NMLRA Spring National Shoot

Where else can you see the new “Indiana State Rifle,” take a class on log home construction, listen to hammer dulcimer music, talk to “Benjamin Franklin,” and learn to shoot a muzzleloading rifle? At the Spring National Shoot in Friendship, Indiana, of course! 

The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association in Friendship, Indiana will hold its celebration of all things relating to the sport and history of muzzleloading June 9-17. Early American living history demonstrations and classes, museum displays, black powder shooting competitions, shopping opportunities, a wine tasting, youth activities, and some of the finest commercial vendors in the muzzleloading community will be featured. The Spring National Shoot is an opportunity to view an important part of our nation’s heritage in operation. The event grounds are located in the rolling hills of beautiful southeastern Indiana about forty miles from Cincinnati, Ohio. Public attendance is welcome, and there are many things to see and do! 

“Indiana State Rifle” on Exhibit June 9 

The NMLRA is honored to have the privilege of exhibiting the newly proclaimed “Indiana State Rifle” in the NMLRA Education Building Museum on Saturday June 9, 2012, from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Grouseland Foundation, stewards of the Indiana Territorial Governor's Mansion of William Henry Harrison and future US President in Vincennes, Indiana, is proud to own one of only six known remaining guns made by John Small, the first sheriff of Knox County, Indiana, at a time when Knox County extended across the current states of Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. The “Grouseland Rifle” was made sometime between 1803 and 1812 during the “Golden Age” of the long barreled rifles. 

House Bill 1283 in the Indiana General Assembly, which passed on March 6, 2012, designates the "Grouseland Rifle" as the official rifle of Indiana. The legislation was added to a bill authored in the House of Representatives by Rep. Kathy K Richardson (R-29, Noblesville). State Senator John Waterman (R-39, Shelburn) authored an amendment to the bill to include the adoption of the State rifle. The legislation was signed in to law by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels on March 15, 2012. 

Eighteenth and Early 19th Century Crafts on Display in the “Living History Center” 

The most colorful aspect of the Nationals is the interactive living history program featured in the Living History Center. Located on the banks of Laughery Creek, this area reminds visitors of the importance of 

the historical heritage behind the sport of muzzleloading. At various times throughout the Nationals, visitors might be treated to the sounds of French Canadian harmonies, fife and drums, Early American songs, or hammer dulcimer and bagpipe music. Scheduled programs and traditional crafts artisans include gourd art, blacksmithing, woodworking, a frontier scout horse encampment, weaving, 18th century medicine, and many more demonstrations in camps scattered throughout the Living History Center grounds. Classes and workshops include ones devoted to the arts of blockprinting, gourd baskets, log cabin construction, and leatherworking. Activities are planned for children, including an archaeology class, bead stringing, a Native American-style pottery class, period games, and candle dipping! 

“Living Arts” Classes for All Ages! 

The NMLRA’s “Living Arts” program will be sponsoring over twenty classes at the Spring National Shoot. Classes will take place on the grounds of the NMLRA’s Primitive Encampment/Living History Center, or in the Education Building. Subjects covered include sword play, natural dyeing, bow and arrow making, leatherwork, gourd baskets, classes for children, and many more! Additional information on these classes can be found at www.nmlra.org/pdfs/June12LivingArtsClassSchRegForm.pdf. 

Wine Tasting with Ertel Cellars 

The Southeastern corner of Indiana is home to a number of premier wineries, and Ripley County has one of the best. The NMLRA will welcome Ertel Cellars of Batesville, Indiana for a wine tasting fundraiser at the Education Building from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. June 9. The winery will be bringing over a dozen different wines for sampling, and their wine will be available for purchase. As you sip and view the museum exhibits, which will also be open during the wine tasting, take some time to listen to the hammer dulcimer music of Tim Schaiper, who will be playing music to compliment the occasion. 

Museum Displays at the Education Building 

Two guest exhibits will fill the NMLRA Education Building Museum for the Spring National Shoot. Museum hours for the Spring National Shoot are 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. June 9 – June 16. 

The first exhibit, put on by guest curator Guy Smith, will boast a large collection of antique powder flasks. Mr. Smith will be bringing original Colt revolvers and accoutrements, an original long rifle and powder horn made for a distant ancestor, and an original pistol recovered from Mackinaw Island many years ago. The second exhibit is focused on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and is hosted by guest curators Robert Anderson and Ed Falvo. Anderson and Falvo participated in the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, the official bicentennial reenactment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Anderson is a descendent of the youngest member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, George Shannon. He and Falvo will have reproductions of the clothing of the enlisted men both standard and military, rifle powder canisters, many of the firearms, Native gifts, flags that were used, cooking and eating utensils, a bull boat, writing desks, and a replica of the medical chest that was taken on the expedition. There will also be some original firearms, tools, and medical equipment. 

The NRA’s National Firearms Museum will present a display from its collection during the Shoot. The museum collection will be accompanied by Senior Curator Philip Schreier and will be on display in the NMLRA’s Education Building museum June 9– June 11 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; and Tuesday, June 12 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Included in the exhibit will be a Girandoni air rifle of the style used by Lewis & Clark from 1803-1806 as well as numerous other Lewis and Clark items of interest. 

