The Hive: A Symposium for Living History Interpreters
Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19, 2023
Massachusetts National Guard Armory
91 Everett St. Concord MA
Back by popular demand, Minute Man National Historical Park, Friends of Minute Man, Revolution 250, and the Massachusetts Army National Guard are pleased to present The Hive! This two-day symposium is geared toward reenactors/living history interpreters for the early period of the American Revolution. It will feature scholars and subject matter experts, presentations and hands-on break out sessions.
The Hive is free but registration is required. Registration provided by Friends of Minute Man National Park
Saturday Schedule: 10 am - 5 pm
10 am – noon: Informal sessions and socializing
12-12:30 pm: Lunch (BYO or graze on snacks from the table)
12:30 p.m. Welcoming remarks from Simone Monteleone, Superintendent, Minute Man National Historical Park
12:45 p.m. Revolution 250 Update from Jonathan Lane, Revolution 250
1:00 p.m. 1773 ~ Why did the Revolution happen?
Bob Allison, Professor of History, Suffolk University
We know about the Tea Party—but the real issues driving Massachusetts to the brink of Revolution were letters Governor Hutchinson had written, and the salaries paid to judges. How did these political conflicts trigger a cataclysm that would engulf Massachusetts and all British North America?
Break
2:00 p.m. What is Interpretation and how can we use it?
Park Rangers Jim Hollister and Jarrad Fuoss
“Information, as such, is not interpretation. Interpretation is revelation based upon information” - Freeman Tilden. As living history interpreters we become, for our visitors, the face of the past. They are drawn, not only to our clothing and accoutrements, but the deep knowledge they expect we have in wearing these things. Between our knowledge of history and the excitement of the visitor there is an opportunity for what we call “interpretation.” What is it? What are some techniques the National Park Service uses to engage visitors and make meaningful connections to the people of the past?
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Breakout sessions
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Introduction to Men’s Clothing and consultations – Henry Cooke, Historical Costuming Services
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Introduction to Women’s Clothing and consultations – Ruth Hodges, Ladies Association of Revolutionary America
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Breakout sessions
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Basic musket maintenance – Paul O’Shaughnessy, His Majesty's 10th Regiment of Foot
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18th Century Check Linens - Paul Dickfoss, William Booth Draper: Linen and Woolen Draper, Haberdasher &c.
Sunday Schedule: 10 am - 4 pm
10 am – noon: Informal sessions and socializing
12-12:30 pm: Lunch (BYO or graze on snacks from the table)
12:30 pm. Welcome from the Friends of Minute Man National Park
12:40 pm. Update on the Battle Road Standards – Jim Hollister
Break
1:00 pm. A Pressing Matter: Media Literacy & 18th Century Newspapers
Michele Gabrielson, Claus' Rangers
Media and information literacy are essential 21st century skills in order to be an informed citizen. These are also skills that when applied in a historical context, help us become better historians. In this discussion, we will analyze perspective, language, and bias in 18th century newspapers with a critical lens to encourage more use of newspapers in our impressions as historical interpreters.
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Breakout sessions
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Essential stitches for beginners – Larissa Sasgen, Ladies Association of Revolutionary America
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Re-fit your kit: Things that bring your impression to the next level - Niels Hobbs, His Majesty's 40th Regiment of Foot
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Breakout sessions
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Portraying the lower sort – Adam Hodges LeClaire, Authentic Revolutionary Boston Tours
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Militia equipment in 1775 – Alex Cain, Lexington Minute Men, and Joel Bohy
