After 10 years in the field of interpretation, I found myself in Syracuse sitting in the CILH session on creating living history. John Luzader asked the class, "What is interpretation about?" Those who were awake squirmed, wondering what he was after. In the early morning silence, his fervor propelled out the word, "PASSION!" The word catapulted out and we all wiped the spittle from our faces.

Thus began two days of a rollicking trip through cultural interpretation and creating the living history persons. From the discussion of goal-driven programs to the definition of Kultur, the class quickly covered the basics of cultural interpretation.

I have heard that sacred cows make the best barbecue and this class served good barbecue. Each of the instructors challenged us to examine our ideas about cultural interpretation. While we were encouraged to think outside the box, the class was also cautioned to be sensitive to the cultures we are portraying and research, research, research.

Space here does not permit the full examination of all the topics covered in the session. In the class, I would have liked to have seen more tangible lists of resources for creating living history characters. The instructors were fabulous wells of information, but until we perfect the Vulcan mind meld, bibliographies and lists of resources for purchase are a necessity. I would have liked more information about how to research historical figures, with information on sources often overlooked. For those who participated in the class, a bibliography from Rich Pawling will be e-mailed to you soon.

It was the after-session that was striking for me. We were thrown together into tiny hotel rooms, conference rooms, basements, closed delis and foyers, and experienced numerous fire alarms (how many times did that class move?). As we introduced ourselves to our classmates, the breath and depth of our collective experience was amazing. In the discussion that followed, in hallways, over dinners, and between sessions, ideas and information flowed. Some shared clothing sources, others the challenge of working with lots of American Indian tribes, while others shared ideas about the best dressed man in the session. And we do mean dressed.

As the session progressed, ideas about cultural interpretation and living history evolved. At times, the humor devolved, but the learning never did. Over dinner an idea was hatched for a "Kultur Klub", which became both a groupie following for CILH and its instructors as well as a tongue in cheek look at cultural interpretation. An issue of "The Kultur Klub" is in progress, with the first topic being period-correct dress. We will be asking the opinion of Tim Rayworth, voted "Best Dressed", for suggestions on improving style in a period correct dress. For anyone who has been in John Luzader's sessions, the idea of the red "K" may be familiar, if not, look into your not-yet-history for the story of the Merchant Wars.

Thanks to each and every participant in the session. I learned from both the instructors and the many interpreters there. Best of luck to you all as we take our lessons home and apply the passion to the resource.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Jones
(Voted "Queen of the Ugliest Kitchen Carpet")
[email protected]