FORT BEAUSÉJOUR - Have you ever wondered what military life was like in the 18th century?
Now you have the chance when Parks Canada hosts an 18th Century Historic Encampment and Living History Event this weekend at Fort BeausÉjour-Fort Cumberland National Historic Site.
On Saturday and Sunday, a group of re-enactors will encamp at Fort BeausÉjour-Fort Cumberland where they will portray and interpret camp and military life typical of an 18th century fort. They will also carry out small arms (flintlock muskets) drills, maneuvers and demonstrations.
The muskets being used are classified as small arms. They are smooth bore flintlock muskets, typical of the period, and will be fired using a 120-grain charge of FFG black powder during the black powder demonstrations.
The demonstrations will be carried out on approved ranges at the fort. Individual units/regiments will perform demonstrations where they talk about their regiment, recruitment into the military, their uniform, accoutrements, fort and camp life and the firing of muskets.
Those participating include members of Compagnies Franches de la Marine, drummer and soldiers and volunteer militia from the Fortress of Louisbourg NHSC, 40th Regiment of Foot, Grenadier Company - Halifax Citadel Regimental Association,Captain Benoni Danks Company of Rangers - New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and individual re-enactors portraying the 78th Fraser Highlanders, French Acadian/Mi'kmaq as part of Living History, exploring aspects of material culture and daily life.
On Saturday, period drills and small arms firing will run from 10 to 11 a.m., and 2 to 3 p.m., as talks on period weapons and small arms firing will run from 11 a.m. to noon and 3 to 4 p.m.
The schedule for Sunday includes period drills and small arms firing from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by talks on period weapons and small arms firing at 11 a.m., until noon.
