Living History in the Now

Living History isn't a hobby for the faint of heart. Mama always said it was a difficult hobby because canvas is thin. She's right I think. It is one of the few hobbies that folks need to live together. I have been through my fair share of reenactment drama. It has built friendships and completely destroyed others. I have seen plenty of folks come and go, and I have learned a lot over the years. Somehow, living history has made itself a lasting part of my life as I am now the Living History Program Coordinator at a museum. That gives me a different vantage point than before and an opportunity to keep on learning!

Me at 4 yrs old - in a 
not correct for Civil 
War dress - Adorable
as it may be. 

As a kid, I ran off to play with friends I only saw a few times a year. I built endless forts in fence lines where us kids fought our own little battles. We were looking to be miniature versions of our parents I think. My folks were particularly proud of the year we build "Fort Pallet" a small stockade held together with baling twine from the hay and the pallet that the hay had been stacked on. We used hand selected pieces of firewood for tables and chairs and bared entry to those who swore allegiance to others. This was usually up for negotiation if you brought snacks. The one I remember most was on the line between civilian and Cavalry camps. In the fence line there there was a stone wall left decades before by some farmer, and we carefully arranged deadfall twigs to make walls. If you know where to look - the remnants of that one can still be found today. Meanwhile in the world of adults, every morning Pa got up and dressed before everyone else and headed off to military camp, he occasionally reappeared at lunch, we might see him ride by one one of those notorious bays on his way to tactical or battle, and then he would reappear near dark. I never gave much thought to the whole process until I was much older. 

I think when most couples begin their adventures in living history, or reenacting as is it commonly known, the gentleman imagines playing soldier, while the lady imagines strolling though the tent rows in a large hooped dress on the arm of her soldier. While the gentleman may get what he bargained for, the lady is quickly cast into a rude awakening when she doesn't see her beau for three quarters of the day. All of her crinolined dreams begin to melt in polyester puddle. As I move back into the hobby more and more, I remember the conversations mama had, and even some I have had over the years where these realities come to head for couples, and I think I will address this with a list of expectations that I have taken for granted over the years. 

1) This hobby exists to pay homage in some way, shape, or form to our forefathers and/or foremothers. Your part in that is important. 

2) Do not marginalize folks that have been in the hobby longer than you. They may not know everything, but they certainly have something to contribute to the workings of a unit, camp set up, etc. Listen, take what they have to say and choose wisely how you use it, but do your own research as well.  

3) Our foremothers said goodbye to their sons, husbands, beaus, fathers, etc for as much as four years. Makes an afternoon without your boyfriend seem rather trivial doesn't it?

4) Find your own thing. Many men choose to play soldier. Others might be more interested in being surgeon. Some might choose to be in a regimental band. Some ladies might want to be a nurse, or a sanitary commission volunteer. Maybe this means simply sitting at the table with other ladies and knitting socks. This is a recreation and homage to a time of clearly defined gender roles. Don't be mistaken that since is is the 21st century, the past is suddenly exempt from its flaws. We are trying to educate about them, but not necessarily become them.

5) Especially if your significant other is a soldier, there will be a lot of resources available for him. He will have an opportunity to use loaner clothing and equipment, but you probably won't. There are a few reasons for this. A) ladies clothing is expensive. B) ladies clothing is personal - the styles, color combos, etc. Us gals can be picky. C) ladies clothing is made up of several layers and those are fitted to the wearer. that is one wearer, not five. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes and as we have been taught from little on, there are no two the same. D) ladies often cast off garments because they are not as good of quality as they would like. We continually live and learn, and I would never feel quite right about dressing someone in clothing I personally would not wear. Expect that you will need to outfit yourself. Here are some thoughts on that:

    A) You don't need 5 dresses for a two day event. You need one. Make sure it is a good one. Historically appropriate, cotton, well made, and one you absolutely love. 

    B) While you don't need 5 dresses, you do need two chemises, 2 drawers, 3 petticoats, and one corset.  Make sure these are well made, 100% cotton items that are period appropriate. They are the very foundation you will build your wardrobe on. 

    C) Shoes - get good reproduction shoes/boots. They will last a long time, and are reparable. They may seem expensive, but you have spent money on dumber stuff I am sure, and they could take your outfit from "eh" to "ooo."

    D) You don't need a hoop - at least not right away. When you get around to it - It doesn't need to be huge. The vast majority of origiaals are 90"-110" in circumference. Any bigger is bordering on Hollywood, and that isn't the goal here. 

    E) When you can afford to add - add another set of chemise and drawers and a second day day dress. Extra items to consider would be a coat(Paletot), Sontag (Bosom Friend), Hood, and/or a wrapper. 

    F) The vast majority of events are outdoors - you will have little to no use for a ball gown or a silk dress as much as I am sure you want one. It doesn't mean it can't be on your list... it just means it can be pretty low on the list. 

6) Learn a craft. This is an expensive hobby - most are in some way shape or form. You can alleviate that if you can make some of the items yourself. Bartering is still a currency in living history If you can knit, some one might do some sewing for you in exchange for an item you can knit - plus it looks good to have handwork out at an event.  

7) Learn to research. Learn to distinguish primary and secondary sources. Read as much as you can. It is how you will know the proper things to say when speaking with the public who have not done the work they expect you to have done. Studies show that museums are more trusted than any other institution in the United States today. When you are onsite at a museum, you are part of that museums reputation and their mission to carry out to the public. Do your part. 

I take this all a lot more seriously as an adult than I did back in the "old days", but there has always been a part of me that wanted each dress I made to be increasingly better than the one before it. That has led me to some wonderful places and some irreplaceable knowledge.