Exciting Firearms Competitions 

National-class competitive muzzleloading shooting is a strong focus of this gathering. As a special feature this year, the National Rifle Association (NRA) will be bringing their Muzzleloading Championship matches to the Spring National Shoot! The NRA and NMLRA have teamed up to bring many new competition opportunities, as participants can now compete in the NRA National Muzzle 

Loading Championships and at the same time shoot the NMLRA’s Spring National Shoot! There are so many matches that there is truly something for shooters of all skill levels, and with all types of muzzleloading equipment. A special feature of the competition area is the Youth Range, developed by the NMLRA as a way to safely teach children how to shoot muzzleloading firearms and get them involved and engaged in the sport at a young age! 

Shopping Opportunities 

The Commercial Vendor area features a myriad of muzzleloading guns and supplies for the serious shooter or the enthusiastic beginner. Many rows of booths offer merchandise ranging from guns and gun parts to books, period clothing, leather goods, and other supplies relating to the sport. The Commercial Row Vendors offer a wonderful opportunity to listen and learn from the experts in the hobby. In addition, the Living History Center on the event grounds provides for interesting browsing and buying amongst quality vendors of historical crafts. 

Special Traffic Information 

State Road 62 is closed between Dillsboro and Friendship. If you are coming from the east, take US 50 into Elrod and turn onto Friendship Road, which will take you in to Friendship; or take US 50 to Versailles to 421 South (stoplight at McDonalds), take 421 South to 129 South (1 mile from stoplight). You can then either turn onto Olean Road (about 5.7 miles) and go into Friendship (turning left onto 62) or take State Road 129 South to State Road 62 in Cross Plains (about 8 miles), then left on 62 and follow through into Friendship. If you are driving an RV or large mobile home we suggest that you follow the directions from Versailles to State Road 62 east; follow this through the town of Friendship, and the Walter Cline Range will be located on your left. (Enter address for GPS as 6219 S. State Road 62, Friendship, IN 47021.) 

Handicap parking is available. No pets are allowed except assistance animals. Gate hours are 8 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EDT June 9-16. Admission is charged for visitors 18 and up, and a portion of the parking fee benefits the local American Legion. For more information on the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association’s Spring National Shoot and the living arts programming, please contact the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association at 1.800.745.1493, www.nmlra.org. 

Visitors attending the National Spring Shoot might also be interested in another area attraction, the two Flea Markets that are adjacent to the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s event grounds. Flea Market activities are ongoing throughout the National Spring Shoot and hours vary. For information in regards to the Flea Markets, contact the Old Mill Campground and Flea Market, Gary Stutler, 812.667.5322, and the Friendship Flea Market, Jan Schnell, 859.341.9188, or 812.667.5645, www.friendshipfleamarket.com. 

For directions to the site, and information about hotel and motel facilities, Bed and Breakfasts, restaurants, and other area attractions, contact the Ripley County Tourism Bureau offices, 

Jackson Mills Trade Fair sponsored by the NMLRA

   This Link will take to to the Jackson Mills homepage and tell you all about the Fair the NMLRA will be having there the first weekend in November.

Tomahawk Throwing Video

  This Link will take you to a good article and video about Tomahawk Throwing at Friendship.

Living Arts Classes for the Fall National Matches 2011

National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association Announces “Living Arts” Class Schedule for

National Championship Shoot

September 10th-18th, 2011

The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s Living Arts program will be sponsoring a number of traditional craft classes at the National Championship Shoot. All classes will take place on the grounds of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association in Friendship, Indiana in the Primitive Encampment/Living History Center, or in the Education Building

.

Constructing a Simple Rifleman’s Bag

September 12th & 13th, 8:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. each day; Education Building

NMLRA Board member and NMLRA Life Member Dean Freund will host a leather bag making class in the Education Building September 14th & 15th from 8:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. each day. Dean is a retired outdoor education teacher with 36 years of service. An avid 4-H volunteer, Dean has instructed numerous living history classes during adult training weekends for 4-H and has also instructed at numerous Ohio state-wide shooting education summer camps. He co-authored Ohio’s “Living History” curriculum and the member record book for youth participants, and was honored to teach muzzleloading at one of the national 4-H instructor training sessions. He has taught numerous leather bag classes in many venues, including the Log Cabin Shop’s series of heritage crafts classes.

He will begin his class with a brief introduction illustrating bag design, and will share information about materials, tools and their suppliers. Participants will create a plain and simply constructed rifleman’s bag in a period correct size no larger than 6” x 9”. It will have a 1 inch hand forged iron buckle and a keeper. Dyes and stains will be used to create an “aged” or antique look. The bag will be a one of a kind, unique creation. The bag will not be lined or include an interior pocket, welt, or gusset. The class fee of $83.00 includes basic tools and supplies, and enough leather to make one bag in class and a similar sized bag at home. A second hand forged iron buckle is available for an additional $6.00. The class is structured in this way to give the interested student the opportunity to reinforce learned skills after the initial class session. To register, contact Leslie Martin Conwell, NMLRA American History Events Coordinator, at 765.563.6792, nmlraevents@seidata.com. Participants must pre-register.

