HISTORY IS FUN... No, Really! If Your Family Loves: You Should Try: Collecting oral histories Social networking, talking and listening Why You’ll Like It: I By Frances Allshouse have a confession to make. History was never really “my thing” growing up. Yet today, I’m the director of a small history museum. So what happened? Well, I finally found my niche in history and, with a little bit of planning, you can, too. Read on to find a history pastime that your whole family will enjoy! If Your Family Loves: You Should Try: The performing arts and making new friends Attending or participating in a re-enactment Why You’ll Like It: Gathering around the table for a chat with a neighbor, friend or relative was the original form of social networking! Collecting oral histories sounds like a daunting task, but anyone who enjoys a good conversation already has what it takes to be an oral historian. All you need to make it official is an audio recorder to capture the stories you are told. Start by sitting down with your parents or grandparents and asking them about their lives. Not only will you get to record all those stories that are rolled out every year during Thanksgiving dinner, but I guarantee you will hear a tale or two that you have never heard before. Once you have preserved your own family history, you might consider taking part in the Library of Congress’ Veteran’s History Project (www.loc.gov/vets). The VHP relies on volunteers to collect oral histories from the men and women who served our country in the armed forces. When completed and sent back to the Library of Congress, your veteran’s memories are added to the library’s ever-expanding VHP database and will become available to researchers all over the world. The spectacle of a battlefield recreation with its booming cannons and clashing cavalry charges can truly be breathtaking. Many re-enactments include a “living history village” where spectators can interact with the men and women who bring history to life while picking up information about how everyday people lived during that era. Another staple of most re-enactments is demonstrations including topics such as early photography, historic fashions, medical practices and burial traditions. If you enjoy watching re-enactments, you might even want to try your hand at participating. Getting started need not be very difficult or expensive. Many re-enactors have extra clothing (not to mention invaluable tips) that they’re willing to lend to prospective recruits. A great opportunity to try out re-enacting is coming up September 28, 2013 during the Town of Warrenton’s Heritage Day celebrations. Emile Kline collecting an oral history from William Stribling. If Your Family Loves: You Should Try: Taking a stroll through a cemetery Peaceful settings, the macabre, or The Walking Dead Why You’ll Like It: The concept of visiting a cemetery as a way to explore history might seem a little odd, but cemeteries are a reflection of the History is Fun continued on page 12 Re-enactor Gen. Ripley Robinson talks with spectators during a 1998 re-enactment in Fayetteville, WV. 2013 • Issue 4 Piedmont Family Magazine 11