Northwest Historical Association

Thank you for your interest in participating in a World War II reenactment hosted by the Northwest Historical Association (NWHA).

As a visitor, you need to be made aware of certain policies and procedures to follow to ensure your experience is a positive one.

You will be assigned to the unit that most closely matches your individual impression (e.g. US infantry reenactors will be assigned to our US infantry unit, German Wehrmacht reenactors will be assigned to one of our Wehrmacht units, etc.). You will not be asked to remove any sewn-on rank or unit insignia, but you will also not be placed in a position of authority within our club's chain of command. You will essentially be a "private" even though you might be wearing rank. The only possible exception would be if a visitor comes with a group large enough to act as an separate squad. The NWHA commander will make a decision whether or not to allow your unit to act as a separate unit. You will still be subordinate to our club's commanders.

You must contact the appropriate commander a MINIMUM of three weeks in advance of your arrival to ensure that we are prepared for your arrival. By appropriate commander we mean that German reenactors must contact the German commander, Allied reenactors must contact the Allied commander. That commander has the option of referring you to the most appropriate unit commander, and will also discuss pertinent club rules and regulations.

All visitors must abide by the NWHA's safety rules, authenticity regulations, chain of command, policies, good-sportsmanship standards, and fee schedules. Failure to abide by our policies, rules, etc. will result in your immediate removal from the reenactment. The NWHA also reserves the right to refuse return visits from anyone for any violation of club rules, policies or standards.

Billeting is available at most events, but again, we need a minimum of three weeks notice to ensure adequate barracks. Billeting fees are normally $25.00 for the entire weekend, and $15.00 for one day. You are required to clean your barracks before you leave. You will be provided a bunk (if we are in barracks), but you are responsible for your own bedding. Period correct blankets and sheets are recommended, sleeping bags are acceptable. You are responsible for your own food. Electricity is available in the barracks. Camp stoves (Coleman, propane, etc.) are only allowed out of doors away from the barracks. Lunch on both days is eaten in the field. You must bring appropriate period correct food for these meals, and be prepared to eat it cold. Fires, camp stoves and open flames are not allowed in the field. Most club members eat dinner Saturday evening at a restaurant in town. There are several to choose from, but all require travel by automobile.

The weather in Oregon is unpredictable, but is generally cool, and often rainy. It is possible to have 65 degrees and sunshine in February, and equally possible to have 45 degrees and rain in June. The weather on the Oregon coast is rarely above 75 degrees. Plan your uniform accordingly, but ALWAYS be prepared for rain.

Blank ammunition is available at events. Costs for blanks varies depending on caliber/type. Any special ammunition needs (odd calibers or large quantities) need a minimum of thirty days notice prior to the reenactment, and still may not be available.

Billets, sign-in, and blanks are normally available from about 4:30 PM on the Friday of the event, until approximately 11:00 PM. If you will be arriving later, you must let us know so we can make arrangements for your arrival.

Formation (line-up) is at 9:00 AM Saturday and Sunday morning. Most units require you to be in formation prior to 9:00 AM. Check with your NWHA commander. A quick explanation of the days activities will be given at this formation, along with a reminder of club safety regulations, etc. An authenticity and ammunition inspection will also be conducted at this time. NO LIVE AMMUNITION IS ALLOWED.

Illegal drugs are prohibited. Alcohol may be consumed by individuals 21 and over, but only indoors. Anyone found in the possession of, or under the influence of illegal drugs will be expelled immediately. Anyone under 21 found in possession of or under the influence of alcohol will be expelled immediately. Anyone found furnishing alcohol to minors, or illegal drugs to anyone, will be expelled immediately.

Our barracks and reenactment areas are on an active Oregon National Guard post, or an Oregon State Park. Their regulations mandate quiet after 10:00 PM. Also pay close attention to speed limit signs. The absolute maximum speed limit on post, or in the park, is 25 MPH, and is lower in many areas. No weapons discharges of any kind are allowed in the billeting area. Ranges are a short distance away, and may be used for test-firing (blanks only) by permission.

Helmets must be worn in the field at all times (unless you are "dead.") Grenades are permitted, but must be made of wood and/or foam. No metal of any kind is allowed on any grenade. Wooden blanks are prohibited. Any Class III (full automatic) weapon must be legally registered with the BATF. You must show the club a copy of your ATF Form 4, and you must retain the original or a copy in your possession when in the field with the weapon.

The unit commander will explain the authenticity requirements to you. These include, but are not limited to, weapons, uniforms, equipment, and your actions as a member of the unit. If you do not understand the requirements, it is up to you to seek clarification. If you are unable or unwilling to meet our authenticity requirements, do not attend the event.

Allied reenactors must first contact the overall Allied forces commander. German reenactors must first contact the German forces commander. You may leave an e-mail message on the NWHA website by clicking HERE.

Northwest Historical Association
Portland, OR