National Rendezvous & Living History Foundation

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Our 2026 Summer Newsletter has been released! Please click here to read:https://www.nrlhf.org/_files/ugd/b181d4_a30084fcdcee4f13bab3598226b11972.pdf

Greetings from the staff of the Old Northwest!

The National Rendezvous and Living History Foundation is proud to partner with the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association to host the 40th Annual Old Northwest Primitive Rendezvous in beautiful Friendship from June 26 – July 3, 2026.

This year’s event is shaping up to be one for the history books! Whether you’re a seasoned rendezvous camper or attending for the first time, you’ll find a full week of fellowship, competition, hands-on learning, and family fun waiting for you at camp.

All your favorite traditional events will return, including:
• Muzzleloader shooting
• Hawk & knife competitions
• Archery events

And for this special anniversary year, we’re adding even more excitement with:
• Atlatl competition
• Pastry toss
• Fireworks
• A spirited “water balloon” battle
• And plenty of surprises throughout the week

Families and young campers will have plenty to enjoy as well. Kathy Huey will once again host the always-popular children’s games, while Hawk returns with the crowd-favorite Highland Games. There’s even a creek nearby for campers of all ages to cool off and relax during the summer heat.

To make your stay more comfortable, the site includes modern restrooms and showers — and yes, a few classic ho***rs too for the full rendezvous experience!

Hands-On Seminars & Workshops
This year’s seminar lineup offers something for everyone:
• Randy Dilday will lead a traditional broom-making workshop
• Jan Lowe of Sunshine Prairie Homestead will host:
o Strawberry pincushion crafting
o Block-printed cotton scarf making
A small materials fee ($8–10) will apply for these seminars, so plan ahead if you’d like to participate. Seminar dates and times will be announced during camp meetings.

Camping & Registration Information
Pre-registration is open through Friday, June 5.
Registration forms are available at: https://www.nrlhf.org/2026-old-northwest-primitive-rendezvous.

Campers will stay in the Living History area, with shaded and open campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. A campground map and additional camping information can be found at: https://www.nmlra.org/camping.

For those who prefer a few modern comforts, “tin teepee” camping and full-hookup campground spaces are available through the NMLRA. Please note that campers using those facilities must register separately with the NMLRA and pay applicable camping fees.

Free boondocking remains available in the event parking area for those camping off-grid, though hookups will not be provided there.

For those who may be interested in checking out the ONW - public will be welcomed to visit on Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28 from 9:00am -5:00pm. A $5.00 per donation is requested at the gate.

Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary With Us
There may be no better way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary than gathering around the campfire with friends old and new at the ONWPR. With competitions, demonstrations, laughter, and living history all week long, this promises to be a rendezvous you won’t want to miss.

And with July 3 designated as tear-down day, you’ll still be home in time for your local Fourth of July celebrations — truly the best of both worlds.

Questions? Contact Booshway Chris “Panda” Peterson at 937-407-4284.

We look forward to seeing you at camp!

Jeff Colwell
Delegate, ONWPR

We are a group of folks who love history - especially the research that goes into a person’s persona. I think this is why, as a group admin, that my head explodes when someone posts: “where is this” or “what are the dates” or both. Hint - if you click on that bold text that says what page you’re on, it will offer more information. I specifically make sure all of the information is listed on each of the foundation’s pages - which incidentally are:

2026 Southeastern Primitive Rendezvous
2026 NRLHF Corps of Discovery
2026 Old Northwest Territory Primitive Rendezvous
2026 Northeastern Primitive Rendezvous
2026 Eastern Primitive Rendezvous

Time to get off my soapbox and back to all things Corps of Discovery - the NRLHF’s next event - happening at 5 Covered Bridge Rd, McDonald, PA 15057. Early setup begins Monday, May 11 and running through to Sunday, May 17, 2026. Registration can be made on-site! Join us and have shinin’ times!

Hello all!

Just a quick reminder if you didn’t know or haven’t seen - each of our events has its own page! Links below…check out what all is happening at each!

2026 Southeastern Primitive Rendezvous
2026 NRLHF Corps of Discovery
2026 Old Northwest Territory Primitive Rendezvous
2026 Northeastern Primitive Rendezvous
2025 Eastern Primitive Rendezvous