Weekends at Higgins are packed with a rotating schedule of demonstrations and activities. Don't miss these special presentations — live knights, swordplay demonstrations, and a Viking warrior await you.
Live Arms and Armor Show
Discover the history of the Higgins Armory Museum, the evolution from mail to plate armor, the three main types of armor, and more! Volunteers from the audience will have opportunities to help with the demonstration.
Historical Combat Demonstrations
Witness the subtle skills of attack, parry, and grapple as the Higgins Academy of the Sword brings medieval combat to life. Academy swordsmen (and women) demonstrate the knight’s skills with sword, warhammer, and dagger, and the lethally elegant swordplay of the Renaissance rapier.
The Roman Legionary
Meet a Roman Legionary of Imperial Rome. The Roman Legions were the most feared military force in ancient Europe, and continue to inspire generals and armies 2,000 years later. Learn about the development of the Roman soldier, his life, what was required of him as a soldier, and fighting/combat techniques. See historically accurate reproductions of the arms, armor, and equipment he used.
Legio III Cyrenaica Roman Legion
A Roman living history group that looks to accurately portray 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.
Celtic Warrior vs Roman Solider
Two ancient cultures, two ancient enemies, two very different ways to get the job done: One a Warrior, one a Soldier. Learn what made each one a mighty fighting force. How were they different? How were they the alike? What inspired each to fight the other, often to the death?
Celtic Warrior Arms and Armor Show
Who were the Celts? Did they really paint themselves blue? What the heck is a "carnyx"? Find out the answers to these and many other questions about how an ancient Celtic Warrior fought in this exciting and interactive demonstration! Great for kids of all ages!
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 arms and armor. Learn about their history and culture, and see a live demonstration of fighting techniques.
Women in Viking Times
Hear stories about home and family life among the Vikings from the women of that era.
14th Century Knight: Armor in Transition
The 14th century was a time of change in the world of arms and armor. At the beginning of the century, knights clad mostly in mail were a common site. By the end of the century, most knights could cover themselves in suits of overlapping articulated steel plate. Explore the reasons for these changes both in the equipment and in the men who used them through demonstration and audience participation.
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.
Company of the Wolfe Argent
The Company of the Wolfe Argent is a living history group that portrays 15th-century knights, archers and others in service to Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. Come meet them to find out what life was like in a medieval army camp, how great lords raised up their armies, and what new technologies were changing the face of warfare in the middle ages.
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.