Leather Stitching Class

September 12th, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; Primitive Encampment/Living History Center

Wayne Troup of Vintage Leather will be teaching a class on basic leather stitching September 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Primitive Encampment/Living History Center at his tent. Wayne has been

a professional leatherworker for over thirty years. He demonstrates at many living history events, including the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon and Mississinewa 1812. Wayne will demonstrate his stitching technique and discuss basic leather construction. Class participants will learn how to start, stop, splice, and split thread, and punch and space holes. At the end of the session they will have completed a belt pouch with a deer antler button catch. The class fee of $60.00, payable at the time of the class, includes a leather awl, needle, and the materials to make the pouch. For registration information, contact the instructor at 812.331.4050.

Primitive Bow Making Class

September 13th & 14th, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day; Primitive Encampment/Living History Center

Navio Occhialini, master bow maker and head of the NMLRA’s Bow Range, will offer his class on the art of primitive bow making at the Primitive Encampment/Living History Center September 13th – 14th. Navio is a well known bow maker, and his classes are eagerly anticipated each year. Instructor supplies the materials to build a hickory Woodland-style bow, Flemish twist bow string, and three arrows, and will supply a “how to” DVD. Some tools are required, and a list can be obtained from contacting the instructor. Cost of the class is $200.00, and is payable at the time of the class. Pre-registration is required, as class size is limited! Contact the instructor at 317.872.4920 or at cocch@sbcglobal.net for more details.

Basic Gourd Basket With Rope Handle Class

September 16th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Education Building

Perry Riley Jr., MFA, is an artisan who specializes in gourd crafts. Scheduled for September 16th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Education Building, this class is intended to give the participants the basic concept of gourd basketry made by coil weaving a rope on top of a hard shell gourd. Beginning with a pre-cut and pre-drilled gourd, students will learn how to attach a rope onto the rim with a basic stitch pattern. This basic technique has many possibilities for developing into personalized works of art. The technique can also be applied to other types of materials to be used on gourd baskets. The completed basket will be fully functional for a variety of applications.

Class content covered includes a brief overview of the gourd medium, safety practices when working with gourds, how to select the right gourd, how to prepare the gourd, preparing the rope, coil weaving the rope onto the rim, making the handle loop, general care of gourds, and a list of resources and suppliers of gourds. Class fee is $45.00, and includes all materials. Participants are asked to bring scissors, paper, and pencils. To register, contact Leslie Martin Conwell, NMLRA American History Events Coordinator, at 765.563.6792, nmlraevents@seidata.com. Participants must pre-register.

Gourd Bowl with Pine Needle Rim Class

September 16th, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Education Building

Gourd artisan Perry Riley Jr., MFA, instructs this class on the basic concept of coil weaving on top of a hard shell gourd on September 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Education Building. Raised on a farm, Perry was surrounded by the beauty of nature. Trained as a professional artist, Perry’s love for nature led to his interest in gourds, where he was intrigued that he could grown his own “canvas,” a gourd, and could reconnect with the oldest cultivated plant known to humans. Beginning with a pre-cut and pre-drilled gourd, students will learn how to weave a protective pine needle rim onto a gourd with a basic stitch pattern. This technique can also be applied to other types of materials for gourd rims. Students will complete their gourd in class.

Class content covered includes a brief overview of the gourd medium, safety practices when working with gourds, how to select the right gourd, how to prepare the gourd, preparing pine needles for weaving, coil weaving of pine needles onto the rim, general care of gourds, and a list of resources and suppliers of gourds. Class fee is $45.00, and includes all materials. Participants are asked to bring scissors, paper, and pencils. To register, contact Leslie Martin Conwell, NMLRA American History Events Coordinator, at 765.563.6792,

nmlraevents@seidata.com. Participants must pre-register.

Drawing in Perspective

September 15th, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; Education Building

Perry Riley Jr., MFA, has designed a class to give participants the basic understanding of the traditional European illusion of depth perspective to be held September 15th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Students will work in a sketchbook format while learning the basic rules and concepts of illusionist space and how to apply them. This technique has many applications in the heritage crafts. Class applications will focus on drawing buildings and how to apply the techniques to any situation, including still lifes. The instructor will be sharing time saving techniques and the tricks of the trade. Upon completion of the class, students will be better informed on how to accurately evaluate and draw in an illusionist space. Class fee is $$35.00. Students are asked to bring a #2 pencil, eraser, ruler, drawing paper, and a drawing board or pad and paper to take notes. Sketch books are greatly encouraged. To register, contact Leslie Martin Conwell, NMLRA American History Events Coordinator, at 765.563.6792, nmlraevents@seidata.com. Participants must pre-register.

Introduction to Watercolor

September 15th, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Education Building

This class, instructed by Perry Riley Jr., MFA, is intended to introduce students to the basic fundamental techniques used in the watercolor medium. The basic principles of this transparent medium will be examined and how to apply that knowledge when work is in progress. Participants will be working in a sketch book format creating their own samples of each technique and combining techniques as the class progresses. The instructor encourages creativity and exploration of new discoveries in this medium of working. Upon completion of the class, students will have finished their own collection of samples of techniques with notes to better enable them to explore the many possibilities this wonderful medium has to offer. Class fee is $35.00 Students are asked to bring a selection of watercolor pigments, variety of watercolor brushes, watercolor paper, cellulose sponge, paper towels, small water bowl or cup, pencil, ruler, and paper for taking notes. Sketch books are greatly encouraged. To register, contact Leslie Martin Conwell, NMLRA American History Events Coordinator, at 765.563.6792, nmlraevents@seidata.com. Participants must pre-register.

