2009 Fort Snelling Civil War Living History Guidelines

2011Historic Fort Snelling

World War II Weekend Event Guidelines

The Historic Fort Snelling (HFS) World War II Weekend event is put on for the education, entertainment, and engagement of the visiting public in an exploration of the history of World War II, in particular Minnesota’s involvement in the conflict. The programming has been developed to appeal to the widest possible audience, so HFS utilizes third-person historical interpretation.

Note: The historic site’s Program Managers administer and supervise all aspects of the program. They are the point of contact for any and all concerns during the event and act as supervisors for all staff and volunteers.

A)Registration:

All volunteer reenactors MUST complete and submit to Historic Fort Snelling management a registration form at least two weeks prior to the event. Participation in events at Historic Fort Snelling is at the discretion of site management and is not guaranteed by completion of this form. Walk-ons to the event are strictly prohibited.

Please keep your Participant Pass on you during the event. This pass will allow you to enter and exit the site without having to pay admission. It also ensures that only pre-registered individuals can participate in the program.

B) Civilian Guidelines:

Programming has been developed by HFS staff in conjunction with reenactors to interpret different aspects of life during WWII. This programming utilizes interpretive “stations” in combination with scheduled demonstrations in order to create a dynamic learning environment and opportunities for active engagement for our visitors.

Engaging visitors in interpretive programming is the most important responsibility for volunteer reenactors.

Set-Up/Teardown

Unloading and setting up displays will not be allowed while the fort is open to the public (10 am to 5 pm daily). Set-up must be completed by 9:30 am, before the site opens to visitors. In order to set up, you will be allowed to drive to the encampment area after 5 pm Friday to unload equipment and supplies, weather permitting. Vehicles may re-enter the grounds after the event concludes (after 5:00 pm). Groups will police their own areas and return it to its appearance prior to the event. All reenactors must break camp and vacate the premises no later than 7 pm the last day of the event.

Appearance

All impressions must be approved by HFS management prior to the event. Volunteer reenactors are expected to wear period costuming of the proper material and construction during the historic site’s public hours (10 am to 5 pm). The following appearance guidelines will be adhered to:

No modern eyewear
No modern make-up
No modern jewelry
No modern hairstyles
No modern clothing
No cell phones or other modern electronic devices
Any food/drinks must be kept in period containers during public hours

Note:Anachronistic items detract from the historical aesthetic HFS strives to provide our guests and are strictly prohibited. HFS management reserves the right to ask participants to remove inappropriate items from public view.

C) Military Guidelines:

Volunteer military reenactors are expected to participate in the scheduled drills and exercises throughout the weekend, but in-between scheduled drills reenactors are free and encouraged to participate in their own activities. These reenactor-run activities help round out the interpretive programming of the event, and provide ample opportunities for engagement with visitors.Engaging visitors in interpretive programming is the most important responsibility for volunteer reenactors.

Set-Up/Teardown

As part of the site’s interpretive programming, military camps will be set up which interpret both garrison and field life for American troops during WWII. Please consult the Assigned Reenactors Station map for the location of your group. Volunteerreenactors wishing to stay overnight within the fort must inform the historic site’s administration at least two weeks prior to the event.

Appearance/Impressions

All impressions must be approved by HFS management prior to the event. Volunteer reenactors are expected to wear period costuming of the proper material and construction during public hours (10 am to 5 pm). The following appearance guidelines must be adhered to:

No modern eyewear
No modern make-up
No modern jewelry
No modern hairstyles
No modern clothing
No cell phones or other modern electronic devices
Any food/drinks must be kept in period containers during public hours

If you have questions regarding uniforms or equipment, feel free to contact Historic Fort Snelling management.

Food/Messing

Food items will be provided by HFS to participating reenactment groups. A field kitchen operated by reenactors will be responsible for preparing and issuing food to reenactor participants. Alcoholic beverages and/or other controlled substances will not be consumed during the event. Violation of this rule will result in expulsion from both the event and the site.

Note:HFS management bases the amount of foodstuffs provided on the number of pre-registered participants prior to the event.

Safety

There will be scheduled firing demonstrations during each day of the event. Participation in the event is contingent upon adherence to safety guidelines. For the safety of the public, staff, and reenactors, the following guidelines will be followed:

Firearms will only be fired during scheduled firing demonstrations.
Only designated reenactors will be allowed to fire their weapons during the event – these individuals will be determined by HFSadministrative staff prior to the event
Prior to any firing demonstrations an HFS Range Officer will conduct an inspection of any weapon to be used for demonstrative purposes
No live ammunition will be allowed at the event or on the historic site
HFS management reserves the right to request any participant to leave the event and premises at any time
ONLY a HFS range officer will handle misfired weapons.
Under no circumstances will weapons be pointed in the direction of visitors/staff.
HFSRange Officersreserve the right to inspect any weapon and/or prohibit the use of said weapon at any time during the event.
HFSRange Officers and site administration reserve the right to remove any individual from the event who does not comply with the above safety regulations.

Visitor Handling of Ordinance

Any volunteer reenactor who puts a firearm or other ordinance (i.e. swords, bayonets, etc.) into the hands of a visitor is responsible for the safety of that visitor and others around them. Care should be taken to gauge the visitor’s ability to responsibly handle a piece of ordinance; it is not a given that a visitor should be allowed to handle any piece of ordinance. When allowingadults to handle a firearm; the bayonet will be removed and the hammer will be down against the cone. Adults will be asked to keep the muzzle up and to not operate the lock while handling the musket; this request should be gentle but firm, and not condescending. Children can “heft” a musket to ascertain the weight, but the volunteer reenactor should continue holding the musket during this interaction. Children should not be allowed to handle muskets outside of this action.

Vehicles

For the safety of our staff, visitors, and volunteer participants, the following vehicle safety guidelines have been prepared. Participation in the event is contingent upon adherence to these guidelines.

Vehicles will be parked only in designated areas.
All vehicles will have the parking brake engaged when parked.
Due to MHS historic sites liability policies, driving vehicles inside the fort during public hours is strictly prohibited.

Refusal to comply with safety guidelines will result in expulsion from both the event and site.

Questions or Concerns?

Tom Pfannenstiel, Site Manager (612-725-2430)

Matt Cassady, Program Specialist (612-970-2800)

Historic Fort Snelling Program Managers

Jeff Boorom, (612-970-2848),

Nancy Cass, (612-970-2844),

Tom Lalim,