Landelijk Platform voor Levende Geschiedenis
The Netherlands Platform for Living History

The Netherlands Platform for Living History (LPLG) is an umbrella organisation for Dutch societies for living history and re-enactment of historical events. The platform was founded in 1998. The inducement was a proposed change to the Dutch Law of Arms, which would seriously hamper demonstrations with historical weapons. De societies grabbed the occasion to learn to know each other better and to jointly stipulate for the necessary exceptions at the Ministery of Arms. Before the foundation of the platform, the societies made sure that they were all practising living history in a serious way. Wrecklessly hacking with swords or shooting with fire arms was not appreciated. New groups that want to join the platform are also judged for 'safety' with weapons, and for authenticity of custumes and other equipment. In most affiliated societies, military aspects plays a role, sometimes a major role. But fighting is not the only thing: many people prefer domestic activities, crafts, tailoring, cooking or making music. Living history is a very versatile hobby! The member-societies cover a period of two millenia: from the Romans up to the Second World War. The largest societies in the platform have more than 100 members, others consist of only a handful of people. Enthousiasm, creativity, authenticity and having fun with your hobby are the common characteristics. All societies do some sort of presentation to the public: educational shows at schools or museums, demonstrations of trades and crafts, musical performances, or spectacular re-enactments of battles and sieges. At this moment, the platform has about 30 member societies. An overview can be found at the member page. From 1999, the members of the platform have annually done a grand presentation: the LPLG weekend. This event has been hosted by Castle Loevestein, the archaeological theme park Archeon, Spaarnwoude, Castle De Haar, and the Velder Estate near Boxtel. The 10th version of this largest living history event in The Netherlands was held at 27/28 September 2008 at the Barendonk Estate in Beers. Preparations for the 2009 edition, at the same location, have already started.

Introduction

Members

Calendar

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