FIELD TRIP

SCCC Members Step Back in Time at Fort Atkinson

Living History at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park

 Denis Hirschman, Kevin Smith, Ron Nichols, Doug Conrad and Ron Nicolls pose beside one of the fort's cannons. (Photo by Doug Conrad)

Four members of the Sioux City Camera Club traveled to Fort Atkinson State Historical Park in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, on Sunday to photograph the park's Living History event. Kevin Smith, Denis Hirschman, Ron Nichols, and Doug Conrad met at Sam's Club that morning and carpooled together to the historic site.

The weather was hot and humid, but the overcast skies made the conditions more bearable. The cloud cover also provided soft, even light that worked well for photographing the historical buildings, reenactors, and demonstrations.

Historical interpreters gather outside the Traders Cabin in period clothing. (Photo by Doug Conrad)

Fort Atkinson was filled with historical interpreters dressed in period clothing and demonstrating what daily life was like during the fort's early years. The reconstructed buildings, military encampments, historic weapons, and civilian activities offered the four photographers a wide variety of subjects.

A young historical interpreter looks through the window of one of the fort's log buildings. (Photo by Ron Nicolls)

The colorful period clothing and rustic surroundings provided many opportunities for portraits and candid photographs. Small moments between demonstrations were just as interesting as the larger events taking place around the fort.

Musket fire and drifting smoke bring the fort's military history to life. (Photo by Ron Nicolls)

A Civil War medic stands beside the yellow hospital flag that marked a place of medical care for wounded soldiers. (Photo by Denis Hirschman)
 

One of the highlights of the day was watching the military demonstrations. Reenactors fired muskets and artillery while showing visitors how soldiers trained and protected the fort. The action, smoke, uniforms, and expressions created some especially dramatic images.

Reenactors move through the smoke during one of the military demonstrations. (Photo by Kevin Smith)

The firing of a cannon provided one of the loudest—and most dramatic—moments of the day. (Photo by Doug Conrad)

The fort's rustic buildings, split-rail fences, flags, wagons, and artillery also offered plenty of opportunities to photograph historical details and wider scenes.

A quiet scene of a cannon, period flag, and split-rail fence between demonstrations. (Photo by Kevin Smith)

A young artillery reenactor stands ready beside a cannon during the Living History event. (Photo by Denis Hirschman)
 

A little photographic fun at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park. (Photo by Ron Nicolls)

Despite the heat and humidity, the outing was an enjoyable opportunity to spend time together, practice photographing people and action, and experience an important part of regional history. The members returned home with plenty of photographs—and some good memories from another successful Sioux City Camera Club field trip.