Living History

Elizabeth as Polly Wanton

This week Alena interviewed Elizabeth Sulock, Marketer and Historical Interpreter at the Newport Historical Society. They talked about:
• Elizabeth’s start in living history
• Working for the Newport Historical Society
• portraying historical personage, Polly Wanton
• sewing and costuming
• Interpreting pregnancy
• Polly on Facebook
Also included this week is a review of the book: I Believe in Yesterday.

Musical Interlude: Over the Hills and Far Away performed by 3 Pints Gone

Download: Interview with Elizabeth Sulock

This week Alena and Stephen tackle the stuff of Living History, and talk about how much the little things can really add both for your own enjoyment and for the publics’ edification. We talked about:
• Steps toward historical accuracy
• pocket stuff and personal items
• Comfort items and furniture
• Tools, weapons, leisure and religious items.

Musical Interlude: Hey Ho to the Greenwood sung by Ravenrook Consort

Download: Minutiae
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Interview with Kass McGann

Episode Summary

This week Alena talked to Kass McGann, owner of Reconstructing History, a company developing historical clothing  patterns for both men and women from a myriad of historical time periods. They talked about:
• How Kass found fashion and history
• turning a hobby into a business
• attending living history events as a merchant
Musical Interlude: Spanish Pavan Performed by Hautbois

Download:Interview with Kass MaGann

Episode Summary:

This week we will discuss what to look for in a clothing presentation, including:
• The Look: how you wear it, what you do in it, and caring and storage.
• Materials: synthetics, cotton, linen, wool, high-end fabrics; weaves, knits & leather
• Fit: why is it important, how it will look, how you will feel, Patterning & sewing
• Layering
• Footwear
• Headgear

Musical Interlude: Pastimes With Good Company, sung by the Cast of the Connecticut Renaissance Faire

Download here: Historical Clothing