MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Reenactor John Koopman III portrayed George Washington at the Thomas Baird Homestead in Millstone Township, N.J., on May 30, as part of America's 250th anniversary commemorations. The event recreated a Revolutionary War encampment.

Koopman began portraying George Washington nearly three decades ago. He retired from his job at an alternative energy company one year prior to June 2026 to pursue reenacting full time. Koopman used a small inheritance to purchase a period-accurate saddle and a specially tailored costume.

He commissioned a friend, who previously worked as a tailor for Mount Vernon, to create his uniform. Koopman stated that the fit of his uniform is identical to Washington's. "Where my sleeves fall and my wrist, the size of my chest, where my breaches fall, is all identical to Washington," Koopman said.

Koopman has performed in a film shown at Mount Vernon and appeared in multiple documentaries. He also wrote a historical novel focused on the Revolutionary War. Koopman and his horse attended three separate events within one weekend.

Brad Fay manages Koopman. Fay's family inherited a painting of George Washington. Fay booked 31 events for his team between May and July 4. He said that the story of Washington is one that resonates widely. "It's the one story we all subscribe to," Fay said.

Leslie Bramlett also participated in the Thomas Baird Homestead event, portraying Hannah Till, an enslaved cook. Till was freed but continued to stay with George Washington for seven years during the war. Bramlett noted the presence of women during the war. "There were 850 women and children encamped with George Washington at Valley Forge, the beginning of the war, and then that number grows," Bramlett said.

George Washington and his wife owned hundreds of enslaved people. Washington freed those he owned personally in his will. Separately, Mount Vernon held a ribbon-cutting for an updated exhibit.