Out and About at the Spirit of the Jerseys 2015

I thought I'd take a moment to share some thoughts on the day spent at the Spirit of the Jerseys. Although I was there to promote a museum and to put out some advance publicity for a historical program taking place next fall, that does not mean the only relevance was to use the event for research for a non-fiction work, or what I like to call the dark side of my writing.

To illustrate I'll be comparing two events, a few weeks apart, one geared towards a specific niche, those interested in history, and the other an exposition more for the general public.

The first item is location. At the Made in Monmouth Expo, I was on the outer ring, not far from the main entry point. Good spot. It was next to a very popular jewelry maker. Deduct a point. Their customers often blocked my table. 

At the Spirit of the Jerseys, the Matawan Historical Society was set up next to BRAVO (which stands for Battlefield Restoration and Archaeological Volunteer Organization.) One point earned by the spot. Knowing several of their members meant help to set up and take down the canopy. (Thanks guys.)

Next is signage. For outside, a large sign stuck into the ground caught the eyes of people as they walked down the path.

Inside a banner on the table fit the more intimate setting.

Anyone who had sold or is in the process of selling a house has heard the phrase 'curb appeal.' Things must look neat and tidy. Hide food and drink under the table to behind signs. A cloth that reaches the floor hides empty boxes or other paraphernalia. Easels change the table appearance. Instead of books lying flat, standing them up not only catches the eye, but allows some to be placed closer to the front of the table. (Buy me, it whispers. Buy me.)

And don't forget some initial reason to bring the people to the table to talk to you. There are pros and cons to candy. At the Spirit of the Jerseys, a hanging panel picturing the various projects of the Matawan Historical Society brought people to the table. Some liked the image of the old cemetery stone, while the gateman’s shanty triggered reminiscences for others.

One final tip. Have a tablemate or wingman. They can keep an eye on stock, allow for a bathroom break, and makes a table or booth look busy. (People tend to come to busier booths than empty ones.) 

Don't forget snacks and drinks to help keep your energy level up. Appropriate clothing and shelter. Especially important for outside venues as you can see from the blankets used to ward off the chilly rain that haunted the morning during the Spirit of the Jerseys.

~Till next time. Happy Sales. Helen

The Redcoats are Coming, The Redcoats are Coming

As a historian, I always try to make the point that while every facet about history isn't known, it is a writer's responsibility to their readers to be as accurate as possible--and that the duty also applies to fiction writers. And not just authors whose characters live in settings now a distant memory. Yesterday, whether recent or long gone, can creep into fiction whether it is the town the character walks through, their family history, or an event that set the future in motion.

 One fun way to research is with a road-trip to a historical site. Another way to learn history--watch first person interpreters at work and play. Or you can combine the two with a reenactment at a historic site. While small encampments offer the opportunity for more intimate contact, larger events such as the Battle of Gettysburg for the Civil War or the Revolutionary War Battle of Monmouth offer other advantages including cavalry and artillery units.

Tips on how to approach such a day will be discussed in a future post, but it doesn't have to be a solitary event. While the ideas presented at  www.njfamily.com/NJ-Family/June-2013/Watch-a-Reenactment-of-the-Battle-of-Monmouth are for a specific event, they can be applied elsewhere.

This year the Battle of Monmouth reenactment is being held June 15-16. More than 1,000 re-enactors will be encamped at the Monmouth Battlefield State Park to drill, demonstrate, and recreate Revolutionary War battle tactics.  You can watch meals prepared over wood fires, see officers training infantry, cavalry, and artillery, and smell the gun smoke as British and Continental armies do battle. More information on the re-enactment and a schedule of the days' events can be found at www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/monbat_re-enact-index.html.  An $8 per vehicle donation to defray the costs of the weekend. If you go be sure to check out the newly-renovated visitor center.

 

Although I've attended the reenactment in period garb and mingled with the civilian re-enactors, this year I'll be in the crowd watching, camera and notepad in hand.

Till the next time. Helen