George Washington portrayers see surge in demand as America marks its 250th anniversary

Across the country this summer, fields and historic sites have been transformed into Revolutionary War settings as Americans mark the nation's 250th birthday. At the Thomas Baird Homestead in Millstone Township, N.J., tents, costumed visitors, and a fife-and-drum ensemble set the scene for an encampment featuring John Koopman III on horseback as Gen. George Washington.

Koopman, who began reenacting nearly three decades ago after his Connecticut town staged a founding anniversary event, said his physical dimensions closely match Washington's — a detail confirmed by the tailor who built his period-accurate uniform. He used a small inheritance to purchase a custom saddle and costume, each costing several thousand dollars. Since retiring from a job at an alternative energy company, he has been reenacting full time, recently completing three separate events in a single weekend.

At Mount Vernon in Virginia, first-person interpreter Doug Thomas — who has played more than 20 historical figures and "aged into" Washington about seven years ago — fielded questions from middle school students, staying in character throughout. Thomas described Washington as a model of civic ideals and said he views his work as helping new generations understand the principles in the nation's founding documents. "The fact that we have a government by the people, for the people, is really absolutely astounding," Thomas said, according to NPR. In the past week alone, he had driven hundreds of miles to various engagements, including a corporate event in New York City focused on Washington as a businessman.