I think that several things need to be considered in regards to this.

First, if you are holding an event with increased admission, fees, and/or sales and the reenactors are the prime attraction, then is it really fair to plead poverty and also make $$$$ off of their advertised presence?

Second, I think that some living history and historical sites can and do successfully make distinctions between what various reenactors do and thus, who should be paid. If someone is an actor, or has a quality impression of an historical personage such as Lincoln, etc. , and you set aside a special "performance" of them or a group of them,  then it is probably appropriate to have a modest honarium. Also if someone goes to an extraordinary effort to bring period vehicles, livestock, or just alot of period stuff, then some sort of modest compensation should be considered.

You also need to recognize that by paying even the most humble of honoraria you are in de facto control of the content and impression of the reenactors.  Whereas there would definitely be less control or perhaps none at all if it was a totally volunteer situation.

I politely disagree with the notion of angering your musuem neighbors and that being a valid reason for not paying folks for specific events. That almost gets into restraint of trade.

I think that what is really essential is the nature of the event and whether you need some higher quality folks with more specialized skills to attract a sizable crowd. If you advertise Buffalo Bill , Abraham Lincoln, or a group of gunfighters, and charge your visitors a substantial fee, then they better be good!

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, Califronia USA

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