LH Friendly Sites,

[SCTiger]

I would like to hear from people that have good experiences with battlefields, museums and historic sites that would be described as "friendly" and welcoming to our hobby.

I don't want to hear from the bad places or any horror stories, there's no use in aggravating a bad situation. Conditions could change in the future and I don't want to interfere with the few people that have worked hard or secured a position. So for this thread, I would like to know of the "excellent" places. Based on:

1. Acceptance of small LH programs. Site makes full use of quality reenactors in their programs and events. Organizes programs and extends invitations to groups.

2. Doesn't block access by using "red tape", invisible bureaucratic rules or arbitrary "policies".

3. Recognizes that living historians are important to preservation and fund raising.

4. Recognizes that LH hobbyists will on average visit a site "multiple times" and that they will spend and donate money at a higher than average rate.

5. Recognizes that Living historians are critical to local political support in securing the goals of any given historic site.

6. Keeps in contact with major LH organizations that are devoted to authenticity and keeps them informed of upcoming programs.

In my view living historians that are responsible, respectful and exhibit good attitudes should be given access to these places, in the same way that responsible hunters and fisherman are allowed access to publicly owned areas. On our side of the equation, we should always be respectful and professional in how we approach our presentations.

For myself I would like to nominate "Fort McAllister", the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Chickamauga NMBP as three of the most friendly sites. Mostly based on the staff, general access and the number of programs sponsored.

[Annette Bethke]

Re: LH Friendly Sites,

George Ranch, Richmond Texas
Pioneer Farms, Austin Texas
Fort McKavett, Menard Texas
Henkel Square, Round Top Texas

I'm sure there are others in Texas, these are the ones I've dealt with or know about personally.

[coastaltrash]

Re: LH Friendly Sites,

Well, let me start off by saying that unless you have worked either directly with, or on the organizing staff for LHs at several NPS sites, you may have a participants understanding, but there is A LOT more than you know just sitting in the ranks. That being said, as far as the NPS goes- this statement "2. Doesn't block access by using "red tape", invisible bureaucratic rules or arbitrary "policies"." is so off base it's not funny. They have national safety standards, that make sense, are easy to follow, and safe. It has nothing to do with "red tape" or invisible bureaucratic rules- it's the price you pay as an organizer- you want to use the park (call it what you want, you're using the park) tap out their overtime pay for park staff to be there when you need them (anyone remember how many were at Vicksburg?), run medical emergencies (3 at Vicksburg) and stretch their entire staff thin to help the organizer out. Truth be told, once the ball got rolling at any NPS site, the organizer is no longer in charge.

I've got to say in my personal experience Vicksburg takes the cake. I keep in regular contact with the members of the staff, even when it has nothing to do with reenacting. As of right now they have no programs scheduled for the summer, and it's the 145th Anniversary. Kind of sad in the big scheme of things, but it's just like 145 years ago- no one pays attention to the REAL turning point.

[jake.koch]

Re: LH Friendly Sites,

I would like to nominate Harpers Ferry. I interned there a few years ago in the Living History Branch. There were about 5 or 6 different events that they held there during the summer I was there with different Living History Groups, with sometimes as many as 35 or 40 people. That is besides the 15 or so Rangers, Interns, and others that were in Period clothing not just those event days, but 6 days a week as well.

I never heard any complaints from anyone while I was there. Its one of the few places I've been too where you can almost feel time change, between the trains rolling through throughout day and night, and the painted windows and furnished shops in the lower town, its really impressive. Not too mention that they aren't just limited to a two or three day timespan like most battlefields. There events cover a full range from John Brown's Raid in 59 to the preperation of Sheridan's Valley Campaign. If you ever get the chance to do somthing there jump on it.

[Parault]

Re: LH Friendly Sites,

Old Washington State Historical Park. Old Washington, Arkansas

I have always had a good working relationship with the park staff. They understand reenactors and have a quite large list of volunteers to chose from. They are a good group of people.

[Citizen_Soldier]

Re: LH Friendly Sites,

Greetings,
The following are my thoughts on this subject as a former museum professional. In addition, this spring I'll be guest lecturing for a museum studies class at a local college on this very topic of using reenactors for interpretive programming.

Most museum professionals and historic site supervisors are more than willing to work with history enthusiasts who have a passion for the subject that is interpreted in thier museum or site. That's part of thier job, to share history with others, whether it is through your traditional glass cases with interpretive panels or in an open air museum with costumed historical interpreters. Unfortuntately, some reenactors who visit or offer to volunteer at museums and historic sites have an attitude that is frustrating to many professionals.

In order to achieve the best relationship with a museum or historic site, I would suggest the following:

-Don't expect a museum to make thier institution your private playground.

-Be humble and willing to learn. Most museum staff have invested an incredible amount of time into the material of their museum and are truly experts in thier field. Please don't try to out do them because you frequent an online forum and participate in reenactments once a month.

