Thom "Swanny" Swan began his 'reenacting' career in celebration of America's 100th year of independence, back in 1976, exploring the persona of an American "Mountain Man". Prior to moving to Alaska Swan lived in Colorado, Wyoming and western Washington and traveled to living history events throughout the Rocky Mountain region. During his residence in Washington (state) he became more interested in the history of the North West and Hudson's Bay Companies, and has focused his research and reenacting efforts on the Canadian-based fur trade since.

     Swanny writes under his nickname to separate his personal lifestyle from his professional. Thom Swan is well rounded emergency services professional who has been practicing as a paramedic for 33 years, and is cross trained in both structural and wildland firefighting and in law enforcement. Today his primary money-making occupation is that of a security officer / paramedic at a remote industrial camp on the trans-Alaska oil pipeline. "Swanny has a lot more fun than Thom, but Thom pays for the mortgage, toys and dog-food." Swan said.

     Swanny has been writing for publication almost as long as he's been protecting lives and property. His first published article appeared in an emergency medical services trade journal in 1986 and his first living history related article was published in about 1990.

     Swanny moved to the interior of Alaska in 1992, where he plans to live for the remainder of his life (kind Providence permitting). Although he participates in living history events whenever possible, his focus today is on historical trekking with a strong emphasis on late 18th and early 19th century dog mushing practices. He lives in a log house with a team of 15 sled dogs selected for historical aboriginal traits in the tiny community of Two Rivers, Alaska, where "sled dogs outnumber humans by a ratio of about 4:1, because we like it that way."