More than 10,000 historical re-enactors, history enthusiasts, collectors, and the general public from the United States and Canada are expected to attend the 49th annual Kalamazoo Living History Show™.
The largest, nationally recognized, juried show in the Midwest devoted to pre-1890 original or reproduction living history supplies, accouterments and related crafts. More than 10,000 historical re-enactors from pre-Revolutionary through the Civil War, history buffs, collectors, and the general public from 18 states and Canada come together for a festive weekend to buy, sell and trade. The event attracts over 270 of the finest craftspeople and dealers of living history supplies and related crafts from throughout the United States.
The show attracts many of the finest artisans and vendors of pre-1890 living history supplies and related crafts from throughout the United States and Canada.
Other highlights include children’s activities, Native American cultural programs, and artisans who will demonstrate their crafts.
The Kalamazoo Living History Show was created in 1976 to bring history alive and entertain as well as expose the general public to some of the most fascinating times in our history. Each year the focus of the show changes allowing various historical reenactment groups, organizations and individuals, dressed in period clothing, the opportunity to host the show and share their knowledge and enthusiasm of history with all of us.
49th Kalamazoo Living History Show™
March 15-16, 2025
The Kalamazoo Living History Show™ is open to the general public
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission is $9.00 for a single-day adult pass; $13.00 for a weekend adult pass.
Children 12 years of age and under admitted free when accompanied by a parent.
A Special Message from the Kalamazoo Living History Show
When we took over the Kalamazoo Living History Show™ in 2007 after the retirement of show founders Larry and Carol Coin, we planned to run it for about 20 years before turning over the reins to a new generation.
The fact that a transition is coming about a bit before the 20-year mark does not mean that either of us is tired of the show, or that either of us is in bad health. We had been quietly “successor shopping” for some time; certainly, since the pandemic years. The largest challenge the show faces may be the aging of our dealer (and visitor) base. In our opinion, this challenge can best be met by a younger team, well connected in all aspects of living history and muzzleloading, with the personality, credibility, trustworthiness and communication skills to support the mission of the show while reaching an even wider audience.
We know good talent when we see it and we believe that we have found that team. We are thrilled to announce that Ethan and Paisley Yazel have agreed to take over the ownership of the Kalamazoo Living History Show™, beginning in January of 2026.
“We care deeply about the show, what it represents, and the community of vendors, artists, educators, staff, and visitors that make it possible. We look forward to working with all of you to carry on the promotion of living history through the Kalamazoo Living History Show™,” states Ethan. “We’re excited to be continuing the great tradition that Rick and Leslie have preserved,” adds Paisley.
The four of us are very excited about this partnership. Ethan and Paisley will be training with us in the planning and implementation of the 2025 show and will then take the show into the future.
We hope that you will welcome and support Ethan and Paisley as you have supported us these many years. The future of the Kalamazoo Living History Show looks very bright!
Program Theme of the 49th Annual Kalamazoo Living History Show™
The theme for the 49th Annual Kalamazoo Living History Show will be released in Fall, 2024
Contact Information
For information about the Kalamazoo Living History Show™, contact Leslie Martin Conwell, P.O. Box 2214, West Lafayette, IN 47996, telephone 765.201.5019, kalamazoolivinghistoryshow@gmail.com, www.KalamazooShow.com.
March 15-16, 2025
Saturday 9-5
Sunday 9-4
ADMISSION AT THE DOOR:
Single Day - $9.00
Weekend Pass - $13.00
Children 12 and Under Admitted Free When Accompanied By An Adult
Kalamazoo County Expo Center
Kalamazoo County Fair Ground
2900 Lake Street, Kalamazoo Mi.
I-94, Exit 80, North
WE WELCOME
Dealers • Collectors • Educators • History Buffs
Historical Reenactors • Related Crafts Persons
Interior Decorators • General Public
Persons Attending Show In Pre-1890 Clothing Will Be Eligible For Door Prize
The Kalamazoo Living History Show was created in 1976 to bring history alive and entertain as well as expose the general public to some of the most fascinating times in our history. Each year the focus of the show changes allowing various historical reenactment groups, organizations and individuals, dressed in period clothing, the opportunity to host the show and share their knowledge and enthusiasm of history with all of us.
About
Future Show Dates
March 15-16, 2025
March 21-22, 2026
March 20-21, 2027
Location
Kalamazoo County Expo Center
Kalamazoo County Fair Ground
2900 Lake Street, Kalamazoo Mi.
I-94, Exit 80, North
Admission
Single Day - $9.00
Weekend Pass - $13.00
Children 12 and Under Admitted Free When Accompanied By An Adult
Owners
Leslie Martin Conwell
Rick Conwell