Historicon

Historicon is the largest gaming convention in North America devoted to solely historical miniature wargaming.[1] It is sponsored by the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society, a nonprofit organization.[2] The Wall Street Journal has described Historicon as the "mother of all wargaming conventions."[3]

Typically, Historicon is a four-day convention held in July each year since 1994.[2] Thousands of miniature gamers and military history enthusiasts gather to play in hundreds of tabletop games, tournaments, and demonstrations.[2] The convention is accompanied by a flea market of used gaming items and accessories, a large dealer hall offering new merchandise,[4] a series of seminars and training sessions, painting competitions, and similar events. The majority of events are history-related, with the remainder being fantasy, science fiction, steampunk, or horror miniature games.[4]

Each year, Historicon has a different theme and focal point (such as the American Civil War or World War II), and many games and supporting events are geared around the theme. Awards are presented to the Best Theme Event, as well as best games in specific time slots and other honors for particularly popular or impressive games.[5]

Scene at 2015 Historicon

Historicon was held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, at the Lancaster Host Resort, a hotel located on U.S. Route 30 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish country for many years.[5]

  1. ^ Carey, Art (26 July 2008). "War buffs do battle (no blood)". The Philadelphia Inquirer. pp. A01. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  2. ^ a b c Crisp, Marty (29 July 2007). "Small victories". Lancaster New Era. p. 16. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  3. ^ "The History of Wargaming". hmgs.com. Historical Miniatures Gaming Society East. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  4. ^ a b "Warlords gather at Historicon". Lancaster New Era. 22 July 2006. p. 13. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  5. ^ a b Muller, Karen (16 July 2000). "A toy soldier's story". York Sunday News. p. 49. Retrieved 31 July 2022.