Living history encampment returns to Godfroy Reservation Sept. 18-20
A three-day living history encampment returns to the historic Godfroy Reservation next weekend, Sept. 18-20.
The Montpelier Historical Society presents Rendezvous on the Reserve '26 at 4400 N. 800 East, about 4 1/2 miles southeast of Montpelier. The society says the event has support from the Blackford County Community Foundation.
Organizers describe the encampment as a recreation of life on La Petite Prairie more than 200 years ago. The site is the former reservation of Myaamia (Miami) Chief Francois Godfroy.
The self-guided grounds include what organizers call the Mississinewa Confederation Native Village, along with the camps of longhunters, voyageurs and trappers. A separate exhibit, the Pinchon Family Homestead, depicts a family starting over in the Northwest Territory.
Scheduled performers include the 18th-century music group Fiddlesix, native flute artist and educator Larry Gindhart, and an interpreter portraying Johnny Appleseed. Storytellers and hands-on demonstrations run all three days.
Friday is Student Education Day, aimed at public, private and homeschool groups. Saturday features camper contests in archery, hawk and knife throwing, and muzzleloader shooting. Golf cart shuttles will run Sunday for visitors with mobility issues.
Organizers say the 2026 event marks the tenth year of Rendezvous on the Reserve.
The site is wooded with uneven ground. Organizers recommend long pants, sturdy shoes and insect repellent.
Hours and admission prices are posted at rendezvousonthereserve.weebly.com/public.html.
Re-enactors and student group organizers can contact event organizer Bryon Maddox at bryon.maddox60@yahoo.com.
About our reporting: The Blackford Ledger builds its government coverage from official public records, and every report is reviewed by an editor before publication. Read our Editorial Policy & Corrections or request a correction.