Recreationist

A recreationist participates in or contributes to re-enactment groups (eg. the SCA). This may entail the study of a certain culture or historical period, e.g. the middle ages in Europe. Recreationists differ from professionals in that recreationists do it for fun, while professionals get paid for their work.

Sometimes the term recreationist and re-enactor are used interchangably. Often, a recreationist refers to one who participates in activities like the SCA which have more emphasis on the spirit of the times they recreate, instead of the factual details. A re-enactor can be considered someone involved in a much more accurate portrayal of the times, and usually has a very specific time and place in history.

See also:

• re-enactment
• living history