Here onboard the Battleship New Jersey we have several annual events
that include participation of re-enactors. Some of these events include
our annual Spirit of 45 WWII Day, Vietnam Living History Day, etc. As
with all not-for-profit museums and historic sites trying to survive in
this volatile economy, we are limited as to what amenities we can extend
to re-enactors. However, we try to provide as much as we can and it has
resulted in creating an atmosphere where re-enactors not only enjoy
themselves but feel truly appreciated for what they provide to the
Battleship.

For example, for our Vietnam Living History Day, we gave all
re-enactors, and artifact exhibitors, a voucher that they could use in
our Chow Line to get lunch. In addition, we allowed them to stay
overnight onboard the ship free of charge during one of our Overnight
Encampments. This is very important as many re-enactors drive quite a
distance to participate in events, providing them with a free place to
sleep is paramount. Having the re-enactors onboard during a regular
Overnight Encampment allows our overnight campers to have a unique
opportunity to interact with the re-enactors. When the campers get in
line for dinner, we have the re-enactors get in line as well, this way
they can get dinner for free as well. By providing a free place for them
to sleep, and two meals, we have made participating in events onboard
the Battleship very attractive to re-enactors, at a minimum cost to the
Battleship. Thus, it is truly a win-win scenario for them and for us. 

Being a re-enactor myself for about twenty years has definitely helped
me to see both sides and develop mutually beneficial programs for the
museum and re-enactors. 

-Jason

JASON W. HALL
Vice President 
Curatorial Affairs & Education

Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial
62 Battleship Place
Camden, NJ 08103
 
Office: 856-966-1652 ext 201
Cell: 609-868-8086
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-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Deb Fuller
Sent: Monday, July 30, 2012 10:20 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Re-enactors

I've been reenacting for over 10 years now and rarely get paid. It
depends on the site and the era. We used to get more stipends for
attending events but those are fewer now that the economy sucks.
Personally, I think reenactors should at least get gas money and meals
as we are expected to bring a lot of equipment, interact with the
public, and do demos. US National Parks usually provide powder and
cartridges for infantry and artillery. I think my navy unit usually
gets a fee for bringing out their canon and sometimes for bringing out
their jollyboat as well.

For the large Civil War events, reenactors are expected to pay to
attend. But that is the price to "play" on national battle sites. It
also pays for port-a-johns, hay, event logistics, and upkeep of the
parks.

The best thing you can do is reach out to local reenactors and talk to
them. Ask them what their needs are and what they require. Depending
on the era, someone who is properly kitted out in a period uniform
with period equipment has spent around $2000 or more. Women typically
don't need to spend as much since muskets are a large part of cost of
reenacting but we can easily spend that much if we want to. People who
spend less typically have made a large part of their kits to save on
cost and that takes time. While you can custom order outfits from most
time periods these days, if you do it right, you have to get those
outfits tailored to you. You also have to spend time mending them and
cleaning them and keeping them in good condition. Muskets have to be
cleaned and stored properly after each event. Cookware has to be
seasoned and put away correctly. Tents have to be dried out and put
away. All of this takes time and effort even if you are trying to
reenact on the cheap. (A caveat, there are also a lot of crappy
reenactors out there as well. Be picky. If people are "farby" and wear
"costumes" instead of period correct clothing or just want to play
soldier instead of interact intelligently with the public, don't ask
them back.

So anyway, what I'm trying to say is don't not pay reenactors just
because many times, we don't get paid and sometimes we have to pay to
attend events. Treat them as professional interpreters and work with
them to come up with a budget. Also work with your community to see if
you can get other amenities for your event as donations to help your
budget. Reenactors are very resourceful and have community
connections. They are also usually dedicated to history and willing to
help out historic sites. Definitely provide them meals and
port-a-johns or make sure they have access to bathroom facilities and
a spicket with potable water. Hopefully by working together, you can
grow your event and get both more reenactors and more public to
attend. Win for everyone!

Deb Fuller

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