There are different types of living history events
or activities in Texas; some more available than others. The following information is based on definitions developed by Elizabeth
Stewart Clark on her website www.elizabethstewartclark.com and is used here with her permission.
“Smorgasbord” Events Texas has few historic sites for our era available
to hold events and even fewer sites where actual events directly connected to the Civil War occurred. So the most frequently
events held in Texas are “smorgasbord” events. Because there is not generally a time/place specific scenario link,
the event participants and visitors have the flexibility of moving between multiple “zones” or mini-events within
the larger venue. It’s possible to set up pockets of history-heavy interactions within the larger event.These pockets
might involve, for instance, a “Back At Home” scenario of a military relief society working on aid projects to
be sent to the front, or political speechmaking or public debates or even reading a period novel aloud.
It is possible to reach a very high standard of
material culture accuracy at any event, and Smorgasbord style happenings are no different. Some willing suspension of disbelief
is required (as with all events, really!), as some accommodations are made to history, in order to provide the logistical
support for the event itself. For instance, canvas tents may be agreed to be “cottages.” Everyone may agree to
overlook the ubiquitous Confessionals of Our Lady of the Blue Waters (because sanitation for large numbers is important!)
Still, it is very possible, within a smaller group at the event itself, to set a material culture standard.
Smorgasbord events generally have a high level of
public interaction. History-heavy set-ups within the larger event have fantastic “spark” potential—helping
someone else have a Magic Moment that sparks their interest about the past, and gets them asking questions. There is
a high public-education factor to consider, and also a very high intellectual burden to present the most accurate information
possible.
Living History Demonstrations Demos can be found in multiple settings, from historic
site interpretation to the large Smorgasbord event. With a demonstration, an individual or small group presents a specific
historic aspect to the public.They may be demonstrating entirely, or may have an interactive set-up (allowing children to
“wash” rags in cold water and hang them to dry, as part of a larger laundry demonstration, for instance). Demonstrations
can also be helpful at “workshop” style events, where other living history enthusiasts are interested in adding
to their historic skill or knowledge base.
The potential for a high level of public interaction
is very good, but even shy persons can be included, providing background action, for instance, while a more talkative person
takes an interactive role with visitors.
Demonstrations, whether closed or interactive, are
another great “spark” method for public education.
Events with an Off Stage Some event structures will have all participants
focused on an interpretive or scenario goal during public hours, but may enjoy a very modern social scene in the evening.
This is also common in Texas. People may doff their period clothing and personas, bring out modern sweat pants, go to the
pizza place, watch DVDs on a portable player in their tent—or just drink Pepsi from the can out in the open. At an event
with Off Stage time, it’s expected that most people want to relax from the history aspect of the event, and enjoy some
modern social time.
If the event participants all agree, this can be
fun. If it’s not something you’d really enjoy, it’s worthwhile to ask event organizers about the availability
of Off Stage or After Hours activities, so you have the fore-notice you may need to make an informed choice to attend or not,
or to stay on site, or not. If an event has great daytime living history opportunities, but modern socializing at night, it
might be an ideal event at which to turn Ramada Ranger—taking yourself off-site for the evening if you don’t wish
to participate in modern camping or socializing after hours.
Immersion Immersive situations are a little different from other Living History
event types and not very common in Texas. Consider them “Lab” events or experimental archeology; a time for history
enthusiasts to assemble their best information and material culture, and use them in an integrated fashion for the whole event
span. The immersive event isn’t really for public edification. Interactions are first-person among all the participants
for the entire event. After the event, they have a deeper understanding of how all the research really applies to everyday
life, and can take that context back into public interactions at other event styles.
Immersion events
tend to be very small compared to other event options. Generally, they are “closed” or by invitation only. Don’t
let that scare you! To be extended an invitation for an open spot, the process is very easy: let the organizer
know you’re interested, and amenable to the published event scenario and standards. Immersion events are generally
given a lot of lead-time. It’s not unusual for the organizers to prepare two years ahead, and for participants
to commit and begin their own preparations a year in advance of the event date.
Historic Site Interpretation Historic sites are unique—they present a picture
of a specific time and place, often with historic, restored, or replica buildings, material culture, and other interpreters.
Each site has its own history to communicate, so a person stepping into site interpretation should be amenable to assisting
in that goal, rather than trying to shoehorn their own agenda into the site. Good interpreters are well-rounded, understanding
both the site’s history and people, as well as how everything fits into the broader context of “The World Of Mid-Century.”
Some sites require a specific interpretive voice,
in an effort to have consistent presentations. This is not a bad thing! If you have been used to using only third person,
and a site wishes you to do short presentations “in character”, it’s a great chance to learn more about
a specific person (or specific generic-sort of person), and try new skills. If a site prefers third-person voice and interactions,
they may have excellent reasons for doing so (one big factor is the decreased chance for melodrama that can sometimes devolve
from un-skilled first person attempts).
Some sites may require a specific, rehearsed speech at each station. It can stand
as a block to true interaction with site visitors. But often the scripts are written to prevent Docent Lore (historic site
myths), or random off-the-cuff lecturing that doesn’t advance the site’s interpretive goal.
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