Historical interpreters' thread

[Malcolm]

I wish the faires/festivals in my area would put more effort in to historical demonstrations. Viking encampments and gypsy belly dancer camps don't cut it. What I enjoyed most about my first visit to Bristol this summer were the presentations on period medicine, weaponry, and fashions (of the middle class as well as the nobles). I go to faires to have fun but learning is fun too!

Sealion,
You would enjoy the Greater St Louis Renaissance Faire. Though small by some standards, they make a real effort to display historical crafts. Guess it must be that "Show Me" attitude.

[DonaCatalina]

For the last several years Scarborough has had a History, customs and manner lecture. The attendance has finally gotten big enough that its on the official schedule rather than just word of mouth.

[Dinobabe]

I wish the faires/festivals in my area would put more effort in to historical demonstrations. Viking encampments and gypsy belly dancer camps don't cut it. What I enjoyed most about my first visit to Bristol this summer were the presentations on period medicine, weaponry, and fashions (of the middle class as well as the nobles). I go to faires to have fun but learning is fun too!

Isn't Bristol awesome?!  They are big into history but entertainment, too.  They incorporate very well, actors with historical characters, etc.  I would spend hours sitting in the nobles glade just watching them "live".

<------  That pic was taken at Bristol, by the way!

[Poldugarian Warrior]

Bristol seems to be a nice faire, I just have to get over there to see it. It's that drive through Chicago, that makes it a daunting task to get there.

[temper]

I'm so happy you started this thread since I move back and forth between interpretation and renfaires (not hard-core enough to be a reenactor)
I rarely do a BFA and my medievalist friends thank me for that.
Some other folks who go back and forth through renfaire/reenactor
http://www.wolfeargent.com/
http://www.landsknechtguild.com/ These guys do a *kicking* medical show
http://www.polishhussarsupply.com/Links.html
http://www.andyvolpe.com/medieval.html
http://www.higginssword.org/guild/text/demo_cal.html (I do demos w/these folks)

But my own experience is the more folks like "performing" the harder it is to get them to stick to historical facts as they like to "embellish."

I'm a terrible performer

[Dinobabe]

Speaking of the types of visitors, it always amazes me at Civil War reenactments to watch the people.  I love the parents that say "Look Johny/Suzy the soldiers hid behind these monuments during battle."  WOW! 
But then you have those visitors that are truly interested and fun to talk to. 

I do see that a lot of people, that seem interested, also seem intimidated by those of us in "costume".  It's hard to get them to interact.  Any suggestions?

This thread is great for any time period.  Thank you!

[Dinobabe]

Bristol seems to be a nice faire, I just have to get over there to see it. It's that drive through Chicago, that makes it a daunting task to get there.

You really should, and the Chicago drive isn't that bad.

[Poldugarian Warrior]

Oh, that drive is bad, I went through it twice already to go the Wisconsin Dells, but maybe I'll go through a third, so then I can see what Bristol is all about. And thanks for sharing that link to the Hussars, that's my heritage. I never knew they wore yellow boots, but man that armor is sweet.