

Before the battle soldiers test their musket speed skills, which Bruce Bainbridge won.

He is just one of the hundreds helping guests from all over get up close and personal with a weekend that would define a great deal of our history.