Annual Muzzleloaders Convention

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 Hundreds of history enthusiasts are gathering in West Fargo to sell, trade and remember different pieces of history.

 The sights and sounds of this convention and trade fair are all too common for Steven Simonson.

His interest in history started while going to a military school as a kid and learning about military history.

He’s picking up his own pieces of the past.

“I’m here today to shop because you know, you get an opportunity to buy some things that make you look a little more authentic when you’re out in the field,” said Steven Simonson of Fargo.

Simonson participates in different meet–ups in the region where people use many of the items found here at the North Dakota Muzzleloaders event.

“There will be a series of rendezvous this summer where people get together and they’ll shoot, and they’ll camp, and they’ll socialize and try to live as they would have 200 years ago,” said Simonson.

Even if you don’t know a lot about history organizers say they’ll make sure you leave with a better understanding of the past.

“If you don’t know anything about guns, and particularly if you don’t know anything about muzzleloaders come on in here because you ask a question, I guarantee you you’ll get more answers than you need,” said North Dakota Muzzleloaders President John Horner.

One of the goals of the convention is to connect people who have common interests.
Whether its knives, guns, or historical trinkets.
Steven Orr practices living archaeology.
He lives parts of his life in the same way as people did many years ago.

“Well the clothing I’ve got on if you notice all the threads are linen threads so I make my own clothes,” said Orr.

While Orr is selling parts of his history, it helps people like Simonson create a more authentic sense of the past.

“It takes you a lifetime to put together an outfit like some of these guys have you don’t just buy all of this stuff in one day,” said Simonson.

And whether it’s a musical instrument or teepee incense, many will keep on remembering and honoring the past.