When I participated in July's teacher institute at Fort Ticonderoga, I was struck with the amount of historical accuracy at the fort. Director of Interpretation, Nick Spadone, spoke with our group about some of the methods for interpreting the era and the details of everyday objects we may otherwise take for granted.
The staff is very conscious of the details. On a particular French uniform, for example, existing uniforms are examined carefully, as well as drawings and paintings from the time period in question. The buttons and lace are matched to exacting details, and even the particular ways in which the material is stitched is followed. The drums must be painted with appropriate patterns, and the heads must be tightened in the same manner as their 18th century counterparts. Spadone demonstrated some of the methodology for research in such manners, showing us rosters, maps, and paintings, and reducing them to their smallest details and even searching in the shadows for answers to age-old questions.
Later in the week, we had the chance to learn directly from the reenactors at the fort, as we learned some stitches, shoe making techniques, ox team control, and bateau construction. More photos from that experience will arrive here on the website soon.
Later in the week, we had the chance to learn directly from the reenactors at the fort, as we learned some stitches, shoe making techniques, ox team control, and bateau construction. More photos from that experience will arrive here on the website soon.
Read more about this incredible experience on my Fort Ticonderoga page.