Classes at the new Education Building

Leslie Martin Conwell 5:41am Jun 1 YOUR new Education Building and the Primitive Encampment/Living History Center has some excellent heritage craft classes scheduled for the Spring Shoot, including: Painted floor cloth class, blockprinting class, lace making class, constructing a simple rifleman's bag class, blacksmithing class, leather stitching class, primitive bow making class, soap making class, basic gourd basket with rope handle class, gourd bowl with pine needle rim class, and a recreating primitive images class. For more info, go tohttp://www.facebook.com/l/fd3720sHyJLaK6XqMSrWIFsrgQA/www.nmlra.organd click on the Spring Shoot tab! Thank you to our instructors!

Lore

“For those people planning on coming to the Lore this weekend- despite the recent rains, as of Sunday May 1^st Laughery Creek is within its banks and the event site is fine with no flooding or rain damage.  We will continue to monitor and post an update later this week.

A traffic note for those participants/visitors coming from the east- State Road 62 is closed between Dillsboro and Friendship.  So, if you are coming from the east, take 50 into Elroad and turn onto Friendship Road, which will take you in to Friendship, or take 50 to Versailles to 421 South.  Take 421 South to 129 South.  You can then either turn onto Olean Road and go into Friendship, or take 129 to State Road 62 in Cross Plains, then left into Friendship.”

National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association Announces Museum Exhibits for Spring National Shoot 2011

A Few More Pics

Some more Oldies!

Again if you have any info on any of these please let me know!

New Pictures!

  I was handed this small box of slides at the fall shoot last year and ask to share them with everyone. If you have any information about them please let me know. I will be adding more over the next couple of weeks as I have several.

Rand House Wine and Cider Tasting

THOMAS FAMILY WINERY OF MADISON, INDIANA TO HOST WINE AND CIDER TASTING AT RAND HOUSE MUSEUM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Submitted 9/1/10

Contact: Leslie Martin Conwell, American History Events Coordinator, nmlraevents@seidata.com

The Thomas Family Winery of Madison, Indiana will be hosting a Wine and Cider Tasting at the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s National Championship Shoot on September 11th, 2010 at the Rand House Museum on the grounds of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association in Friendship, Indiana.  Steve and Elizabeth Thomas will offer tastes of their hand-crafted wines and ciders from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm, and wine and cider will be available for purchase at the Tasting.

 

Steve is a third generation winemaker.  He and his wife, Elizabeth, a tourism professional with a background in the Arts, teamed up to rehabilitate a historic structure in Madison and turn it into an old world winery and gathering place.  The family’s winemaking heritage reaches back to the 1930’s, when Steve’s grandfather, Gale Thomas, made hard cider.  Steve worked at his father’s winery in Indianapolis for 11 years before he and Elizabeth chose Madison to start their own business and raise their family.

 

Specializing in traditional European-style wines, the Thomas family draws on time-honored approaches to their wines.  This also includes being at the forefront of the renaissance of a great American product- Gale’s Hard Cider, named for Steve’s grandfather.

 

The link between the Thomas Family Winery and the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association is a direct result of Steve’s love for the sport of muzzleloading. He began his affection for muzzleloading and historical interpretation when he moved to Wyoming in the mid-70’s, in the heart of the fur trade country.  This love of muzzleloading and history has continued through current times, with Steve and Elizabeth belonging to several historical reenacting groups, and they extend their love of history to their business world.

 

The Thomas Family Winery makes wines that are accurate reproductions of early wines, especially the Sack, an 18th century common Sherry, and the Cider.  Many of the items at the tasting will carry traditional labeling, the styles used during their appropriate time period.

 

For more information on the Thomas Family Winery, visit www.thomasfamilywinery.us.

 

The museum exhibits will be open at the Rand House Museum during the Thomas Family Wine and Cider Tasting September 11^th.  Admission to the Wine and Cider Tasting is free with paid parking. For more information about the NMLRA’s National Championship Shoot, or the Wine and Cider Tasting at the Rand House Museum, contact Leslie Martin Conwell, NMLRA American History Events Coordinator, at nmlraevents@seidata.com, www.nmlra.org, or 765.563.6792.

 

###

National Muzzle Loading

Rifle Association

P.O. Box 67, Friendship, Indiana 47021

Telephone: (812) 667-5131 • 1-800-745-1493 • www.nmlra.org

“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State,

the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Second Amendment to the Constitution

Dear NMLRA Members:

Recently we were contacted by several of our members in Indiana asking what our position is on the newly proposed

hunting regulations. We are sending the following message to the Indiana Natural Resources Commission concerning the

proposed shortening of the muzzleloading-only deer season:

“We support actions and policies that increase the opportunity to hunt with muzzleloaders. Therefore, we cannot

support the current Indiana Natural Resources Commission proposal that will reduce the muzzleloading-only

season from 16 days to 9. We strongly urge the Indiana Natural Resources Commission to reconsider this

reduction.”

