Militia Services
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Infantry:
Using Jacob De Gheyn’s Exercise of Armes as a guide the Henricus Militia has been providing musketry demonstrations since 1995. Members utilize A variety of muskets and armor of the same type as discovered at Jamestown Island and in other Virginia archaeological digs, and are without question among the best outfitted 17th century units in the country. Members of the Henricus Citie Militia were instrumental in helping to develop a weapons safety policy for Chesterfield County. Safety has always been the hallmark of the Henricus Militia.
Artillery:
During 2003 the militia built its first artillery piece and began cannon firing demonstrations at park events. Militia members receive training, focusing on safety, for firing 17th century cannon. The Militia membership includes several members with years of artillery experience who are certified for cannon firing demonstrations by the U.S. Park Service.
Currently the militia has two full size falcons on field carriages, two falcons on naval carriages, a minion on field carriage, two full sized murderers, and four bronze cannons, exact replicas of small cannon in the Tower of London, suitable for a sailing vessel. Cannon demonstrations are fascinating for park visitors and militia members alike.
River Commerce:
Given the importance of the waterways to early Virginia transportation a major goal of the Henricus Militia was to develop a contingent of period styled watercraft. Plans began in 2005 to have a 30 foot 17th century styled boat constructed for use by the Militia (commonly referred to as the “Henricus Boat”). During 2008 the Henricus Militia obtained a 20 foot 17th century styled sailing vessel (almost identical to the ship’s boat found on the Vasa).
This boat was used at the 2008 St. Maries Citty Militia Muster and was quite a hit. A reenactment was staged with the Virginia Militia attacking St. Maries Citty by sea that was so successful we were invited back. In the summer of 2009 the militia acquired a 31 foot 17th century styled boat suitable for mounting four cannon. Militia members spent much of the summer working on the boat to make it suitable for our needs. These two boats have added a whole new dimension to the Henricus Militia. Beginning in 2010 militia members will demonstrate 17th century navigation equipment (backstaff, nocturnal, log line, box compass, etc.) to park visitors.
Dramatic Presentations:
The Henricus Militia performs dramatic presentations like the John Rolfe/Pocahontas wedding and Here Comes the Judge helping history come to life at the Park. The latest addition to the list of these dramatizations of true events, The Letter, will be performed during the 2010 season. These short twenty-five to thirty minute long plays have been performed for tour groups and conferences, as well as at the Park, and are designed to help facilitate audience participation.
Filming:
Henricus Militia members were involved in the making of most of the recent films made in Virginia centered on early 17th century history including the following:
* The Millennium Series
* Secrets of the Dead, Jamestown
* Jamestown Settlement Movie
* Journey to Virginia
* The New World Movie
* National Geographic, Nightmare at Jamestown
* National Geographic, John Smith’s Voyage of Discovery
* Nova, Pocahontas Revealed
* The History Channel, Weapons Masters
Henricus Citie militia members have been relied upon for these films because of their well researched 17th century costumes, period weapons and their ability to work well with filmmakers. These filming experiences immersed Henricus Militia Members in the history of the settlement of Virginia, training musketeers, sailing on square rigged ships, firing cannons and being the first to land at the Citie of Henricus. Militia members have portrayed the captains of the original Jamestown ships in film and have sailed aboard all three replica ships.
Equipment and Costume Rental:
The Henricus Citie Militia has provided everything from full size cannon, muskets, armor and costumes for many of the films listed above. The plans for the artillery pieces, built by Militia members, were taken from period paintings. Matchlock, snaphaunce and wheellock musket, as well as snaphaunce and wheellock pistols are available for appropriate events. Several full suits of period armor, of the same type as discovered at Jamestown Island and other Virginia archaeological digs, and cuirasses and helmets enough for ten men help round out the list of equipment available for rent.
The Henricus Militia has also provided costumes for film productions that are accurate down to the buttons, and fabric, and are based on sources such as Janet Arnold’s Patterns of Fashion. Please contact us for a complete list of rental equipment along with prices. Feel free to check our Photo Gallery which includes photos of some of our rental equipment.