Holt resident Eric Perkins celebrated Michigan’s 173rd birthday this weekend by acting British.

Perkins is a member of a Revolutionary War historical re-enacting group that portrays the 47th Regiment of Foot of the British Army. The re-enactors brought period weapons, food, clothing and knowledge to share with visitors to the Statehood Day Celebration held at the Michigan Historical Museum on Saturday.

“The British were in Michigan during the revolution so we’re really a part of Michigan history, (just) not one that people think of a lot,” Perkins said about the group.

The re-enactors participate in various activities from firing muskets and marching in battle re-enactments to recreating 18th century camp life and making clothing and tools.

Perkins said that he enjoys re-enacting because “you get to actually do stuff you’ve read about.”

The 47th Regiment re-enactors were at the Historical Museum to help share their knowledge of the time with patrons.

“You can know every little detail about life in the 18th century but if you don’t really share it with people you’re not getting the most fulfillment out of it,” Perkins said.

Perkins has been a Revolutionary War re-enactor for about five years and got started because he wanted something more out of history.

“I just wanted to experience the history to live it,” he said.