An interview with Kevin Hicks, aka the History Squad

History has shaped every single one of us, without exception, so it’s important to understand what affect it has had on us individually, as a community and as a nation so we can learn from it.

What is the History Squad and how did it come about?

The History Squad is a series of characters from history who portray what life was like for them during that period.

It all came about after I was injured as a soldier in the British Army by a bomb blast and injured again when I was serving as a Police Officer, so about 25 years ago I was medically discharged and my career in uniform was over.

My lifelong hobby is shooting the longbow, and after a long period of convalescence, I was asked by a local schoolteacher if I could give a demonstration for the school at the local Castle, Chepstow.  I quickly put together an outfit and having obtained permission from the castle, I gave a tour and a demonstration to 60 school children.

In no time at all, word got around and I became a regular at Chepstow Castle. The business continued to grow as teachers requested different characters and periods of history, so the History Squad was born, and I started on the path of a career I have loved for over 25 years.

Why is studying/knowing history important?

I have a great belief that we as people should know who we are and where we are from; if you know and understand your past and heritage then perhaps you'll find your place in the future.  If we don’t know where we’re from, how do we know where we’re going?

We’re all interconnected in some way or another through history and I believe it’s important to know what’s gone on before us, and how history has shaped us.

History has shaped every single one of us, without exception, so it’s important to understand what affect it has had on us individually, as a community and as a nation so we can learn from it.

How and/or when did you get you hooked on history?

I became hooked on history as a young child. Most of my relatives had served in the First and Second World Wars and both my parents were children during the blitz in WW2, so I grew up with their stories firsthand and they fascinated me.

I also had a good history teacher, who was so enthusiastic about his subject it was infectious, that’s what I aspire to. I want to inspire others with my passion for history so they can enjoy it too.

What brought you to Canada?

I have family here in Canada; my son moved to Saskatchewan after he left the forces having served in Afghanistan.  My wife and I visited him and his new family for several years and fell in love with Canada, both the country and the people, so we decided to make the move and start a new adventure.

How did you adjusted your workshops to suit your Canadian audiences?

Most importantly I've converted the WW1 British Soldier I used to portray, to that of a Canadian soldier, and my research has focused on the different battles the Canadian army fought in.  Last year I visited the WW1 battlefields of Passchendaele, Vimy Ridge and Arras to expand my knowledge of where and how the Canadians fought and also to pay a personal homage to those who had fallen.

I’ve also extended my research and now incorporate genocide and the assimilation of the First Nation people into my original Rise of the Nazis and Holocaust presentation. It’s such an integral part of Canada’s history, so the knowledge and understanding I’ve gained helps me make a connection with my audiences here.

What is your favourite period or aspect of history to learn about and why?

It has to be World War One.  I've met so many men and women who lived and fought during that period and it was their stories that have inspired me to keep their memories alive and educate people.

What do you love most about your job?

The feedback from our YouTube subscribers has to be one of the best things.  Julie (my wife) and I really do sit down every morning and night to read through them all.  I just hope that, as time goes on and the channel becomes even more popular, I can continue to engage with subscribers.  I love the engagement and am constantly learning too.

Also, seeing the results my presentations have on students.  The questions and discussions we have after the presentations are nothing short of inspiring. I love helping others discover history and how it relates to them personally.