While most students participate in after school activities involving sports, theater, music, and academics, Tyler Stevens does something else entirely with his free time: he recreates history. Tyler, a member of the Historical Reenactment Society for two years, takes part in the living history of World War II battles. “History has always been a passion of mine,” he explained. “Being able to participate in a reenactment sounded like a great opportunity, not to only educate people, but to further my knowledge as well.”

Before each event, Tyler takes part in only one role, his most recent being a common German soldier in the 709th Infantry Division. Yet, participating in a reenactment involves a huge commitment from Tyler. He has spent countless hours “reading and researching into the specifics of battles, locations, and… [the] equipment German soldiers carried.” Not only has he researched, but Tyler has interviewed veterans from World War II. In addition to his work alone, he and the actors in his unit “spen[t] time on weekends [together]… to prepare [their] equipment, vehicles, and weaponry” as part of making their display as authentic as possible. “A lot of time and hard work goes into these events to make sure we get it right,” Tyler explained. “People are able to see authentic displays with original vehicles, weaponry, radios, and equipment.”

Despite the time and effort that goes into reenactments, Tyler does not plan to stop. “After many interviews with the veterans of WWII, it’s made me appreciate what they did,” he reflected. “Through my reenactments, I try to honor the men of all nations that served and teach future generations about the greatest conflict of human history.”

Not only does he plan to continue, but he encourages others to view a reenactment and even take part in living history. “Living history is like stepping back in time,” he reasoned. “People can learn so much more about history at reenactments…[because] we do our best to make it as authentic as possible. We eat rations, sleep in foxholes, and march with full equipment the same way German soldiers would have.” To Tyler, this is precisely what makes reenactments more engaging and fulfilling than any history class, and this is why he will continue to remain a reenactor.