Getting Started in our Living History Group.

Membership Cost: FREE. There are no membership fees, only an insurance fee of just $15.00 per year per person.

The following list will show you the very basic clothing and equipment needs to get started in the New England Colonial Living History Group.

You can use modern clothing to start if you can't afford the period clothing or don't know how to make it yourself. Second hand materials and clothing are fine to use. There are oversized modern work shirts which do not button all the way down the front that will pass for a shirt or a man's 18th century work frock. Trousers are okay to start with as are modern black or brown shoes. These can usually be found in the op-shops at little expence. The same applies to the hat.

We are here to help you get started, so if you need help making your clothing and equipment just ask, it is not a problem.

Getting Started In 18th Century Living History. ©Keith H Burgess, Armidale 2350.
The following information is supplied for members of the New England Colonial Living History Group (1680-1760, Armidale NSW, Australia).
Basic Clothing & Equipment needs for beginners.
Woodsmen & Woodswomen.
· Hat (Wool felt broad brimmed).
· Men’s work frock (shirt style or round frock).
· Trousers, breechclout or breeches (These would normally be with a French fly, but as the frock covers all modern trousers can be used to start with).
· Centre seam woodland Indian moccasins or black/brown lace-up leather shoes.
· Neckerchief (suggest plain dark colour in black, brown or green).
· Leather waist belt or woven sash.

Stage 2.
· Leggings & garters (Woodland Indian style in leather or wool. Garters can be woven or leather thongs).
· Woodland Indian moccasins.
· Shirt (Linen or cotton).
· Waistcoat/weskit (Linen, cotton or wool).
· Breeches or breechclout (Breeches can be linen, cotton or leather).

Other.
· Blanket (Pure wool).
· Oil cloth or light canvas.
· Knapsack, snapsack or haversack (Canvas or leather).
· Water bottle (Leather covered glass bottle or leather costrel. A modern alternative may be used to start).
· Food bags (Cotton, linen or leather).
· Flint & Steel with tinderbox & greased leather fire-bag (A piece of metal file may be used to make a steel).
· Cup.
· Belt bag.

Tools.
· Flint, steel, tinderbox, greased fire-bag.
· Belt knife (Butcher knife with pinned handle).
· Tomahawk or hatchet (Lightweight).
· Muzzleloading fusil, musket or rifle or a primitive bow (Plus shot pouch & contents & powder horn).

Other.
· Brass or copper trade kettle.
· Period spectacle frames (Prescription lenses or safety glass).
· Winter clothing: wool shirt, wool weskit, Monmouth cap, wool mittens.

Women.
· Cap or straw hat.
· Shift.
· Petticoats.
· Neckerchief.
· Jacket.
· Apron.
· Pockets.
· Mantle or cloak.
· Stays or jumps.

Woodland Indian (Native or white/black adopted).
Men.
· Breechclout.
· Leggings & garters.
· Moccasins.
· Blanket.

Women.
· Shirt.
· Wrap around skirt.
· Leggings and garters.
· Moccasins.