123 Main Street,
Sainte Genevieve, Missouri, 63670
Sainte Genevieve, Missouri, 63670
Milice Encampment – 18th-Century Living History in Sainte Geneviève Twice yearly—typically the second Saturday in April and October—the grounds of the LeMeilleur House transform into working 18th-century military camp as the Ste. Geneviève Militia, Inc. hosts the Milice Encampment, bringing colonial-era French and Spanish frontier life to vivid reality. This free, family-friendly living history event (9:30 AM-4 PM) operated by the Centre for French Colonial Life invites visitors of all ages to explore authentic demonstrations including gun building, chair seat weaving, spinning, and leatherwork, while children participate in hands-on period crafts and activities. Experience direct, engaging immersion in the skills and traditions that shaped early Sainte Geneviève—no ropes, no glass cases, no museum distance. Just artisans working in period dress, demonstrating 18th-century craftsmanship, answering questions, and welcoming curiosity about daily life when French colonists and Spanish administrators defended Missouri’s oldest settlement. Practical Information Event Name: Milice Encampment Schedule: Twice yearly, typically second Saturday in April and October Time: 9:30 AM – 4 PM Location: LeMeilleur House grounds, Centre for French Colonial Life, Sainte Geneviève, Missouri Host: Ste. Geneviève Militia, Inc. Operator: Centre for French Colonial Life Admission: Free Age Appropriateness: All ages welcome; hands-on children’s activities available Demonstrations: Gun building, Read more…