In one of the latest issues of the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Bullet Points it is reported that recently there

has been a “5.4 percent increase in the number of female hunters. More women than men took up hunting last year,

according to new figures from the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA). A news release from National Hunting

and Fishing Day highlights the new statistics. NSGA’s report shows that the number of female hunters in the United

States increased by 5.4 percent last year, netting 163,000 new participants. Muzzleloading showed an annual increase

among women of an astounding 134.6 percent” [emphasis added]. Shortening the deer season may discourage these

new hunters from participating, and will reduce their chances to go afield.

The Commission is asking for hunter input. The NMLRA encourages our hunting members and their hunting friends

to attend the public meetings to voice their opinions; or you can express your comments on these proposed changes

to the Natural Resources Commission by going to the Natural Resources Commission website and clicking on

“Comment on Proposed Rule” next to the deer (white-tailed) rule amendments. Comments can also be mailed to the

following address: Natural Resources Commission, Indiana Government Center North, 100 North Senate Ave., Room

N501, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

The meetings will allow hunters to be heard in what the DNR calls an informal discussion format. Meeting dates, times

and locations are as follows:

Aug. 16, 2-6 p.m. Pike Township Public Library, 6525 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis.

Aug. 18, 2-7 p.m., Kankakee Fish & Wildlife Area, 4320 W. Toto Road, North Judson.

Aug. 18, 2-7 p.m., Jennings County Public Library, 2375 North Ind. 3, North Vernon.

Aug. 19, 2-7 p.m., DNR Northeast Region Office, 1353 S. Governors Dr., Columbia City.

Aug. 19, 2-7 p.m., Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area, 2310 East Ind. 364, Winslow.

So this is the time for hunters across the state to be heard.

You can view the proposed changes at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2362.htm . An open letter to deer hunters from

Bryan Poynter, Chairman of the Natural Resources Commission, can be found at http://www.in.gov/nrc/2377.htm

Please share this information with all the muzzleloading hunters you know. Let’s present a united front against this

shortened season. Thanks for your input, and best of luck in the field.

Sincerely,

Bob Voegele

NMLRA President

Rand House Museum Exhibits Announced for the 2010 National Championship Shoot

Rand House Museum Exhibits Announced for the 2010 National Championship Shoot

The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s Rand House Museum will host an outstanding exhibit of 38 long guns and 15 pistols, many antique and some more modern, from the large collection of well known master engraver and gunsmith, John Schippers. 

Mr. Schippers has had a long and illustrious career as a museum specialist, a craftsman, and a restoration specialist.  He worked at Conner Prairie for over twenty years, where he was in charge of the crafts program.  During his tenure at Conner Prairie, he established the apprentice craftsman program, designed to teach new museum interpreters how to produce the craft items utilized by the museum.  Since original artifacts could not be used at the facility, Mr. Schippers’ program helped teach the interpreters how to make cooking tools, hardware for over 30 buildings, pottery and dishes, farming tools, wagons, animal related tools, leather goods, clothing, and linens.  He was also responsible for the construction and maintenance of all of the historic grounds.  Besides his time at Conner Prairie, Mr. Schippers has worked or consulted for a number of other facilities, including the Grand Rapids Public Museum, the Henry Ford Museum and Village, the Milwaukee Public Museum, the Indiana State Museum, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, and many more.

He built his first muzzleloading rifle in 1954 and has been building and engraving them for 56 years. Mr. Schippers just completed a book entitled Engrave Historic Firearms.  The 416 page book has information on how to engrave in the historic style, and contains over 1,500 photographs and illustrations showing how to engrave, or, more importantly, what to engrave.  Track of the Wolf is publishing the book, and it is expected to be available before Christmas 2010.    

Mr. Schippers has garnered great expertise in building and engraving guns over a fifty six year career, and will bring much knowledge and enthusiasm for his life’s work to the NMLRA Rand House Museum.  The NMLRA is honored to host an exhibit by such a fine educator and craftsman. The Rand House Museum thanks guest curator John Schippers for the loan of his collection pieces!

A number of photos from the NMLRA archives that have not previously been exhibited are scheduled to be on display, and a special area will be set up with activities and museum handling materials for children. 

Museum hours for the National Championship Shoot will be 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. September 11^th – 18^th.  For more information on the Rand House Museum, or if you are interested in exhibiting at the museum in the future, please contact Leslie Martin Conwell, NMLRA American History Events Coordinator, 765.563.6792, nmlraevents@seidata.com.

National Championship Shoot

 National Championship Shoot
September 11th – 19th, 2010
Friendship, IN



The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association in Friendship, Indiana will hold its annual Fall National
Championship Shoot, celebrating the muzzleloading sports and our Early American heritage, September 11th –
19th. Amble amongst the beautiful autumn colors of the rural Indiana countryside that the “NMLRA” calls home
as you watch black powder shooting competitions and take in the “living arts” historical crafts demonstrations
featured in the Living History Center/Primitive Encampment. Opportunities abound for young people, from
learning how to shoot muzzleloading firearms under the tutelage of trained instructors, to exciting “hands-on”
craft activities designed especially for them! The event grounds are located in southeastern Indiana about forty
miles from Cincinnati, Ohio. Public attendance is welcome and encouraged! A special Opening Ceremony is
planned for noon on Saturday, September 11th, at the flagpole in front of the NMLRA clubhouse.

