Military Lecture: Historical Reenacting: Why On Earth Do People Do This?

Thursday, October 16, 2025 7:00 am - 8:30 am EDT (GMT -04:00)
Tom Fournier bio pic

In his working life, after concluding a 30+ year corporate career, Tom Fournier founded and currently operates two Cambridge-based businesses. Tom has a passion for history, particularly the Napoleonic era and the War of 1812. He has written extensively about both and presents lectures and participates in podcasts. Tom also has several volunteer involvements as well. Tom’s reenacting career has taken him to events in Canada, the United States and Europe. He resides in Cambridge, Ontario.

Drawing upon his 20+ years of experience as a War of 1812 reenactor, Tom Fournier will talk about his motivation for being a reenactor.  He will share his memories on the field, travelling the globe, meeting royalty, and even experiencing the paranormal.

Tom started as a lowly private, not wanting any responsibility as he already managed an intense corporate career. Circumstances prevailed, however, and Tom embarked on a steady journey of promotion. He currently serves as the senior commander for all War of 1812 reenactors portraying British or Canadian soldiers in North America.

Tom will use an image-rich slide show to support his talk and will also have on hand a number of uniforms, accoutrements and weapons for examination.

Location: Guelph Civic Museum

Doors open at 6:30 and the presentation starts at 7:00 pm, followed by a question period.

The lecture will premiere in-person at the Civic Museum, and online via our Facebook livestream. The recorded conversation is available on FacebookYouTube, and our Museum Everywhere Portal.