Living History in Practice: Special Considerations for Historical Reenactments
About this Session
Historical reenactments are powerful tools for public engagement, but they require careful planning to ensure safety, accuracy, and meaningful interpretation. This proposed panel session will explore the behind-the-scenes considerations that make successful reenactments possible at historic sites.
The Trust is reaching out to Representatives from the Old Barracks Museum, Middlesex County, Washington Crossing State Park (NJ), and Howell Living History Farm to sit on this panel. These representatives will discuss best practices and shared challenges related to educating and training staff and volunteers, making historically accurate costumes, handling and serving food in historic kitchens, and the safe and responsible handling of historic weaponry. Panelists will highlight how their institutions balance authenticity with modern safety standards, regulatory requirements, and visitor expectations.
This session will offer practical insights for museum professionals, site managers, and educators who plan or support living history programs, providing attendees with transferable strategies to strengthen reenactment programs across a wide range of historic settings.
