Reading about history can be very enjoyable, and it’s essential for anyone seeking a core understanding of the past. Yet, there can be more.
For a number of the book-learned practitioners of history, there’s a “sensory need” which books can’t fulfill, and it’s those sensory experiences that bring another dynamic to an understanding of the past. While I entered into that “other world” some 37 years ago as a Civil War reenactor, that interest evolved, and, within the past four years, I began dabbling more in “living history”, as a ca. 1850s civilian. Not only did I purchase period-appropriate attire, I started dabbling in foodways, seeking another way with which I might be able to engage spectators, at different events. Yet, it’s not always about engaging spectators. Sometimes, it can be about living historians seeking out what some of us call… “the bubble”, or that short moment while engaged in living history that, seemingly, transports us back in time. As Jonathan Townsend states in the following video… he “was almost there”, meaning that aforementioned “bubble”.
If you havent had the pleasure of watching Townsend’s amazing series, “Savoring the Past”, or his TV blog, I encourage you to sign-up. I’ve been watching for a few years, and I’ve learned a great deal which can carry over to early 19th century foodways… and may well influence me to add 18th century living history to my experiences and outreach efforts.
Cenantua's Blog 
Meg Groeling
October 12, 2018
I was so glad to read this post. I was a reenactor in the 80s & 90s–the 1980s-90s, that is. As a woman, I tried to create an authentic persona, and I paid attention to my wardrobe. But the things I remember from those days are not the ridiculous sham battles. I remember the ballet dancers at 125th Gettysburg, the “down the line” cannon firings before big reenactments, the sounds of the harnesses and the horses pulling wagons and cannon. I remember the campfires at night and the singing of the old songs. I remember the kindness of an unknown Southern gentleman and officer who helped me find my rented car at Shiloh in the dark of night and only kissed my hand for his efforts. We need to go back and reread Jay Anderson’s books. The sham battles are just sad now, but we can explore and try to recreate the scents, scenes, sounds, etc. for the public, and for own own enrichment. Again, thank you.
Richard Williams
October 18, 2018
Interesting post Robert. I’ll have to visit and watch.
“there’s a “sensory need” which books can’t fulfill, and it’s those sensory experiences that bring another dynamic to an understanding of the past.”
I satisfy my own “sensory need” via relic hunting. There’s nothing quite like pulling an artifact from the ground that was last touched by human hands150-300 years ago. Not to be over dramatic, it’s truly a spiritual experience. Even more so if one has some ancestral connection to the land or the item. Thanks for posting this!