by Roger Fuller, Jim Hollister, and Mike Ryan
Volunteer Bill Rose commands a company of Minute Men.
Living history is an important part of the mission of Minute Man National Historical Park (NHP) in Concord, Massachusetts, to bring to life the story of April 19, 1775. Understanding of history comes through many senses, not the least of which is imagination. The National Park Service has spent millions of dollars to restore certain parts of the actual battlefield of April 19, 1775, so that our visitors may understand emotionally, as well as intellectually, that they are standing upon a hallowed battlefield. In other words, we seek to provoke and inspire their imaginations.
Living history fulfills much the same role as the restored battlefield itself. When visitors encounter a living historian with a convincing overall impression, the effect is that they are looking through a living window into the past. By impacting multiple senses (e.g. sight, sound, touch, smell, etc.), the living historian dramatically increases the tangible links to the intangible stories and universal themes embedded within the park story.
Our mission is to preserve and interpret the significant historic sites, structures, properties, landscapes, and events associated with the opening battle of the American Revolution that lie along the route of the battle of April 19, 1775, and to interpret the ideas, causes, and consequences of these events.
We collaborate with living history groups to enhance regular interpretive offerings, provide opportunities for community participation, and utilize the skill and perspectives of others to provide services that we simply cannot accomplish on our own.
Volunteer Janelle Blood mends a colonial garment near the Hartwell Tavern.
Our vision is to establish Minute Man NHP as one of the premier living history sites in New England, known for quality interpretive and educational programming and superior authenticity standards. Thus, we hope to heighten local, regional, and international awareness of Minute Man NHP and its significance in American History.
The National Park Service has strong partners in those who study the past by stepping temporarily into its clothing and customs and share their passion with the public as reenactors and living historians. There are ways that parks interact with living history groups and individuals, including:
- What is being proposed
- How the activity fits within the framework of a park’s overall interpretive program
- Who proposes the activity
- How many participants and spectators are expected
- What logistical arrangements are necessary
- Where and when an event is scheduled to take place
Groups in partnership with the NPS should be prepared to discuss these issues with park personnel. The park staff will work with you on standards for authenticity, sources for research, and local policies.
Minute Man NHP partners with groups whose impression covers some aspect of the colonial or revolutionary period—military, civilian, or a combination. It’s essential that our partners function in a professional manner, demonstrate high standards of authenticity, incorporate current scholarship, apply interpretive theory, work effectively in collaboration with others, and communicate well with park staff, within their unit, and with the public.
For more information, please contact Minute Man NHP volunteer coordinator Roger Fuller at: (978) 318-7824 or email roger_fuller@nps.gov. Contact also Jim Hollister, historic weapons supervisor and special event coordinator, at Jim_Hollister@nps.gov or 978-318-7832.
