Living History

So many Living History enterprises happen in front of the public. In this episode we’ll let you in on our methods to make your encounters more fun and engaging. We’ll cover tips and tricks like:

• confronting strangers
• Rehearsing what it is you are going to say
• Using improvisation
• using endowments to draw them into the story
• Keeping it positive – Not negating
• playing off other members of your group/team.

Musical Interlude: Southern Girl’s Reply performed by Jeff Warner

Download: Public Interactions
Listen here  

Episode Summary

Alena and Stephen attended a conference for First Person Interpreters put on by ALHFAM and hosted by Mystic Seaport and will share with you the wisdom of the museum professionals about recreating history, including:
• Some neat things we got out of it,
• The presenters and participants
• An awesome Keynote speaker
• Seminars that we attended
• Other programs of the weekend including a Pilgrim Trial, Sunday Service, and a unique dining experience.

Musical Interlude: Saltpetre Shanty Performed by Tourdion

Download: First Person Conference
Listen here  

Episode Summary:

In the fall we interviewed some of the newer members of the Guild of Saint Morritz to hear their thoughts about Living History and Historical Reenacting. We talked about:
• How they had experienced living history in the past.
• What attracted them about becoming a member of a reenacting guild.
• How they describe their weekends to friends and family?
• What they like best about participating in a Living History experience.
• What they did not expect?
• Their understanding of the visitor experience.

Musical Interlude: E La Don, Don Verges Maria Performed by Renaissonics

Download: Impressions of New Reenactors

Episode Summary:

This week we are talking about different Living History venues and involvement of the public, including:
• What do we mean by the public
• Does Living History always involve public?
• Is Living History advanced by participation of the public?
• When is the public involved?
• Different methods of engagement.
• Acting versus interacting
• Blurred lines between audience and participant
• Taboo topics
• How much history is enough history

Musical Interlude: Captain Kidd by Great Big Sea

download: Reenacting & the Public