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 [log in to unmask] >