About HMGS Midwest
HMGS Midwest is affiliated with the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society, Inc. (sometimes referred to as HMGS or HMGS East) located on the east coast of the United States. HMGS Midwest is a charitable 501(c)3 organization which was inspired by HMGS East to pursue a similar mission. Therefore, a little history on HMGS East is relevant.
Why was HMGS (East) originally formed?
Faced by a gaming industry which seemed to be pre-occupied with the then growing pastime of roleplaying, a number of individuals in the Eastern United States long associated with historical miniatures gaming came together to discuss ways to promote what was the foundation of what was then being referred to as Adventure Gaming. This initial group consisted of authors, publishers, gamers, retailers, and manufacturers, all from the ranks of historical miniatures gaming.
Although it was felt that the industry was giving historical miniatures gamers short shrift in general, it was at the various national conventions that historical gaming suffered the most. This was reflected in a number of ways; the space allocated, and the high cost of attending were two of the more glaring problem areas.
What has HMGS (East) done?
The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society is registered as a non-profit education organization, incorporated in the State of Maryland. They have also recognized or are in the process of recognizing affiliate HMGS chapters throughout the United States. These affiliate organizations include or have included: HMGS East, HMGS Midwest, HMGS Heart of America, HMGS Mid South, HMGS Tornado Alley, HMGS West, HMGS South, HMGS Gulf South, HMGS Great Lakes, HMGS Pacific Southwest, and Northwest HMGS.
Perhaps the most important accomplishment, both for providing an alternative for the historical miniatures enthusiast and for providing an example on how it can be done, has been the establishment of three gaming conventions in the Eastern United States: Cold Wars, Fall In and Historicon. HMGS also supported the beginnings of conventions put on by the affiliates, including Little Wars, Nashcon, BorderWars, and MiniWars.
When was HMGS Midwest formed and what has it accomplished?
HMGS Midwest was formed in the late 1980’s by miniatures gamers who had already organized conventions on their own. HMGS Midwest is legally set up as a 501(c)3 not for profit organization under the Internal Revenue Code in the State of Illinois. HMGS Midwest is led by volunteers and in order to pursue our stated purpose and we endeavor to operate with a positive cash flow.
The signature event of HMGS Midwest that has been organized annually since the late 1980’s has been the Little Wars miniatures gaming convention traditionally held in the Spring. As time has passed, new events have been created for both educational purposes and for enjoyment of the hobby. Please explore the rest of the website to learn about these events and come back often to see what new adventures we are creating.
Why should I join HMGS Midwest?
From a purely materialistic point of view, HMGS Midwest provides its members with several benefits. These include: discounts at HMGS organized conventions and other national shows; informative articles and newsletters, and discounts at local game stores. Perhaps even more important is the need for you to add your voice to our already influential society. Together we can continue to make sure that historical miniatures gamers and the hobby can continue to educate and entertain many more people in the future.
Your support, both in the form of membership dues and volunteer hours, enables us to continue providing the hobby with affordable conventions at appropriate times and offer a way for gamers to connect with each other throughout the Midwest and even the nation. Finally, your membership helps us to promote our hobby both internally and externally by covering costs such as technology, communications tools, gaming supplies for younger enthusiasts and insurance costs. Historical miniatures gaming can and should be an exciting education tool, both in and out of the school room. As you already know, historical miniatures gaming can add life and vibrancy to history as few books or lectures can. With your participation, HMGS can continue to serve as the means by which we can share our joy in the hobby and create a vibrant community across many generations.
How do I join HMGS Midwest?
Follow this link to join HMGS Midwest.
For information on joining other HMGS chapters, see the following list: