Shop the Past: Fort Steilacoom’s Living History Swap Meet is March 29
Lakewood, WA – History buffs, reenactors, and collectors take note! The Fort Steilacoom Living History Swap Meet returns on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Historic Fort Steilacoom in Lakewood.
This unique event brings together vendors offering historic clothing, military gear, period accessories, books, crafting supplies, and more. Whether you’re preparing for the reenactment season, building a historical wardrobe, or searching for one-of-a-kind finds, there’s something for everyone.
The event is free for shoppers, and all proceeds support the Historic Fort Steilacoom Association, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the fort’s four original 1857-8 buildings.
The Swap Meet is not a reenactment; but members of the 20th Maine reenacting group will host demonstrations and talk about life during the US Civil War.
Because are vendors can bring what they’d like, we can’t guarantee the presence of a particular item or subject. But here is how just a sampling of vendors described their particular wares:
“(The photo here shows) a smattering of what I will have for sale/trade on Saturday. It is mainly Civil War reenacting uniforms, hats, and footwear, plus one minstrel banjo. I will also have WWII British/Canadian reenacting uniform parts and web equipment.”
“I’m going to bringing several pairs of gently/un-used American Duchess shoes (16th, 19th, 20th century, all size 7), a 1910s sock knitting machine, and various vintage sewing notions. The 20th Maine will likely be bringing Civil War-era items.”
“For the Fort Steilacoom table, I have some reference books and trims, and we may have crocheted tablecloths and doilies and possibly Regency and 1850s items.”
“Most of what I’m selling are original US ww2 items along with a handful of reproductions. Mostly smaller items like canteens and patches, but a couple uniforms and blankets too. I also have an original civil war cavalry saber as well as a circa 1870’s Prussian cavalry sword I plan on bringing too.”
One list includes:
- Vintage Venetian and Russian trade beads.
- Reference books.
- Vintage traps.
- Trade blankets.
- Hand-made traditional style stone, bone, shell, antler, black-smithed tools and jewelry.
- Horn utensils.
Another list:
- Civil War lady dresses, accessories, shoes
- Civil War, WWII and PNW books
- Military vintage clothing
- WWII Homefront ephemera and material goods
- Living history props and artifacts (both 19th and 20th centuries)
As of the time we’re posting this, we are still welcoming vendors until mid-week. Click here for the link to sign up to sell.
Important Notes:
- No firearms (real or replica) are permitted due to site restrictions.
- Vendors manage their own transactions (cash, card, or online payments).
Location: Fort Steilacoom is located near the entrance of Western State Hospital at 9601 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA.
For questions, contact [email protected].
📅 Don’t miss this opportunity to shop history and support historic preservation!
The fort receives marketing support from the City of Lakewood’s Lodging Tax Grants.
