On Sun, 21 Jan 1996, Tom Mohr wrote :I sit on the advisory board of a
        municipal "museum village", which portrays a slice of 19'th Century rura
l
        Ontario (Canada) history.  During the summer months we present a living
history programme, as well as complimentary special events. We have a Steam-up D
ay, a military re-enactment, Fall Fair, that sort of thing.   I am looking for n
ew themes and events to incorporate into
        our programme. What has worked for you? What hasn't and why not? Do mari
ne or maritime exhibits draw the public? What about aboriginal or First Nations
themes?

Why not the themes that worked for Georgia Agrirama, the agricultural
museum in South Georgia -- a Peanut Frolic, a hog killing, a Sacred Harp shapeot
e singing
festival, etc etc.

Seriously, why not focus first on what was celebrated locally in the
past? By looking first for what "works" in other places, you're
approaching the issue like a commercial theme park instead of a historoc
site.  What were occasions for social gatherings of family or community
groups in your part of Ontario?  Then turn to local advisors to build a
plan for making your reenactment both accurate and appealing to 21st
century minds.


Richard Perry
UC San Diego
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