I knew nothing about nothing regarding black powder, flintlocks, or muzzle loaders when I first came across my first, one and only primitive rifle over two years ago - in fact at that time, the term "black" to me connoted a black rifle whose model number was prefaced by "AR-somethingorother."
Divine Providence saw fit to bring a Doug Scott full stock flintlock Hawken into my life, and I am changed for the better.
Now I just need to learn how to dress a deer, and I am ready for these same "old timey" events which the OP is referencing, I think....