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 [log in to unmask] -----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 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).