the Wax Seal Society

Oh, wouldn't it be a delight to write to people just as they did in the 18th century?

I recently discovered a group on Facebook called The Wax Seal Society. It focuses upon being a Pen Pal network for historical enthusiasts to write to one another using 18th century writing items - laid paper or parchment, quill pens or other period writing utensils, and ink, with perhaps the personal touch of a seal in hardened wax.

The group also has conversations about penmanship of period style writing or calligraphy, as well as suggested or recommended places to buy period-style writing items, even showing off exchanged letters, and just some general fun related to period writing! This really is a great way for 18th century enthusiasts to converse with other like-minded people and produce their handiwork for public display at historical events or simply private enjoyment in a person's home upon receiving the letter. This sort of pen pal service is great for people to read or write at living history events and reenactments, and perhaps add one more item to their list of 'to do' while at an event, when one finds the time between drills, battles, and shopping. What better to engage the spectator than for them to see you reading and writing to someone who shares the same interests and activities.

This Facebook group began in March of 2019 and has been steadily growing with new enthusiasts joining the group to connect with some pen pals.
Even though the focus of the pen pal group is 18th century, it also branches out into much of the 17th century as well as the early 19th century.

I have received a fantastic letter already even though I just joined and have written letters to a few people, too. Truly, this is a great way to put your self in as your persona and to fine tune your penmanship, too.

The addition to this unique pen pal service is some have asked for letters to be written with something specific in mind, such as to be a personal letter or business letter written to those serving aboard a ship, or of military correspondence for a particular reenactment event. This also fine tunes the abilities of everyone involved and makes the reenactment experience more realistic and personal and detailed rather than general with a lot not being filled in.

If you are on Facebook, love the 18th century, and would love to write to other people using a quill pen, ink, and laid paper, then join here: The Wax Seal Society

There will be questions to answer as you join, simply for the Admins to make certain that you are indeed human and your intent is for 18th c pen pal communication and nothing else.

I do hope to see you on the roster of The Wax Seal Society.