Pictures by Scott Rossi (Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism ’21) appear in “ You Have No Idea How Hard It Is to Be a Reenactor” in The Atlantic. The photographs depict war reenactors dressed as soldiers from the American Revolution, bringing history to life during a rainy weekend near Fort Ticonderoga.
Thick coats cling with water. There is mud, drafty barns, and old-fashioned tools that jam. Each image captures participants deeply committed—British troops, colonial fighters, and townspeople—who spend months preparing. Money goes into uniforms, gear, and travel; bodies endure heat, rain, and exhaustion. Yet laughter surfaces when boots fill with slush and tents sag under gray skies. Through it all runs a deep respect—not only for history, but for one another. Some carry family ties to these stories; others arrive out of curiosity. Whatever brings them, they stay for something real.
See more of Rossi ’s work on his website: scottrossiphoto.com
Image: Scott Rossi for The Atlantic
Scott Rossi
