Seven Things to do During Quarantine for Reenactors and Living Historians

We've all seen the announcements, this reenactment or that event has been cancelled. For those of us who have that itch that only cooking over a fire and wearing clothes 160 years out of date can scratch, these cancellation may cause us to cling to the edge of our sanity. But have no fear! Even during this time there are so many things old souls and Living Historians can do to satiate these desires and longings. Quarantine can go from a dreary curse to a blessed time of respite and reflection while still staying safe. 

1. Make Masks and PPE Equipment

During wartime often times the civilians were called upon to provide manpower since mankind has been fighting wars. While this may not be a battle against other humans, it is a fight against the Coronavirus. PPE equipment is in short supply, as doctors and nurses are forced to reuse PPE equipment. To counteract this, the American Hospital Association is coordinating efforts with Providence to get PPE equipment to Hospitals with their million mask challenge. Find out more about it here.

2. Try a Victorian Food Recipe

Food was important to Victorians, and the best part is not only the experience of making the same food as a person from the period would have, you get to eat it afterwards! The recipes do need some tweaking as they often will speak of baking in terms of the heat of the fire and how to tell if its completely cooked instead of minutes to leave it in. The one above is from Peterson's magazine 1864.

3. Finish That Project

You know that project, the one that has been sitting in the back of your closet or sewing basket that just needs that little bit done to finish it. Do it, go for it, you'll feel better once its out of the way. Its time. 

4. Garden

While a true genteel or high bred lady tries best not to toil in the soil, gardening or picking of berries for leisure is not above anyone in any station. The sun helps to build the immune system and helps fight depression while fresh air does the mind and body good. And you can even wear the very fashionable Godey's garden hat. 

Allingham Painting

5. Blue and Starch you petticoats

Nothing is quite as beautiful as blueing and starching your petticoats. There's just something so satisfying about hearing the swish of perfectly starched petticoats, or seeing the beauty of  a stark white chemise or drawers. 

6. Make more undergarments.

Beadle and Dime's book suggests that one have as many dresses and undergarments to last from one wash day to the next. In such, each Living Historian should have one set of clothes and whites for each day of the reenactment. To put this delicately, during the summer our bodies tend to rely biology to cool off and may produce a bit of sweat. I know, ladies do not sweat we glisten etc. etc. but the truth is that it really is best to switch out underclothes from day to day especially in the absence of showers. With so much home time why not go ahead and make sure to have enough whites for an entire weekend.

"Knitting a Shawl" Mary Isabella Grant 1855

7. Learn a New Skill

Knitting, Sewing, Spinning, Weaving, Drawing, there's so many different arts and trades that are being lost to time. Have fun and look to youtube or facebook for help. You may find a you have a hidden talent or knack for something you never even knew about!

Whatever you choose to do, stay home, stay safe, and if you have to wander around your house in period dress or put up a tent in your yard complete with a fire. Together we can get through this!