Policy Regulating Living History at The Alamo
The Alamo recognizes "Living
History" as a valid and useful way to educate visitors about
the past. The Alamo currently has its own in-house "Living
History Program" that utilizes members of its Education Department.
The Alamo also invites individuals and groups to participate in
special living history events held on the Alamo grounds.
The purpose of this document is
to foster greater understanding of the Alamo's philosophical approach
to Living History. All prospective participants are asked to read
it thoroughly and agree to follow the guidelines for living history
volunteers as listed. It must be stated that continuation of our
policy that allows volunteer living historians on the grounds depends
on cooperation from invited participants based on their understanding
of the Alamo's need to maintain a safe environment, preserve its
own interpretational integrity, and provide a meaningful experience
for the public at large.
Part 1: The Alamo's Basic
Concepts and Definitions of Living History
Definition of "Living History"
The term "living history" referrers to a method of interpreting
the past through the use of a person or persons dressed in period
clothing. The technique is usually enhanced by having the person
or persons use period tools and engage in period activities.
Who are "Living Historians?"
The term is applied (as well as misapplied) to anyone who attempts
to convey information about the past while dressed in period
clothing. The term "re-enactor" is often used in place
of living historian. It is important to note, however, that while
living historians can "reenact,"
not all re-enactors make good living historians. Reenacting is actually
a recreational pastime, carried on by individuals with an interest
in history. Dressing in period clothing and engaging in period activities
allows re-enactors to "experience"
the past. Living historians, on the other hand, tend to be associated
with museums and historical sites that specialize in interpreting
the past through a format that allows visitors to visualize the past
through the use of their senses. Living historians can also be dedicated
private individuals who volunteer their talents and services to historical
sites and as such are a valuable resource.
What does the term "first person"
mean?
The term refers to a technique where a person takes on a historical
persona and acts as if he or she was that person. The persona can
be that of a well-known historical figure like Sam Houston or Abraham
Lincoln. It can also be of an actual but unknown historical figure
like a farmer or soldier. A generic persona based on actual historical
figures can be effective "first person" impressions. Conversion
with visitors or other interpreters are carried out using the pronouns "I"
and "we." For example, "I told my constituents that
they could go to hell and I'd go to Texas!" or "We built
our cabin down by the spring." A person in true first person
mode does not know anything about events or the world outside his
or her historical timeframe.
What does the term "third person"
mean?
Unlike in the case of first person interpretation, individuals using
the "third person" do not leave the present time. Third
person interpreters are essentially modern people dressed in period
clothing, discussing the past with visitors or other interpreters.
The clothing and other objects are used as tools to teach about the
past. Conversion with visitors or other interpreters are carried
out using the pronouns "he,"
"she," and "they." For example, "He told
his constituents that they could go to hell and he'd go to Texas!" or "They
built their cabin down by the spring." A person in third person
mode knows about the modern world.
What does it take to be a successful living
historian?
Knowledge and props. While this sounds simple, quality living history
is extremely difficult and takes commitment and practice on the part
of its practitioners. He or she must be familiar with all aspects
of daily life of the time period to be interpreted. Additionally,
knowledge of the historical events and important figures of the day
is essential. The interpreter must also be familiar with clothing
and other physical items (usually referred to as material culture)
that are characteristic of his or her time period. Visitor can tell
when interpreters are untrained or are using inauthentic items. They
deserve the best that you and your site can provide.
How does living history work?
Living history requires interaction between the interpreter and visitor.
This means that the interpreter must draw the visitor(s) into
his or her world. As in other businesses, this is referred to
as a "hook." While some visitors may approach the interpreter
with a question, it is the interpreter's responsibility to initiate
contact. It can be as simple as asking a question such as "Have
you ever seen a long rifle before?" The key to success is
making the visitor feel comfortable enough to want to stay and
participate. Let them ask questions and make comments. Even though
this is an educational experience, don't "lecture."
Interaction can be impromptu or scripted. Impromptu
interaction is often driven by a visitor's questions and contains
an element of spontaneity. However, most visitors usually have
similar questions, allowing the interpreter to give fairly standard
answers. Thus, the information being dispensed is consistent. Impromptu
interaction works well in small group environments. Scripted interaction
works better for large groups because the element of intimacy can
be lost when many people of families present. In a scripted scenario,
the interpreter addresses the entire group, presenting predetermined
information. It, too, can be interactive by encouraging questions
from the group or selecting people to participate in the presentation.
Living history is hands-on-education. Encourage
visitors to touch and involve them in period activities.