The NMLRA’s Mission
The NMLRA exists to promote, support, nurture, and preserve the NMLRA’s and our nation’s rich historical
heritage in the sport of muzzleloading through recreational, educational, historical, and cultural venues such as
match competition, hunting, gun making and safety, historical reenactments, exhibits, museums, libraries, and
other related programs.

The History and Heritage of Early America and Muzzleloading
At the Living History Center/Primitive Encampment, an interactive and engaging “living history” area on the
grounds, visitors can learn, laugh, listen, participate, and have fun. Located on the banks of Laughery Creek, the
Living History Center serves to remind both visitor and participant alike of the importance of the historical
heritage behind the sport of muzzleloading. At various times throughout the Nationals, visitors might be treated
to the sounds of a hammered dulcimer, fiddle, bodhran, Irish whistle, or bagpipe music. Denise Wilson and
Chance Heasty, a mother/son duo specializing in the French Canadian songs and sea shanty sounds of the 18th
century, will be appearing, as will Jim’s Red Pants, a perennial favorite at Friendship, with their own special style
of interpreting our Early American musical heritage. Tim Schaiper, an outstanding hammered dulcimer player
well known for his powerful and lilting renditions of historical music, is scheduled to play. Traditional artisans
and craft demonstrations include woodworking, leatherworking, basketmaking, weaving, soapmaking,
gunsmithing, and many more living history interpretations in camps throughout the Living History Center.

Special activities are planned for children, including butter churning, glass bead stringing, an archaeology class, a
“Children’s Trading Blanket” activity, a costume try-on booth, and candle dipping. Additional children’s
programs include “Play with Clay,” where kids learn how to make a Native American-style pinch pot, and “Rub-
A-Dub-Tub” where kids, combined with cold water, homemade soap, and an old fashioned washboard, create lots
of fun with bubbles! And what end-of- summer gathering would be complete without a watermelon seed spitting
contest? Pucker up!

The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s Living Arts program will be sponsoring a number of traditional
craft classes at the National Championship Shoot. All classes will take place on the grounds of the Living History
Center/Primitive Encampment.

Navio Occhialini, master bow maker and longtime head of the NMLRA’s Bow Range, will offer his class on the
art of primitive bow making at the Primitive Encampment/Living History Center September 14th and 15th.
Instructor supplies the materials to build a Woodland-style bow and three arrows, as well as a “how to” DVD.
Some tools are required, and a list can be obtained by contacting the instructor. Cost of the class is $200.00, and
is payable at the time of the class. Pre-registration is required, as class size is limited! Instructor needs potential
students to contact him at least two weeks before the class, so that he can select the bow stave that will make the
student’s desired bow and give the student the list of items to take to class. Contact Navio at 317.872.4920 or at
cocch@sbcglobal.net for more details.

Wayne Troup of Vintage Leather will be teaching a class on belt pouch making Monday, September 13th , from
10:00 a.m. to 12: p.m. in the Primitive Encampment/Living History Center at his tent. Wayne has been a
professional leatherworker for over thirty years. Besides participating in the NMLRA’s Lore of the Laughery and
the two Shoots, Wayne is a highly respected demonstrator at the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon, Mississinewa 1812,
the Fair at New Boston, Muster on the Wabash, and many other quality events. He will demonstrate his stitching
technique and discuss basic leather construction. Class participants will learn how to turn seam, do piping, and
button closure. At the end of the session they will have completed an approximately 5” x 6” belt pouch that is big
enough to hold a wallet and keys. The class fee of $50.00, payable at the time of the class, includes a leather awl,
needle, and the materials to make the pouch. For registration information, contact Wayne at 812.331.4050.

Rand House Museum Exhibits

The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s Rand House Museum will host an outstanding exhibit of 38
long guns and 15 pistols, many antique and some more modern, from the large collection of well known master
engraver and gunsmith, John Schippers.

Mr. Schippers has had a long and illustrious career as a museum specialist, a craftsman, and a restoration
specialist. He worked at Conner Prairie for over twenty years, where he was in charge of the crafts program.
During his tenure at Conner Prairie, he established the apprentice craftsman program, designed to teach new
museum interpreters how to produce the craft items utilized by the museum. Since original artifacts could not be
used at the facility, Mr. Schippers’ program helped teach the interpreters how to make cooking tools, hardware for
over 30 buildings, pottery and dishes, farming tools, wagons, animal related tools, leather goods, clothing, and
linens. He was also responsible for the construction and maintenance of all of the historic grounds. Besides his
time at Conner Prairie, Mr. Schippers has worked or consulted for a number of other facilities, including the
Grand Rapids Public Museum, the Henry Ford Museum and Village, the Milwaukee Public Museum, the Indiana
State Museum, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, and many more.

He built his first muzzleloading rifle in 1954 and has been building and engraving them for 56 years. Mr.
Schippers just completed a book entitled Engrave Historic Firearms. It has information on how to engrave in the
historic style, and contains over 1,500 photographs and illustrations showing how to engrave, or, more
importantly, what to engrave. Track of the Wolf is publishing the book, and it is expected to be available before
Christmas 2010.

