Like-minded people and groups with whom one can learn the skills of and/or re-live the past:
Academia della Spada - "an academy for the noble art and science of fence", based in Seattle, WA.
Le Compagnie de Cheveaux Leger de M. Tener - portraying a company of horse during the French Wars of Religion, ca. 1560-1610. Based out of Kitsap County, WA.
US Western
School of the Renaissance Soldier - the largest total-immersion 16th century soldier school in the US. Held annually in early spring (April) near Sacramento, CA, with a Fall session new for 2008 to be held in September near Seattle, WA (see below).
North Country Muster - just like its sister event (above), this event will span three days and be a total immersion experience for those interested in portraying the life ant times of a late 16th Century soldier. October 3-5, Belfair, WA.
US Eastern
Non-US