What's the Difference?

A comment was made about re-enactors and historical interpreters, asking what’s the difference? Or is there one?

Just my opinion, and those of you who know me, are aware that I usually have “an opinion” and rarely hesitate to express it. And IMHO there is a marked difference in identity and depiction. A historical interpreter works in first person, and bases speech, clothing and mannerisms on a documented personae. A re-enactor depicts the events and the life-style of the past but often compares past and current situations in third person, speaking to the public.

There is also a third category - the actor/entertainer who delights an audience with a sanitized, sometimes error-ridden presentation of history.

I am guilty of trying to point out the difference. There is no right or wrong in any of them, just a difference. The problem that I have come across, is that so many believe everything they see, hear or read, accept it all as historical fact, and become extremely belligerent if told that accuracy is not there.

There is a bit more detail on my web site (www.barbmvd.com) under Discussions: History and Entertainment.

The Third Time

They say the third time never fails, and that remains to be seen.
I would like to compile an index of individuals, their DAR Chapters & reenacting affiliations. You may specify a private listing of your identity (generally I use just first names on the internet) - or we can introduce you on these pages - your choice.

Over the next few weeks I will be going through my files and contacting those we already know about and invite their participation once again.

Please let me know who you are, where you are, and what you are doing in the reenacting world and in your DAR connections.

My search began over a decade ago when our story was published in the November Issue, 1999: Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine, on page 634 "United In Purpose and Spirit - DAR Reenactors". This four page article was a sampling of the activities and positive results of our unique presentations of history. Input was from all of us, pulling it all together was the work of Sandi Wilson, and I did the final edit and took it to the editor at Congress. We were pleased and proud to be represented on the pages of our magazine. Perhaps it will happen once again in the prize-winning “American Spirit”

Just a quick introduction to start with - We are reenactors and historical interpreters of the AWI period. We are also active members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution .
In order to correctly portray events in our country's past, we have been responsible for research and the discovery of original documents and little known sources. We have advanced the knowledge of lifestyle, and domestic as well as military activity.



DAR/Reenactors have made major advances in the preservation of heritage, traditions and skills of our historic past. Sharing Research, Experiences, Problems & Advice will be much easier to accomplish here than on my earlier web pages, which by nature were somewhat static.



And where do we go from here? Perhaps arrange a get-together at the 118th Continental Congress next summer. Since we are a scattered group, it would be just great to be able to meet and greet.