How do we convey the historicity seriously?

[crowley_greene]

(I'm not so sure I used "historicity" correctly in the subject. Any grammarians please correct me, if needed.)

I've been out of the lifestyle since fall of 2003, since I started into a tailspin of medical, professional, and financial misfortunes. But I'm happy to say that I've pulled out, I'm climbing again, and ready to take to the field again.

This past weekend I was called on to serve as chaplain at a small weekend event in northeast Arkansas, so I drove up just for Sunday service and the battle afterwards.

I decided for this event just to take my place among the spectators for the "battle." It was only about 40-50 rifles total, and two artillery pieces on the Union side of the field. The rifles were equally balanced.

I was dismayed as I stood in the crowd at how lightly the whole event was taken, quite a few people laughing and joking over things happening on the field. I felt like I was among people watching a shoot-out skit at "Six-Gun-Junction and Petting Zoo." I don't fault the fellows on the field. I thought the authenticity and impressions were *outstanding*, pleased that a small event could attract historians of such serious and authentic caliber. Despite small numbers, this setting provided a good realistic scenario for a little fringe skirmish, and the fellows did rather well with it.

The question goes back to what I observed in the crowd. How do we as historians impress on people that we're serious about this, that we are here to educate and preserve history? If we as serious reenactors want to entertain like I sensed on Sunday, then we could probably get baggy pants, face paint, and seltzer bottles for a lot less than what we have invested.

Murray Therrell

[dustyswb]

Murray,

Was there a narrator? Was there laughable things going on in the field? Maybe the crowd was aware that groups of 50 guys per side didn't stand 100 yards apart and blast away at each other in the real war?

[crowley_greene]

Mike,

Good point about the narrator -- I almost mentioned it as a suggestion in my original post. A few years ago I took part in some company demonstrations at a national military historical park, different drills/maneuvers/tactics to illustrate the narration (no battle, just drill). I wasn't in the crowd, but I expect the demonstration might have been more seriously received that day.

This past Sunday could have provided a good opportunity for educational narration of skirmish tactics, while people observed the tactics in action.

Murray Therrell

[Forquer]

I think that one problem is that the public has this concept that there has to be a battle or some kind of action that goes hand in hand with an event.

Unfortunately, the majority of organizers and reenactors buy into it.

Rather than try to have the Battle of Snodgrass Hill with a dozen or so rifles per side, organizers should a) have the cajones to gauge the schedule on the number of reenactors present, and, b) not promise what they can't deliver to both reenactors and 'taters, alike.

What does that mean? Well, how about holding it to demonstrations of skirmish tactics or bayonet drill? Doing straight living history may not be that sexy to some, but it sure beats the dickens out of lining up a handful of rifles at 25 yards in some kind of Wild West shoot 'em up travesty.

In many ways we have met the enemy and they is us.

[Mich8th]

The narrator is a big part to a battle as he tells the taders what is or will happen during it. I do alot of living history of a soldiers life in the camps also and that really does not need a narrator as you are the person whom talks to the croud. I do however empathize with your feelings when you see the taders laugh and joke during a battle and would like to show them the bayonet. Just kiddin on that, many do not know what really happened as these brave people went and fought for what they thought was right. I do not blame the teachers in schools but the time in which they have to actually teach what happened. History of the United States I think should be givin more time in schools so kids these days would understand what, where, why, and when we were given these freedoms we now have. I know of alot of teachers whom would love to and I think should be givin time to actually tell the whole story of the Civil War but their time is limited. I would like to see at least a half of a school year dedicated to this war as it was brother against brother and on our soil so kids could understand better why it was fought and what the actual circumstances were. When I talk to most people many do not know that upwards of 20,000 were killed or wounded during many battles. I live in a small town and I tell the kids think of your whole town gone after one day and that gets their attention! Well now I said my two cents and I think alot of you out there think the same.

[SmellyFed]

The answer is, you can't.

Under the guise of a legitimate hobby you have several hundred people vying for political power in an ever shrinking universe of hobbiests. The hobby isn't about history - it's about fifedoms, ego-centric personalities and beer.

Any claim to the otherwise is a misguided attempt to justify the aforementioned behavior.

I'm a hobby of one and I'm totally immersed.

[bill watson]

"I'm a hobby of one."

Well, rethink that. I agree completely with what you said, so now there's two of us. One more and we can have a mess. Two more and it's a movement. When we get to 10, it's the Ninth Crusade.

It's taken awhile, but it's finally wearing me out.

[tompritchett]

Ten more it is a battalion at some events.

[Frenchie]

It's taken awhile, but it's finally wearing me out.

Bill, that's not a comforting thing to hear. Things would be duller without your wit and wisdom - I hope you stay around.

[MStuart]

<Under the guise of a legitimate hobby you have several hundred people vying for political power in an ever shrinking universe of hobbiests. The hobby isn't about history - it's about fifedoms, ego-centric personalities and beer.>

Sadly, that statement holds more truth than most I've seen regarding our hobby. It leaves those of us without an agenda all the poorer.

And when (whether they like it or not) hobby leaders like Paul Calloway and Bill Watson are feeling beaten down, then we should all take a good look in the mirror. An extra look for those suffering from egomania and failure to work and play well with others.

Mark