It’s one thing to read about the founding of America in textbooks; it’s quite another for historical events to be relayed by a person you can easily imagine living the experience. Between the replicated living quarters, clothing, weapons, and equipment, the seeming first-hand, lively accounts, and the smoke and smell of gun powder hanging in the air, you are transported to a time that shaped the way you live your life today.
Creating that experience is what drives Jerry Berg, the reenactor who will be in the role of Captain on Saturday. When not dressed in period costumes, he works as a professor at GVSU. Berg said he loves educating and bringing history back to life—not just demonstrating what history was, but “how it affected us as a species, as the story of humanity... focusing on little snippets at a time.”
Berg belongs to the Military History Academy, which is part of a museum that provides educational experiences through living history and other interactive history-based experiences and features four different museums, including the Swordsmanship Museum. The Military History Academy is a fairly new addition, added in 2025. And this year, it’s coming to Allendale.
On the 4th of July, “Captain” Berg, one sergeant, and several reenactors in the role of private will be recreating a historical military unit complete with firearms and bayonets. Berg was sure to mention that though there will be weapons, making sure everyone is safe is always a top priority.
The reenactors will be representing the 8th Massachusetts Regiment infantry, chosen because it has a surprising connection to Michigan history. “Which I will leave a secret,” Berg said. “People will have to just show up to the event in order to find out what the connection is.”
The group will educate those in attendance on various topics about the Revolutionary War—favorite maneuvers, drills, and bits of history, as well as the significance of the uniforms and muskets. Berg stressed that there will be an emphasis on fact-based history which will dispell the many myths that surround the era.
The encampment will be active between 11 am and 2 pm, with musket firing and sword cutting demonstrations throughout the day. In between the presentations, Berg said he and the other members will interact with anyone “curious enough to come up to our camp to learn more.” Some of the reenactors enjoy talking about muskets, others about the battlefield formations, the swords and swordsmanship of the era, the camp life, or the cooking—so be sure to talk to more than one participant.
If you can’t make it to the Allendale event, there will be others.
• July 11: Encampment at Portage—Revolutionary War Reenactment. For this event there will be both American and British soldiers. You’ll be able to watch a small skirmish battle.
• September 19 and 20: Holland, Revolutionary War Van Raalte. This will be the 17th annual Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
If you want the full experience, consider becoming a reenactor.
Would you like to take your love of history and/or acting to the next level? Become a reenactor. Berg said the Military History Academy offers special training sessions for those interested in participating. Classes teach the life of a soldier from a particular era or conflict, drawing from era-specific manuals and providing practice sessions. Participants are taught firearm safety and black powder safety, drills, and marching.
Standard talking points are provided with a focus on getting crowds excited, interested, and connected with the colonial era, revolutionary war era, and other history the Academy represents such as Michigan's role in the War of 1812, Michigan sharpshooters in the Civil War, and even the Renaissance French Musketeers. Berg said, “It's more than just the Revolutionary War; it's the entire world of military history, usually focused on Michigan.”
Class topics include linear infantry tactics, uniforms and their role in warfare, the difficulties America had putting together a brand new army against the pre-existing Red Coats, and more. Members also are encouraged to do their own independent research and bring a specialty onto the field—which Berg said makes it really fascinating, providing a unique experience for spectators to come back multiple times.
Berg pointed out that unlike traditional, mainstream reenacting where participants are expected to get their own clothing and weapons—which can sometimes be a few thousand dollars—the Academy provides everything. “All they need to bring are themselves and maybe a pair of shoes. We'll provide the rest.”
The best way to express interest and ask questions is by sending an email to the Academy.
For more events and information, follow the Academy’s Facebook page.
Krista Yetzke is a native of Ottawa County. A jeep-driving, guitar-playing wife, mom, and everyday adventurer, Krista was raised on the love of Jesus, the great outdoors, the arts, the value of frugality, and the beauty of food as medicine.
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