Tips for success.
• What sets a "living historian" apart from others is not the
clothing but his or her knowledge of the period being portrayed and a familiarity
of that period's material culture.
• While living history is entertaining, it is a proven educational method.
Take it seriously and refrain from developing a "theme park" mentality.
• Complacency results in stagnation. Interpreters who engage in living
history must always strive to learn more about the time period they portray.
Part 2: Guidelines for Living History Volunteers
at the Alamo
Expected Behavior
The primary purpose for living history programs at the Alamo is to
provide a meaningful educational for the visitor through interaction
with the costumed interpreter - staff or volunteer living historian.
Accordingly, we ask that living history volunteers devote their attention
to our visitors and refrain from conducting private or organizational
business while at the Alamo. Keep in mind that while here volunteers
living historians represent the Alamo.
Remember that the public associates the behavior
of all participants with the Alamo and its interpretation. As such,
each participant's behavior is a reflection on the Alamo.
Physical Impressions
Clothing, accoutrements, and other equipment are an important part
of a successful living history program. We expect living history
volunteers to wear or bring items that are correctly made and
appropriate for the time period being depicted. The Alamo reserves
the right to turn away participants who are deemed by the Historian
to have inappropriate or substandard physical impressions. We
ask living history volunteers to comply with the following requests:
• Participants should not wear modern jewelry. This includes ear studs
or earrings for male participants. Nose rings, lip rings, and other forms of
modern body piercing are inappropriate for the time period to be interpreted
at the Alamo.
• If carried, modern communication devices like cell phones and pagers
should not be visible. No cell phones should be used in view of visitors.
• No modern containers should be used in either displays or for food
or beverages.
Historical Personas
The Alamo requests that living history volunteers utilize third-person
impressions unless asked by the staff to do otherwise.
Safety
Safety is a prime concern at the Alamo. We want to avoid accidental
injury to visitors, living history volunteers, staff, and the
Alamo and its historic structures.
• Absolutely no black powder will be allowed onto the grounds of the
Alamo. Powder horns and cartridge boxes may be carried but must contain no
powder.
• Keep all knives, bayonets or other shape weapons/objects sheathed except
when in use during demonstrations. Do not allow visitors to handle these objects.
• Absolutely no horseplay or mock engagements between participants.
• Guest living history volunteers will have their weapons inspected by
the Alam Rangers.
• FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE RULES WILL RESULT IN EXPULSION FROM THE
EVENT.
Walk-On Participants
The Alamo only permits pre-registered volunteers to participate in
its living history programs. Unregistered participants (referred
to as walk-ons) will be asked to leave the grounds.
Part 3: Non-Alamo Sponsored Events
Living historians participating in non-Alamo sponsored events in
the vicinity do not represent the Alamo or its interpretation.
Living historians participating in such events are requested
not to engaging in interpretations while on the grounds of the
Alamo. Living historians on the grounds of the Alamo during such
events should be prepared to have their weapons inspected by
the Alamo Rangers and be asked to present proof of participation.
Outside organizations holding events on the Alamo
grounds or in Alamo Hall occasionally contract with costumed interpreters
as part of their programs. Persons hired for such purposes must
be on the Alamo's list of approved volunteer historians. However,
at such functions they do not represent the Alamo or its interpretation.
Actors or living historians hired in these instances should be
prepared to have their weapons inspected by the Alamo Rangers and
asked to present proof of participation.
Part 4: Living History Certification at
the Alamo
The Alamo offers a program through its Education Department by which
individual living historians can gain certification to participate
in living history events on the grounds. The status allows volunteers
(1) to attend invitation-only on-site events, (2) makes them eligible
for after-hours events, and (3) receive discounts in the Alamo Gift
Shop.
Volunteer living historians who apply for certification
at the Alamo must attend a orientation program conducted by members
of the Alamo Education Department. The purpose of the program is
five-fold:
• Orient volunteer living historians to the
site;
• Familiarize volunteer living historians with the Alamo's philosophical
approach to living history;
• Define expectation for volunteer living historians;
• Discuss guidelines relating to participation by volunteer living historians;
• Define volunteer living historians' responsibility while at the Alamo.
We believe that providing such training to those
who wish to participate in living history events at the Alamo enhances
our program by making volunteers more familiar with the site as
well as our expectations and needs.
To learn more about Living History
at the Alamo, contact
Dr. Bruce Winders
210-225-1391, ext. 27
(Fax) 210-229-1343
bwinders@thealamo.org
