How We Function
New members / recruits are always welcome and encouraged. New recruits start in a probationary period usually lasting 12-24 months in order to get the necessary full French Marine Military uniform, gear and supplies. To participate in events you will be required to have the basis mid-18th century French clothing, consisting of Shirt, Breeches, and Waistcoat. The wifes and children of recruits are also welcome and play an active part in our unit, they must also wear authentic French clothing appropriate to the mid-18th century Canadian frontier.
An adult family member is required to participate with as a member of the unit and be fully responsible for any member under the age of 16. No one under 16 years of age will be admitted as a member without an adult family member also being a member. Members must be at least 16 years of age to carry a musket, fire it, (at some historic sites the age limit is 18 years of age) and then, only after receiving proper training in handling a musket, safety training and after learning the manual of arms. New adult members must also undergo musket training, safety training and learn the manual of arms, before going on the field. Training is provided all members in the safe handling of all firearms.
All safety regulations must be followed at all times by all members of the unit.
There is one regular annual meeting, and others are called at events as required. We participate in on an average eight major French & Indian War events each year. We also participate in several additional smaller events. The Event schedule is discussed each year at the annual meeting. All possible events are considered and voted on by the membership at the annual meeting. Members are asked to attend as many of the scheduled events as possible. Our annual dues are $15.00 per camp follower and $25 per musket user (subject to change) per year / per adult (18 or older), payable at the annual meeting.
For more information about the processes, rules, and how our unit works, please request a copy of the unit By-Laws. All new members will receive a copy.
We also on occasion have special adventures such as canoe trips, ship rides, movie shoots, and war games such as "Capture the Flag", F&I style of course!
Events are normally Friday night, Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
In the past our unit has participated in F & I War Battle Re-enactments and Living History French & Indian War events held at various historic sites and fort sites. Some of which include:
Fort Fredrick, French & Indian War Event, Big Pool, MD
Fort Fredrick, Governor's Fire Lock Matches, Big Pool, MD
Fort Le Bouf, French & Indian War Event 98, Waterford, PA
Fort Ligonier, Fort Ligonier Days (for over twenty years), Ligonier, PA
Fortress Louisbourg, Grand Encampment, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, Canada
Fort Loudon, F & I War Tactical Event, Fort Loudon, PA
Fort Meigs, French & Indian War Event, Fort Meigs, OH
Fort Necessity, Living History at Fort Necessity, Farmington, PA.
Fort Niagara, French & Indian War Encampment at Fort Niagara, Youngstown, NY
Fort Pitt Colonial Fair, Fort Pitt Museum, Pittsburgh, PA
Fort Pitt, F & I War Re-enactments at Fort Pitt, Pittsburgh, PA.
Fort Ticonderoga, F & I War Grand Encampment, Ticonderoga, NY
Fort Ticonderoga, Battle on Snowshoes, Fort Ticonderoga, Ticonderoga, NY
Jumonville, Jumonville Glen / Braddock's Road, Jumonville Center, Uniontown PA
Brig Niagara, Erie Maritime Museum, F & I War Living History Event, Erie, PA
Shades of Death, F & I War Living History, Somerset Historical Center, Somerset, PA
Old Stone House Museum, F & I War Event, Slipperyrock, PA
Penn's Colony Colonial Fair, North Park, Pittsburgh, PA.
Penn's Colony Colonial Fair, Saxonburg, PA.
Many others...
An adult family member is required to participate with as a member of the unit and be fully responsible for any member under the age of 16. No one under 16 years of age will be admitted as a member without an adult family member also being a member. Members must be at least 16 years of age to carry a musket, fire it, (at some historic sites the age limit is 18 years of age) and then, only after receiving proper training in handling a musket, safety training and after learning the manual of arms. New adult members must also undergo musket training, safety training and learn the manual of arms, before going on the field. Training is provided all members in the safe handling of all firearms.
All safety regulations must be followed at all times by all members of the unit.
There is one regular annual meeting, and others are called at events as required. We participate in on an average eight major French & Indian War events each year. We also participate in several additional smaller events. The Event schedule is discussed each year at the annual meeting. All possible events are considered and voted on by the membership at the annual meeting. Members are asked to attend as many of the scheduled events as possible. Our annual dues are $15.00 per camp follower and $25 per musket user (subject to change) per year / per adult (18 or older), payable at the annual meeting.
For more information about the processes, rules, and how our unit works, please request a copy of the unit By-Laws. All new members will receive a copy.
We also on occasion have special adventures such as canoe trips, ship rides, movie shoots, and war games such as "Capture the Flag", F&I style of course!