Mr. Schippers has garnered great expertise in building and engraving guns over a fifty six year career, and will
bring much knowledge and enthusiasm for his life’s work to the NMLRA Rand House Museum. The NMLRA is
honored to host an exhibit by such a fine educator and craftsman. The Rand House Museum thanks guest curator
John Schippers for the loan of his collection pieces!

A number of photos from the NMLRA archives that have not previously been exhibited are scheduled to be on
display, and a special area will be set up with activities and museum handling materials for children.

Museum hours for the National Championship Shoot will be 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. September 11th – 18th. For
more information on the Rand House Museum, or if you are interested in exhibiting at the museum in the future,
please contact Leslie Martin Conwell, NMLRA American History Events Coordinator, 765.563.6792,
nmlraevents@seidata.com.

Exciting Firearms Competitions
National-class competitive muzzleloading shooting is a strong focus of this gathering. There are so many matches
that there is truly something for shooters of all skill levels, and with all types of muzzle loading equipment. Win,
lose, or draw, all the matches are enjoyable, and a great opportunity to learn by shooting with the best. A special
feature of the competition area is the Youth Range, developed by the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association
as a way to safely teach children how to shoot muzzleloading firearms and get them involved and engaged in the
sport at a young age!

To see truly fine examples of craftsmanship, visit Gunmaker’s Hall during the Nationals. Exhibited at this facility
are some of the finest examples of modern gunbuilding by today’s master craftspeople. Gunmaker’s Hall is
offering a number of classes and lectures, including several on gunbuilding techniques and tips. Eric Bye, editor
of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s internationally circulated magazine “Muzzle Blasts,” will
also be onsite at Gunmaker’s Hall to answer questions and share his vast muzzleloading knowledge.

The qualification matches for the United States International Muzzle Loading Team will be held during the week
of the Shoot. The “best of the best” will be in hot competition for a prized spot on the team!

The Living History Center/Primitive Encampment Primitive Shooting Range will be having a special memorial
match in honor of Fess Parker and Daniel Boone on September 16th.

Shopping Opportunities
The Commercial Vendor area features a myriad of muzzleloading guns and supplies for the serious shooter or the
enthusiastic beginner. Many rows of booths offer merchandise ranging from guns and gun parts to books, period
clothing, leather goods, and other supplies relating to the sport. The Commercial Vendors offer a wonderful
opportunity to listen and learn from the experts in the hobby. In addition, the Living History Center/Primitive
Area on the event grounds provides for some interesting browsing and buying amongst the quality vendors of
period merchandise and historical crafts.

Handicap parking is available. No pets are allowed except assistance animals. Gate hours are 8 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
EDT September 11th – 18th. Admission is charged for visitors 18 and up, and a portion of the parking fee benefits
the local American Legion. For more information on the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association’s National
Championship Shoot and the living arts programming, please contact the National Muzzle Loading Rifle
Association at 1.800.745.1493, www.nmlra.org.

Visitors attending the National Championship Shoot might also be interested in another area attraction, the two
Flea Markets that are adjacent to the NMLRA’s’ event grounds. Flea Market activities are ongoing throughout
the National Championship Shoot and hours vary. For information in regards to the Flea Markets, contact the Old
Mill Campground and Flea Market, Gary Stutler, 812.667.5322, and the Friendship Flea Market, Jan Schnell,
859.341.9188, or 812.667.5645, www.friendshipfleamarket.com.

For directions to the site, and information about hotel and motel facilities and other area attractions, contact the
Ripley County Tourism Bureau offices, 1.888.747.5394, www.ripleycountytourism.com.
####

Living Arts Class Schedule for National Championship Shoot

National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association Announces “Living Arts” Class Schedule for National Championship Shoot

September 11^th- 19^th, 2010

The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s Living Arts program will be sponsoring a number of traditional craft classes at the National Championship Shoot.  All classes will take place on the grounds of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association in Friendship, Indiana in the Primitive Encampment/Living History Center.

   

Primitive Bow Making Class

Navio Occhialini, master bow maker and longtime head of the NMLRA’s Bow Range, will offer his class on the art of primitive bow making at the Primitive Encampment/Living History Center September 14^th and 15^th.   Instructor supplies the materials to build a Woodland-style bow and three arrows, as well as a “how to” DVD.  Some tools are required, and a list can be obtained from contacting the instructor.  Cost of the class is $200.00, and is payable at the time of the class.  Pre-registration is required, as class size is limited!  Instructor needs potential students to contact him at least two weeks before the class, so that he can select the bow stave that will make the student’s desired bow and give the student the list of items to take to class.  Contact Navio at 317.872.4920 or at cocch@sbcglobal.net for more details.

