Doing Living History Right  

     Historical re-enacting entails more than just battle re-enactments since we also re-enact the camp activities of our impressions.  Sadly, too many re-enactors only focus on the battles, weapons and uniforms, ignoring the camp activities and full personal development of their impression. This omission wastes the greater part of the day and ignores the opportunity for close contact with the visitor. Educating the visitor is a major part of what we should be doing. Entertainment and recruitment are also part of what we do but play secondary roles to public education. I offer the following thoughts and observations in order to help us portray our impressions at a higher level that is more satisfying and create a more rewarding experience to the visitor.

     Farb is one label no re-enactor wants. Whether it is a Civil War camp with cans of Budweiser and squirt bottles of French’s mustard or a WWII camp with bottles of Deer Park lying out for the public to see, it shows that unit’s camp impression is amateurish. The fix is camp discipline. Farb is usually applied to uniforms, weapons and accouterments as well as wearing out of period personal accessories, all of which can be easily corrected. Of course, haircuts and facial hair also lead to farb. Members in your unit are willing to help so don’t hesitate to ask or take offense at corrections. Take the time to make your impression accurate before you arrive at an event.

     Farb in personal camp life should also be avoided. Re-enactors should not be sitting in camp discussing current politics when visitors are present. They may however, be discussing the politics of their impression, whether it is 1944, 1863 or 1781! Your camp conversations in front of the public are a large part of your impression. Americans have always held political opinions so learn a few of the political ideas of your time frame and discuss those as the visitor walks thru camp and you will have a more accurate impression.

    

     Try to stay in character as long as you can. With practice this will become easier. Draw the visitor into your world. If however, you do not enjoy or feel comfortable doing this, be prepared to begin an activity just as they enter your camp . This will catch their attention.

     Movement attracts attention. The reason visitors watch the battle is because of all the activities that the battle entails. Give them activity in camp and they will not just walk away. I will continue to emphasize activity because I see the public’s reaction to it in every event I participate in and at events I go to visit too. It really works.

  

     The simplest activity is to just clean your weapon. Have a rag and bore brush close. Ask the visitor to hand them to you as you tell them about the good and bad things of your weapon, how it is firing and how clean you keep it. Even if you have to clean it again for the next visitors coming thru camp, it will seem easier and more relaxed. Another easy activity is falling in for close order drill. We all need practice so drill at camp. If the day is slow give that 10 year old a broom stick and have him fall in for drill too. They will love it and their parents will be taking pictures.

        

     Know your visitors! A retired Marine Colonel does not need or want to hear about the weapons ballistics. A young family may not understand ballistics but may want to know about what unit you are in or what chow is cooking. Pay attention and you will be able to give them what they want to know to keep them in camp longer.

     Campfires always draw visitors in. You need to keep them in. Whether it is Afghanistan, Normandy, Chancellorsville or Camden, American soldiers are always burning a campfire. Steel barrels work well for winter camps and modern war scenarios like the Bulge or a Vietnam camp. Again, get them to your camp and keep them there for as long as you can.

     Quality Living History presentations are:

1. Researched. (Yea, we all love that part.)

2. Have the look, sound and smell of authenticity.

3. Have a back story – What did your impression do before the war?

4. Take a Stance – Your person had political opinions and personal preferences.

    Do not become just a “soldier”, become that person in history.

     Finally, never ignore your visitors. It is rude and makes your unit look like amateurs.  I hope these tips help you and your unit present a more informative and enjoyable history for the public.