Conversations on the Commons: Collecting for the 21st Century

Online MA, United States

As historical organizations increasingly take on the role of relevance to a wider audience, we need to collect different "stuff" from a more diverse population. Perhaps your town has changed over the past century and your collections do not reflect the local histories of people and groups who are now a vital part of your community. How do you go about enriching your collections with their stories and connecting them to older histories? What are the obstacles and successes you have met with?

Conversations on the Commons: Historical Reenactors

Online MA, United States

What is it about reviving an historically accurate event or person that inspires living history practitioners to endure itchy, ill-fitting clothes, weather events, long marches, and endless practice? Is it the thrill of public performance? Fulfillment from teaching accurate interpretations? Camaraderie amongst the avid? Join two local reenactors as we explore their long-time allegiance to bringing the past back to life.