A love of history and simpler times draws historical re-enactors Ding Denlinger and Pam Schmidt to North Augusta's Living History Park once a month.

"Education is the big thing," said Ms. Schmidt, dressed in an 18th century-style dress and apron.

Educating people about how their ancestors might have lived is an important aspect of what Ms. Schmidt does.

On the last Saturday of each month, a handful of re-enactors meet at the Living History Park for a small-scale event.

At February's event, Ms. Denlinger and Ms. Schmidt made a stew and a lentil soup over a fire in a cabin on the grounds. Outside, other interpreters made soap and performed other daily tasks typical of the 18th century.

The monthly re-enactments began last year, according to Lynn Thompson, Living History Park chairwoman and president of the Olde Towne Preservation Association, which was formed in 1991 to preserve North Augusta's heritage.

"This had been on our Web site wish list for a year," said Ms. Thompson.

Each October, the organization holds an event called Colonial Times: A Day to Remember, which features two days of 18th-century re-enactments.

Over the years, other events have been added to the park's calendar, including the annual Artisans Fair, to be held April 18-20; Colonial Times Under the Crown, on June 7-8; and Spirits of Hallowed Eve, on Oct. 25.

Ms. Thompson said she expects this month's last-Saturday program to have a number of re-enactors participating.

"We will have a blacksmith and an 18th-century martial artist," she said.

In April, the park will be featured on the Sacred Heart garden tour.

The Last Saturday at the Park events are held from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. during mild-weather months. Beginning in June, the program will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To learn more about the park and its activities, call Ms. Thompson at (803) 279-7560 or visit www.colonialtimes.us.

Reach Charmain Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.