Events are normally Friday night, Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
In the past our unit has participated in F & I War Battle Re-enactments and Living History French & Indian War events held at various historic sites and fort sites. Some of which include:
Fort Fredrick, French & Indian War Event, Big Pool, MD
Fort Fredrick, Governor's Fire Lock Matches, Big Pool, MD
Fort Le Bouf, French & Indian War Event 98, Waterford, PA
Fort Ligonier, Fort Ligonier Days (for over twenty years), Ligonier, PA
Fortress Louisbourg, Grand Encampment, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, Canada
Fort Loudon, F & I War Tactical Event, Fort Loudon, PA
Fort Meigs, French & Indian War Event, Fort Meigs, OH
Fort Necessity, Living History at Fort Necessity, Farmington, PA.
Fort Niagara, French & Indian War Encampment at Fort Niagara, Youngstown, NY
Fort Pitt Colonial Fair, Fort Pitt Museum, Pittsburgh, PA
Fort Pitt, F & I War Re-enactments at Fort Pitt, Pittsburgh, PA.
Fort Ticonderoga, F & I War Grand Encampment, Ticonderoga, NY
Fort Ticonderoga, Battle on Snowshoes, Fort Ticonderoga, Ticonderoga, NY
Jumonville, Jumonville Glen / Braddock's Road, Jumonville Center, Uniontown PA
Brig Niagara, Erie Maritime Museum, F & I War Living History Event, Erie, PA
Shades of Death, F & I War Living History, Somerset Historical Center, Somerset, PA
Old Stone House Museum, F & I War Event, Slipperyrock, PA
Penn's Colony Colonial Fair, North Park, Pittsburgh, PA.
Penn's Colony Colonial Fair, Saxonburg, PA.
Many others...
BUT I DON’T HAVE A UNIFORM OR EQUIPMENT…
Have no fear! Our unit buys uniform material and buttons in bulk and has a wide stock of patterns in just about every size. We also keep other various materials and muskets on hand to pass to you at unit cost. And what we don’t have on hand, we have sources on where to purchase what you’re looking for. We also have a diverse group of people who can lend advice or assistance to help you complete your outfit. Powder for events is also provided to dues paying marines.
All members must furnish and own their own personal 18th century French clothing and equipment. This includes: uniform and other clothing, equipment, tents, French muskets (rifles are not suitable and will not be allowed), and leather gear all of which must meet Compagnies franches de la Marine standards. All women, children and camp followers which participate with the unit must also be dressed in the proper 18th century French women's clothing. For new members, some items may be borrowed from time to time by other members of the Compagnie, until they are obtained. See Clothing Requirements Section for more details.
Have no fear! Our unit buys uniform material and buttons in bulk and has a wide stock of patterns in just about every size. We also keep other various materials and muskets on hand to pass to you at unit cost. And what we don’t have on hand, we have sources on where to purchase what you’re looking for. We also have a diverse group of people who can lend advice or assistance to help you complete your outfit. Powder for events is also provided to dues paying marines.
All members must furnish and own their own personal 18th century French clothing and equipment. This includes: uniform and other clothing, equipment, tents, French muskets (rifles are not suitable and will not be allowed), and leather gear all of which must meet Compagnies franches de la Marine standards. All women, children and camp followers which participate with the unit must also be dressed in the proper 18th century French women's clothing. For new members, some items may be borrowed from time to time by other members of the Compagnie, until they are obtained. See Clothing Requirements Section for more details.
WHY JUST READ ABOUT HISTORY, WHEN YOU CAN LIVE IT!
If you enjoy the out-of-doors, camping, historic sites, firing a musket, American history and good old-fashion fellowship, then why not relive a fascinating period of American history by joining Les Compagnies franches de la Marine du Contrecoeur. By sending your name, address, and phone number to the address below, you will begin your journal into the 18th century. If you would like any other information about joining our Living History Group, or contracting for an event, please feel free to write to our Commanding officer whose address is listed below.
Join Compagnies franches de la Marine du Contrecoeur an impress everyone with the new living skills you will learn. Some of which might be: marching in step; setting up an 18th century French tent by yourself; cooking on an open fire; dressing yourself; commands given in French; kneeing on command; firing a musket on command; cleaning a musket; even sewing your own clothes.
Join Compagnies franches de la Marine du Contrecoeur an impress everyone with the new living skills you will learn. Some of which might be: marching in step; setting up an 18th century French tent by yourself; cooking on an open fire; dressing yourself; commands given in French; kneeing on command; firing a musket on command; cleaning a musket; even sewing your own clothes.
We do not discriminate based on sex, religion, national origin, race, creed, color, or sexual orientation. However you must be fit to perform duties and abide by all rules as outlined in our by-laws (you may obtain a copy by request).