Volunteer
Fort Meigs Historic Site relies on volunteers to fulfill its mission of education and historic preservation. Fort Meigs volunteers assist in all manner of operations including docent tours, Museum Store sales, groundskeeping, landscaping, and historical research. Call 419.874.4121 or email [email protected] for more information. Interested in reenacting and costumed interpretation? Consider joining the Old Northwest Military Association, nonprofit entity who mission focuses on living history and support of Fort Meigs Historic Site.
THE OLD NORTHWEST MILITARY HISTORY ASSOCIATION
The Old Northwest Military History Association was organized in 1993 to support Fort Meigs. The non-profit volunteer group assists staff members with group tours and weekend activities. ONMHA helps create, purchase, and maintain the historical reproductions used at Fort Meigs and also co-sponsors and runs living history events throughout the year. Every October, ONMHA members host Garrison Ghost Walk as part of the fort’s special event schedule to raise funds for the organization.
INTERPRETATION
As a costumed historical interpreter, you have the opportunity to show visitors what life was like at Fort Meigs. Some things you could be involved with include:
- assist with tours
- demonstrate historic skills like cooking, candle-making, woodworking, leather working, and more
- portray a soldier and assist with musket and cannon demonstrations and take part in recreated battles
SITE SUPPORT
If you’re not interested in dressing the part, we always need volunteers to help out at special events and throughout the year doing other tasks such as:
- helping with food for re-enactors
- customer service in the gift shop
- general maintenance of Fort Meigs
- event set-up and tear-down
TRAVEL
In addition to running reenactments at Fort Meigs, ONMHA sponsors trips for its members to attend out of town events held at other War of 1812 sites throughout the United States and Canada. Membership dues pay for the materials and food at these sponsored events.
SOCIALIZE
ONMHA is a social organization as well. Several times a year, the group holds dances and parties for its members to gather and mingle. Many volunteers have said that ONMHA is one big history-loving family!
GET INVOLVED!
ONMHA meets regularly throughout the year. Call Fort Meigs today at 419.874.4121 to learn about the next opportunity to join us!
"This day all the Virginia troops but two small companies left camp, their times being out; also the Pennsylvania brigade except what volunteered to stay 15 days - about 200."
~ Captain Daniel Cushing
2nd Regiment, U.S. Artillery
April 2, 1813
Photo credit: Weaver