-If you feel that interpretive material may be wrong, don't confront them in front of museum patrons. Wait until they're in private or better yet snag one of thier business cards and drop them a PROFESSIONAL email explaining why you think something may be inaccurate. Provide solid documentation when doing this and not something you read on a forum or conjecture....once again be professional in doing this.

-Demonstrate that you get the big picture and what the time period you're researching is all about. To be a gear head and share your vast knowledge of stitch counts in J.T. Martin blouses isn't really going to impress anyone and it's just going to reinforce the stereotype that reenactors are more into material culture than the actual historic period.

-Don't show up in your uniform to visit the museum, it places you in the same category as those folks who wear costumes to Star Wars movies and such...it comes off as a little wierd.

-Offer to volunteer at the museum, not only will this allow you to build up a relation with the staff but also will show you current conservation, public interpretation, and collections management procedures.

-Don't advertise yourself as a "Living Historian" this is a term that in my experience is only used by reenactors and not by the museum field that prefers the phrase "Historical Interpreter" in reference to historically costumed interpreters.

-Read up on public interpretation and be familiar with Tilden's princibles....your knowledge and use of museum jargon will demonstrate that you take historical research and interpretation seriously.

-If your group is volunteering as costumed historical interpreters, plan to actually interpret to patrons of the site or museum in the style of public interpretation preferred by that institution. Please just don't sit under a shade tree and smoke a pipe while joking with your comrades or drill in an open field without having a way to engage patrons.

-Once again be humble and professional, I can't stress that enough.

If you have any questions please feel free to drop me a note.

Darrek Orwig

[SCTiger]

Re: LH Friendly Sites,

They have national safety standards, that make sense, are easy to follow, and safe. It has nothing to do with "red tape" or invisible bureaucratic rules- it's the price you pay as an organizer- you want to use the park (call it what you want, you're using the park)

Pat:

I wasn't speaking of grand events or negating safety rules. I was talking about the interaction in general, from a simple request for information or the utilization of reenactors for small programs of 10 or less during normal hours. I have volunteered as a lone person to give presentations or talks. Some parks and sites are not reenactor friendly, either in the jean wool or out. Not much we can do about it. Some yahoos could have already ruined it, at any rate, we are still Citizens, we pay taxes; and as public servants, they shouldn't be hitting me with a "SLED" check, just to give a musket demonstration.

One time I made a request for information on a specific Georgia unit, my request was ignored and later that same museum director published a book on the same subject, he had a reason for not sharing. I visit the South Carolina archives and they let me examine actual letters and were glad that reenactors are researching as well.

I would like to turn that perception around. We are actually their best friends, not the enemy. If someone is burned out from their job, doesn't want to talk to reenactors or the public, then maybe the "love" for history is gone, I can't help that situation. I am very sure that dozens of us have stories similar to that, but I would rather hear about the good stuff. I am glad that you have a positive relationship with Vicksburg and I hope you take full advantage of that.

[27thNCdrummer]

Re: LH Friendly Sites,

I would like to nominate Ft. Anderson State Historic Site. They've been very friendly and invited my unit back every year.

[SCTiger]

Re: LH Friendly Sites,

Another one I will recommend; I visited it today, is the Bennett Place in Durham, NC.

One of the curators, John Guss, is also a reenactor with the 48th N. Y. and he was very hospitable. I didn't show up in period garb, but he said "next time bring your gear." I gained some good insight about the utilization of reenactors in park-battlefield sites. Spent most of the day talking CW. He also acknowledges that CW reenactors are frequent visitors.

He really wants reenactors, especially civilians to volunteer during the weekend and week, at the site. North Carolina is really getting their act together for the 150th anniversaries. Enjoy the attached photos of the site.

[Vicksburg Dave]

Re: LH Friendly Sites,

I'm going to concur with Pat and brag on my own park. In the past five years I cannot recall one instance of denying reenactors the opportunity to participate in interpretation at the park. We work really hard behind the scenes to ensure the logistics are taken care of, from food to water to ice. We used to serve hardcore rations based on original recipes cooked by genuine camp followers, but last year, at Bill Backus' insistence, we lowered our standards and switched to Kentucky Fried. :p

All kidding aside, to have people drive hundreds of miles at their own expense to join us in interpreting the park, well, we find that quite impressive, and are grateful for it. I personally have learned a great deal from the reenactors who have visited our park, and look forward to meeting more of you in the future.

[lthull3rdla]

Re: LH Friendly Sites,

Mansfield State Historical Site in louisiana. They are VERY reenactor and living history friendly. All you have to do is let t hem know your going to be there and they will bend over backwards for you. I knows its a small bump in the road compared to the larger national parks, but its a GREAT place.

Ronnie - Shreveport