Weekends at the Higgins

Weekends at the Higgins are packed with a rotating schedule of demonstrations and activities. Live knights, swordplay demonstrations, and a Viking Warrior await you! Check the schedule for upcoming program dates and times!

Special Presentations:

Historical Combat Demonstrations: Medieval Swordplay and the Medieval Master-at-Arms: Have at you! Witness the subtle skills of attack, parry, and grapple! The Higgins Armory Sword Guild brings to life the knightly art of the two-handed sword. And learn the lore of sword & dagger, halberd & spear, revived from the long-lost words of medieval masters, as the Sword Guild recreates a medieval school for knightly combat.

The Viking Warrior: Were they fearsome pirates? Or gifted poets? Or a little of both! Find out more about Vikings in this live presentation on Viking age arms and armor. Learn about Viking history and culture, and see a live demonstration of Viking fighting techniques.

The Roman Legionary: Come and meet a Roman Legionary of Imperial Rome. The Roman Legions were the most feared military force in ancient Europe, which continues to inspire Generals and armies 2,000 years later. You will learn about the development of the Roman soldier, his life, what was required of him as a soldier, fighting/combat techniques, and see a variety of arms, armor and equipment he was able to use with historically accurate reproductions.

Legio III Cyrenaica Roman Legion: A Roman living history group that looks to accurately protray the famous Legion based in Alexandria, Egypt during the Flavian period (60-100 AD/CE). You will meet Legionary and Auxiliary soldiers and learn about the Legion's history, weapons, tactics and daily life in this engaging presentation.

Company of the Wolfe Argent: The Company of the Wolfe Argent is a 15th Century living history group that portrays a lance of a Burgundian Ordinance company in the service of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. Though the Ordinance companies did not come into existence until April of 1471, their portrayal covers the years of Charles' reign as Duke, from 1467-1477, concentrating on the years 1471-1477.

14th Century Knight: Armor in Transition: Why did knights change from using mail armor to plate? What were some of the causes? Why did it take nearly 200 years? These are just some of the questions that will be answered in the Armor in Transition auditorium show, a show focusing on the evolution of Knightly armor. Armor from mail to plate will be discussed with emphasis on the transitional period of plate and mail in combination.

Hands-on History: Come learn about Arms and Armor up close and personal! Try on a gauntlet, handle some maille, or pick up a helmet and experience what knights and warriors of old experienced. Learn about the facts of history and armor from one of Higgins Armory’s own Education Interpreters.

Higgins Story Time: Listen to tales of fact and fantasy as read aloud by an armory staff person! A short 15-20 minute session with child friendly stories, keyed to the month’s theme or topic.

King Arthur: Myth vs. Reality: This auditorium presentation will consider some key elements of the Arthurian legends in the context of known medieval and pre-medieval history. Who might King Arthur really have been? Do the ruins of Camelot castle really exist? What kind of armor would the Knights of the Round Table have worn? Why has the story of the Holy Grail endured for centuries? Through visual images, historical anecdotes, and audience discussion, we’ll compare and contrast the mythical stories with the possible reality of Arthurian history.

Women and Warfare Program: Somewhere between stories of damsels-in-distress and myths of man-killing amazons lies the historical reality of women and warfare. Was there such a thing as ‘warrior-women’? Did they wear armor? Would women really wait to be rescued or would they rescue themselves? Could these distressed damsels in fact boss knights around? Join us in our first-floor auditorium as we explore these questions and more.

Women in Viking Times: What did Viking women do when the Viking men were off on a raid? Our famous Viking Warrior will set aside his weapons and talk about the softer side of Viking life. Learn how Viking families lived and about the role of women in Viking society.

Arming a Knight: Learn how a knight dressed for battle by watching as he is armed in a suit of plate armor! Discover armor’s strengths and weaknesses. Learn about the ways knights were trained and how they fought in this 30-minute presentation that includes visitor participation!

Sir Higgins the Walking Knight: Meet a living knight-in-shining-armor as Sir Higgins clanks and clomps through the Great Hall! A great opportunity for children of all ages to see armor in action.

Gallery Talks: See the collection in a new light! Take a specialized tour of the galleries focusing on specific aspects of armor. Themes vary. Check the Calendar of Events for current offerings.

Conservation Lab Open House: Visit our dungeon and meet our conservator, Bill MacMillan, while you discover the art of conserving and presenting 4,000 years of arms and armor history.