Services

The Market Place

The Prop Shop

In addition to selling a variety of ready-made pieces and the occasional online "yard sale" for bulk fabric and other items., RTL artisans can create many props based on your specifications. Tell us what you need and when. We will negotiate a price based on materials cost and labor. The Prop Shop page has examples of our work.

Sutlers and Such

Links to online sources for fabric, patterns, information and accessories. RTL has used all these services, shopped these sites and can attest to good experiences.

Educational Services

Tutoring in American History

We are the first ones to admit that history is not always a favorite subject for those in school. Ellen Wilds has a B.A. in U.S. History and is fully qualified to tutor school children of all ages in history, which in Maryland is essential to graduate from high school. If your child is struggling to absorb history material and needs help, give Ellen a call at 301-565-2359. Times and fees are open to negotiation.

The Little Dames School

Although a common feature in 19th century America, the specific training of young ladies (12 years and up) in the womanly arts has been long abandoned -- until now. For those living in the Washington, D. C. metro area, RTL personnel in Silver Spring, MD will teach small groups of young ladies sewing, spinning, embroidery, as well as women's history from ancient through modern times. If interested, please contact Ellen Wilds at 301-565-2359.

Research Assistance

Published author, genealogical researcher, historical transcriptionist, and necrophotognosticator, Ellen Wilds has a BA in Theatre and a BA in History. She is comfortable speaking to groups of any size and composition, If you have a question about history, send it to her and she will be happy to share what she knows. If you require something more extensive, such as transcription or restoration of a document, we can come to a reasonable price for services rendered. If interested, please contact Ellen Wilds at 301-565-2359.

The Living History Rescue Course

Living historians know that even with all the care and choreography possible, accidents happen. And there are groups who choose to roam far from the necessary medical help. Ellen Wilds, one of the founders of RTL, is a retired Red Cross Instructor. Using the link above, find out more about a special emergency course designed specifically living historians, even in the most unusual circumstances.

Join Us

We are few, but we are dedicated. We accept members of both genders, of all centuries and inclinations. So many reenactment groups revolve around military units, it is often difficult for the single individual to find a place. RTL offers a haven for the solo reenactors who have no affiliation to larger group, or who are part of an established unit, but would like to try out a different time period, even just for a day. Please let us know who you are and "when" you are, and we will be sure that you receive timely information about upcoming appearances and events.

RTL appearances at multi-period venues are not restricted to a single impression and we may appear as several impressions simultaneously or change over the course of the event. Many of our resources are here on this website, including our library of patterns, our many books and DVDs, as well as the tips and tricks of life-long living historians, and the right to join us at events as part of a recognized group with discounted group rates.

Costumes and Props
With a degree in theatre and another in history, Ellen is our chief fabricator. Examples of her work can be found throughout the website, which in and of itself is an example of her technical skills. If you are in the DC Metro area, she can help you make a costume, build a prop, teach you the skills to do the work yourself or do the work for you for the cost of materials and a small labor fee -- well-below the price of buying the same article online or from a sutler.

Bulk Purchases
RTL acquires all manner of materials for costumes and props, often by purchasing a large quantity, then dividing the cost. We will always search for the best deal and pass the savings along to our friends. In addition to yardage of silk, wool, cotton, linen and blends of natural fabrics (we avoid synthetics for safety reasons), we purchase ribbon, lace, beads, jewelry findings, artificial flowers, candles, wood items, whatever we need to supply our impressions.