Bushy Run Battlefield reenactment coordinator Rob Malley hopes to build the next generation of history buffs through the annual Penn Township event, slated for Aug. 1 and 2.

Bushy Run played host to a 1763 clash between the British and Native Americans during Pontiac’s War. Its two-day reenactment, portraying the British military victory, draws thousands to the 213-acre historical site each year.

This year’s event will feature a variety of speakers, reenactor demonstrations and battle portrayals.

The goal of the reenactment, Malley said, is to preserve local history. But educating children is always a particular focus, as reenactors take time to answer questions from young visitors.

“They’ll show them how the gun works, how they have to clean it, why they have to clean it,” Malley said, “and everything with the Native Americans — how they cooked, how they dressed and where they got their stuff.”

Children often approach the reenactors in their downtime between battle reenactments, said event organizer Diane Liska.

“Kids will strike up a conversation like, ‘Why are you wearing that?’” she said. “It’s those kinds of questions — the normal kid types of questions. But it does open the door to say, ‘Well, that’s how people dressed back in the 18th century.’”

The reenactment is made possible by dozens of reenactors and about 75 other volunteers spread across 20 committees — each one dedicated to planning a specific component of the event, Malley said.

“Our mission is to actually entice the kids, because if we can get them excited, somewhere down the line, they’re going to join some group somewhere,” he said. “That’s what we’re looking for — to help keep it alive. Lord knows we’re going to be aging out here soon, and we need people to take our places.”

The reenactment drew about 1,700 visitors last year.

Food will be sold at the concession stand. Admission is free, but donations to the historical site will be accepted. The reenactor camps, museum, gift shop, concession stand and children’s area by the pavilion will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days of the event.

Reenactment schedule

Aug. 1

10 a.m. to noon — reenactor demonstrations in the camps

11 a.m. to noon — speaker series in the museum

1 and 2:30 p.m. — battle reenactments

3 to 5 p.m. — speaker series

Aug. 2

10:30 a.m. to noon — reenactor demonstrations in the camps

11 a.m. to noon — speaker series

1 p.m. — battle reenactment

2 to 3 p.m. — speaker series