When, oh when, will the general populace have access to time machines? Sure, the CIA and MI6 are having their fun with them, changing the course of history behind our backs, but what about the rest of us? Where are our DeLoreans? Where are our flux capacitors?
Until time machines are finally on sale at local supermarkets, we can make do with the popular pastime of historical re-enactment, and watch history lovers mess about with fake guns and oil lamps.
Battle of Gettysburg – Pennsylvania, USA
The most important battle of the American Civil War was at Gettysburg in 1863, when the South’s General Lee was prevented from invading any further into the North’s territory. The annual re-enactment here holds the record for most participants, with between 20,000 and 50,000 taking part each year. They really just love history, those Americans.
Old Tailem Town – South Australia
Somewhere off the Great Ocean Road and a mere 90km away from Adelaide, sits Old Tailem Town, the largest pioneer village in Australia.
OTT (seems like an apt abbreviation) recreates the pioneering spirit of the early 20th century in Australia, with original rickety buildings spread across 13 streets of dust and DEET.
Jane Austen festival – Bath, England
Okay, so maybe it’s not particularly historic, and actually just literary, but come on – lovers of Mr Darcy can be surrounded by several hundred incarnations of him.
You’ll never see so much swooning anywhere else. Austen’s books were all set in the late 18th and early 19th century and the festival lovingly recreates an idyllic snapshot of this era’s English gentry life.
(Featured image: MsSaraKelly)
