Reenactors
Reenactor Information & Registration
The Annual Battle of Bushy Run Reenactment
The Annual Battle of Bushy Run Reenactment would not be possible without the dedication, skill, and passion of our reenactors. Each year, living historians travel from across the region and spend countless hours researching, crafting, and refining their portrayals to accurately represent the soldiers, Native American warriors, settlers, traders, artisans, and camp followers who lived through the events of Pontiac's War.
Through their efforts, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the people, cultures, and conflicts that shaped the Pennsylvania frontier. From military demonstrations and camp life to historical crafts and first-person interpretation, our reenactors play a vital role in preserving and sharing the history of the Battle of Bushy Run.
This page contains the forms, registration materials, certificates, event guidelines, and other important information needed for participation in this year's reenactment. All participants are encouraged to review these materials carefully and complete any required documentation prior to arriving on site.
We are proud to work alongside such a talented community of living historians and look forward to another outstanding weekend of education, fellowship, and historical interpretation at Bushy Run Battlefield.
Reenactor Registration Information
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The 263rd Anniversary Battle of Bushy Run Reenactment will be held on August 1–2, 2026.
Registration is now open for reenactors, sutlers, and approved historical demonstrators.
To ensure a safe, educational, and historically accurate event, all participants, regardless of prior participation, must complete the registration process and receive approval prior to attending. While every effort will be made to accommodate participants, on-site registration cannot be guaranteed.
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Registration Deadline
All registration materials must be submitted to Bushy Run Battlefield no later than July 18, 2026.
Registration Process
1. Review the PHMC Safety Manual for Historic Weapons Programs (HERE)
All participants are required to carefully read the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Safety Manual for Historic Weapons Programs (January 2018 Edition), regardless of whether they intend to handle weapons during the event.
- Read the official PHMC Living History Safety Manual (HERE)
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2. Complete the Online Registration Form (HERE) or a Paper Copy (HERE)
Registration may be submitted as an individual participant or on behalf of an entire unit. Completed forms may be returned electronically or by mail.
3. Submit Impression Photographs
To help maintain the high standards of historical interpretation expected at Bushy Run, participants must submit recent photographs of their individual or unit impression for review by our authenticity jury. These photographs assist us in ensuring that portrayals are appropriate to the time period and educational mission of the event.
Participants seeking guidance on developing or improving an impression are encouraged to review our Impression Standards & Regulations (HERE). Final approval of all impressions remains at the discretion of the jury.
Photographs may be emailed to manager@bushyrunbattlefield.com.
4. Await Confirmation
Once your registration form and photographs have been received, Bushy Run staff will review your materials and notify you regarding your registration status and jury determination.
Registration Fees
There is no registration fee for approved reenactors, demonstrators, or sutlers.
As a nonprofit organization, the Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society gratefully accepts donations from sutlers and vendors whose participation generates revenue during the event. Such contributions help support educational programming, site preservation, and future reenactment activities.
Event Check-In
Participant check-in will be available on Friday evening and again on Saturday morning prior to the opening of the event. Detailed arrival instructions, parking information, and check-in times will be distributed to approved participants closer to the event date.
Questions?
If you have questions regarding registration, authenticity standards, camping, sutler opportunities, or event logistics, please contact the Museum Manager at manager@bushyrunbattlefield.com.
We appreciate your commitment to quality living history and look forward to another outstanding reenactment weekend at Bushy Run Battlefield.