Questions & Answers
What is the Foundation for Early America? (FEA)
The Foundation for Early America is an international historical association, dedicated to recreating the life and times of the people of early America with special emphasis given to the pivotal era of America's fight for independence.
Who are members of the FEA?
Americans from all walks of life and all social levels make up the proud membership, but all have one thing in common - a love for the study of early America and for bringing the results of their investigations to the people of the United States and Canada, and making it concrete, meaningful, and interesting.
Does the FEA only portray soldiers?
No. The FEA represents the full spectrum of people involved at that critical time of our history. There is great diversity in the people, views and functions represented.
Where are members located?
In all of the 13 original states, plus Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, California, and Oregon. In addition there are members in Canada and Great Britain, making the Foundation for Early America a truly international organization.
What services are represented in the military department?
Infantry, Artillery, Cavalry, Musicians, Artificers, Engineers, Riflemen, Militia, Naval Forces, Marines, as well as other military and auxiliary civilian personnel.
What do the women do?
Women portray various roles that women held of the era. They span roles as officer's ladies, soldiers wives, camp followers, and some notable females. The ladies and wives also do perform demonstrations of the crafts and daily chores that would have been a part of day to day life. Women were also an integral part of armies of the period, this too is portrayed.
What about children?
The FEA focuses on children and has an active educational program in which youngsters experience first hand colonial life of children at their age.
Is the FEA an hereditary organization?
No. There are no requirements for membership, although many men and women can trace their ancestry to many early Americans that helped found our country.
What does the FEA do?
The FEA recreates the era of America's struggle for Independence for its members and the public through historical demonstrations, encampments, tactical battlefield demonstrations, as well as commemorative observances. It regularly conducts educational presentations to schools on various 18th Century subjects. Marksmanship competitions are also held, by which members improve their knowledge and skills in firing traditional muzzle loading weapons of the period. The FEA stresses the safe handling of weapons with strict regulations.
What does a typical FEA event consist of?
FEA events involve a weekend of energetic, colorful educational activities. Friday night and early Saturday the 18th century camp is set up, complete with soldier's tents, officer's marquees, cooking areas and craft displays. After reveille and officer's call (the entire day is run by period drum signals), the various units are assembled, inspected and drilled. In the afternoon a safe tactical demonstration is staged with American, French, and Spanish troops facing the Crown Forces of Bitish, Tories, Germans and native allies. The day ends with a formal Retreat Ceremony with honors to the flags, accompanied by period field music. Sunday begins with optional Church services, conducted by a Chaplain in proper vestments for the period. The remainder of the day follows somewhat similar to that of Saturday. Camp is struck late on Sunday.
How is the FEA outfitted and equipped?
Each member is as nearly an exact recreation of the original participants of the era as present study and research will permit. All materials, leather, fastenings, etc., are accurate copies. Patterns for uniforms are made from surviving examples in museums, and from contemporary sources such as prints, paintings, and books. Man-made fabrics, plastic, zippers are permitted for any use. Weaponary are exact reproductions of those used during the era by the nations of Britain, Europe, and America: muskets long rifles, cannon and edged weapons of all types: bayonets, halberds, pikes, spontoons, swords and tomahawks. Additional equipment such as cartridge boxes, canteens, belts and buckles, and other accouterments are all copies of surviving examples. All members personally own their equipment, weapons and clothing; either made by themselves, or purchased from suttlers and craftsmen. We learn the most about this period of history by using the same tools to try to accomplish the same results, that is truly fulfilling the goal of living history.
Are there merchants to provide costuming?
Yes. Many of the reproduction items we employ in our recreation of 18th
century life are supplied by merchants who spend a great deal of time
researching the goods used and worn by people of the era. While most of these
merchants offer authentically fabricated and well documented items,
unfortunately some fail to do so. To assist in this, the FEA has recommended
sources for members to assist both buyer and seller in determining what items
are appropriate at FEA sanctioned
functions.
In summation:
The Foundation for Early America brings the history of Colonial
America and our war for independence to life for all ages. It helps to create
interest in America by a variety of educational avenues. The spectator is
transported into the era as as a visitor for a little while. They experience
the life and times that shaped our country. Through the senses of sight, sound,
touch, taste, and smell, the full color of life is illustrated in three
dimensions -the Early American Experience. That
moment in time comes back to life...vivid, authentic, educational for all
ages... a truly unique experience not soon to be forgotten.