You obviously know your stuff on true reenacting. I have learned this skill of researching my area of history at Old world Wisconsin, a living history museum about fifty miles north of me. I worked there as a Costumed Interpreter for two seasons and then found a local Buckskinning group called Lost Valley Chetauqua. They have gone the way of teaching first person skills where one really needs to research their character.
I tried it one year at our local rendezvous called the Trail Of History. I demonstrate woodworking and wood carving and make Shaker Boxes. That one year I portrayed a Norwegian Immigrant during the 1830s. I read that a small group of Norwegians tried to settle in Northeastern Illinois after the Black hawk War in 1832 but the land was too wet where it could be worked with a wooden plow and mosquitos were a serious health hazard. the grasslands of Northern Illinois couldn't be worked yet because the steel plow was just being invented in that era. These being some of the poorest immigrants probably didn't have state of the art equipment at that time.
I knew woodworking would fit in well because any self respecting Norwegian at that time would already be an avid woodworker and carver. It was a common skill in Norway.
I even put on a Norwegian accent which isn't too hard for me, even in the real world people have often commented that I have a slight Scandinavian accent. I don't know how other than I am about the third generation from Norway and that perhaps the idioms of speech come from my parents.
Many people commented on how well I did a Norwegian but I never felt comfortable doing it to the public so I decided I would keep my mouth shut and just demonstrate which works out quite well also.
I cold do a soldier in the Black Hawk War but our chapter is Voyageurs. Our area did not come alive in the Fox River Valley near Chicago until the 1830s. We seem to be lacking in late Indian history as well. It seems as if all the neighboring nations used this area as a no mans land. somebody correct me if I am wrong.
I still would like to get first person interpreting going as a teaching aid to the younger Ranger boys that are not yet eligible for FCF. I think working out a drama to teach some great truth draws the boys like a magnet. We did it once in our Outpost doing a FlatPan Jack story and the we didn't even have to tell one of them to pay attention.
Onward In Gods Service
Randall A Hermanson
Pioneer Commander
FCF 1998
OP#1 Woodstock Il
mark and teri hersee wrote:
Hi Spirit Rider,My name is Mark Hersee, "The Pathfinder", President of the Adirondack
Chapter in New York. Yes indeed that article was about our active group
of Rogers' Rangers.We chose Rogers' Rangers because they were active on the NY colonial
frontier and we thought that their legendary exploits would be exciting
to our FCF boys. I believe that FCF becomes even more interesting when
you read about frontier adventure, develop an outfit based on what you
have read and then camp on the same ground where these events happened.
For several years our PowWow has been held at Lake George, NY very near
the sites Rogers scouted 250 years ago. Also, many of our boys and
leaders participate in public re-enactments at historic sites such as Ft.
Niagara, Ft Ticonderoga and Ft Stanwix. I'm convinced that the Rogers'
Rangers group has added another dimension of adventure to FCF in NY. One
pleasant result has been that the boys who have participated in the
French and Indian War / Rogers' Rangers activities are still very active
in our chapter and other facets of Royal Rangers as adult leaders. And
they are the ones who do the best job in making FCF exciting for the
current generation of boys.So, my first bit of advise is to look at your chapter's history and see
if there might be an interesting group to "recreate". As far as the Rev
War period goes I know that George Rogers Clark and his men traveled the
confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
You could also recreate an 18th century hunting party or fur trading
party and still have that Rev War period "look". If you are interested in
a military portrayal, look at the War of 1812 period. There were many
volunteer units based in Southern Missouri.Once you decide what group to recreate read everything that you can on
that group. I especially suggest reading original diaries or journals. In
fact the availability of information might be one of your criteria for
choosing a group. There are some excellent general resources for the 18th
century frontier such as ON THE TRAIL magazine, MUZZLELOADER magazine and
Mark Baker's videos. But, you also want specific info on your group so
you can acquire the clothing and equipment that sets you off as a unique
unit. I really like Rogers' Rangers for NY because the green jackets
instantly identify us as Rogers' Rangers and the rangers portrayal
provides a good blend of indian, military and civilian gear. You can be a
part of the group but have plenty of room for personal
touches to your outfit.You will also want to decide your level of historical accuracy right from
the start. I really want boys to be the focus of our efforts so we
encourage them to make a pull over hunting shirt, leggings and a hat.
This basic outfit provides them with the 18th century frontier "look".
They fit right in and can gradually work on making other items. The older
boys and leaders should really wear a well made and historically accurate
outfit. This gives everyone a clear goal to work towards.If you have any questions or want some historical information I'd be
happy to work with youGod Bless,
Mark Hersee "The Pathfinder"
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