Leather Belt Pouch Class

Wayne Troup of Vintage Leather will be teaching a class on belt pouch making Monday, September 13^th from 10:00 a.m. to 12: p.m. in the Primitive Encampment/Living History Center at his tent.  Wayne has been a professional leatherworker for over thirty years.  Besides participating in the NMLRA’s Lore of the Laughery and the two Shoots, Wayne is a highly respected demonstrator at the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon, Mississinewa 1812, the Fair at New Boston, Muster on the Wabash, and many other quality events.  He will demonstrate his stitching technique and discuss basic leather construction.  Class participants will learn how to turn seam, piping, and button closure.  At the end of the session they will have completed an approximately 5” x 6” belt pouch that is big enough to hold a wallet and keys.  The class fee of $50.00, payable at the time of the class, includes a leather awl, needle, and the materials to make the pouch.  For registration information, contact Wayne at 812.331.4050. 

NMLRA National Spring Shoot 2010 Program Schedule

NMLRA National Spring Shoot 2010 Program Schedule
Name/Contact	Program	Date/Activity	Time	Location	Fee
Amhrein, Gary & Fuller, Bob, & Robb, Bruce	Woodworking	June 12th - 13th	Various	Living History Center
Beadstringing	Beads For Children	June 12th	11:30 a.m.	Living History Center Shelter
Blue Heron Mercantile/Jim Jacobs	Parching Corn, Hornwork, Fishhook Making	June 12th - 13th	Various	Living History Center
Burkhart, Ron and Kathy	Sons of the American Revolution	June 12th - 13th	Various	Living History Center
Butter Churning	Churning/Tasting Butter	June 13th	10:00 a.m.	Living History Center Shelter
Candlemaking	Dipping Candles	June 12th	10:00 a.m.	Living History Center Shelter
Charlier, Ruth	Weaving	June 12th - 13th	Various	Living History Center
Children's Games	Period Games	June 12th	9:30 a.m.	Living History Center Shelter
Children's Trade Blanket	Children's Trading Activity	June 13th	1:30 p.m.	Living History Center Shelter
Eder, Logan	Fiddler Player	June 12th	Various	Living History Center
Frontier Artist	Plein Aire Art Class for Children	June 12th	2:30 p.m.	Living History Center Shelter
Hill, Richard	Eighteenth Century Medicine	June 12th - 13th	Various	Living History Center
Jaeger, Jeff	Book Signing	June 12th - 13th	11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.	Rand House Museum
Jim's Red Pants	Early American Traditional Music	June 12th	Various	Living History Center Shelter
Jim's Red Pants	Early American Traditional Music	June 12th- Wine Tasting	Various	Rand House Museum
Junior Archaeologist	Archaeology Class	June 13th	12:30 p.m.	Living History Center Shelter
LeBlanc, Ellen	Weaver	June 12th - 13th	Various	Living History Center
Longhunter Leather Company/Bob Browder	Leatherworking	June 12th - 13th	Various	Living History Center
Moore, Parker	Period Horse Encampment	June 12th - 19th	Various	Living History Center
Museum Exhibit	Illinois-Made Firearms- Exhibit by Curt Johnson	June 12th - 19th	11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.	Rand House Museum
Nye, Daniel	Basketmaking Class	June 12th, 13th, 14th	TBA	Living History Center	$50.00
Occialini, Navio	Bowmaking Class	June 15th - 16th	9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.	Living History Center Shelter	$200.00
Play with Clay	Pottery Class	June 12th	1:00 p.m.	Living History Center Shelter
Schaiper, Tim	Bagpipes	June 12th - 13th	Various	Living History Center Shelter
Shook, Sherry	Corn Husk Dolls	June 13th	11:30 a.m.	Living History Center Shelter
Shook, Sherry	Storytelling	June 12th	1:30 p.m	Living History Center Shelter
Slover, Jenny	Soapmaking Demonstration	June 12th, 13th, 19th	10:30 a.m.	Living History Center
Taylor Rose Historical Outfitters/N. Logsdon	Sewing and tailoring	June 12th - 13th	Various	Living History Center
Theatiki Traders/Cindy Deardorff	Wigwam Display/Heirloom and Native American Seeds	June 12th - 13th	Various	Living History Center
Vintage Leather/Wayne Troup	Leatherworking Demonstration	June 12th - 13th	Various	Living History Center
Vintage Leather/Wayne Troup	Leatherworking Class	June 14th	10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.	Living History Center	$40.00
Virginia Floor Cloth & Woodworking Co./V. Tucker	History of Painted Floor Cloths	June 12th - 13th	Various	Living History Center
Virginia Floor Cloth & Woodworking Co./V. Tucker	Blockprinting Class	June 12th	10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.	Living History Center	$40.00
Wild Goose Traders/Jim Casey	Woodworking	June 12th - 13th	Various	Living History Center
Williams, Aubrey	Blacksmithing Demonstration	June 12th - 16th	Various	Blacksmith Shop
Williams, Aubrey	Blacksmithing Class/Pre-registration Required	June 16th	9 a.m.-3 p.m.	Blacksmith Shop	$80.00
Wilson, Denise, and Heasty, Chance	French Canadian/Early American Music	June 13th	Various	Living History Center Shelter
Wine Tasting	Ertel Cellars of Batesville, IN	June 12th	3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.	Rand House Museum
Wright, Glenn	Blacksmithing Demonstration	June 12 - 13th, June 19th	Various	Living History Center
Yazel, Issy	Dollmaking	June 12 - 13th	Various	Living History Center