Rarely do the Nerds issue an editorial or commentary on controversial topics or issues within the hobby. Since this blog debuted in 2015, we have only published two editorials. The first was criticizing the awful television production known as “The Sons of Liberty”. The second was criticizing a living history event that made light of the suffering of the wounded and dying in battle.
Today, the Nerds are going against our standard practice and issuing a third editorial. This time we are responding to the criticism of the Battle Road event at Minute Man National Historical Park.
To be fully transparent, our readers should know that the Nerds routinely volunteer our time and effort at Minute Man National Historical Park (MMNHP or the "Park"). We have continuously shared our research findings with the Park. We also contribute to the Battle Road Planning Committee and are members of the site’s Authenticity Committee.
Today, the Nerds are going against our standard practice and issuing a third editorial. This time we are responding to the criticism of the Battle Road event at Minute Man National Historical Park.
To be fully transparent, our readers should know that the Nerds routinely volunteer our time and effort at Minute Man National Historical Park (MMNHP or the "Park"). We have continuously shared our research findings with the Park. We also contribute to the Battle Road Planning Committee and are members of the site’s Authenticity Committee.
Over the past two years, we have heard complaints about the new and revised Battle Road tactical demonstrations. Most objections have fallen into one of the following categories:
The Massachusetts provincial forces appear too uniform.
The Massachusetts provincial forces appear too clean and wear clothing never worn on April 19, 1775.
Many Massachusetts men rushed from their homes into battle. They never intended to travel that far and likely would have returned home after a few hours of fighting. As a result, they never would have fielded with packs and blankets.
The guidelines are simply too strict and inflexible. The public doesn’t know any better and many reenactors are being unfairly excluded from participating—a couple of preliminary points in response to these arguments.
First, most objections seem to be coming from the older established units who, for some reason, are resistant to newer research findings. We will be upfront and say we are both surprised and disappointed. Many of these organizations were considered “cutting edge” regarding evolving standards and portrayals during the Bicentennial and 225th celebrations. However, these same units rested on their laurels over the past decade or actively tried to reverse their progress. Honestly, we are curious why!
Second, and more importantly, Minute Man National Park notified all Battle Road participants in 2018 of its intent to revise and upgrade its clothing and equipment standards. The Park also released a timetable for implementing the new standards. Before and during the drafting of the guidelines, every unit that participated in Battle Road was allowed to provide commentary and suggestions.
Very few of those who are currently disparaging the event provided input. Instead, most derided the effort, threatened to boycott, or simply ignored requests for input. A few organizations outright believed, “We’re unit X; they have to accommodate us regardless of whether or not the rules are enforced!”
Second, and more importantly, Minute Man National Park notified all Battle Road participants in 2018 of its intent to revise and upgrade its clothing and equipment standards. The Park also released a timetable for implementing the new standards. Before and during the drafting of the guidelines, every unit that participated in Battle Road was allowed to provide commentary and suggestions.
Very few of those who are currently disparaging the event provided input. Instead, most derided the effort, threatened to boycott, or simply ignored requests for input. A few organizations outright believed, “We’re unit X; they have to accommodate us regardless of whether or not the rules are enforced!”
Predictably, none of these approaches worked well.
From the Nerds' perspective, units that refused or neglected to work with the Park waived their rights to object and are now sitting on the sidelines thanks to their inaction
With that said, we won’t provide a rundown of documentation countering each argument listed above … we’ve already done that for over the past eight years. There is ample documentation between this blog, Minute Man National Historical Park’s official website, the 18th Century Material Culture Resource Center, RevWar ‘75, and other sites to refute the above mentioned claims.
Similarly, for those who argue the current Battle Road standards defy historical notions and logic, our response is simple… prove the standards wrong. If you claim the material culture of April 19, 1775, is incorrect, it is YOUR responsibility…not ours … to provide documentation supporting your claim.
You cannot simply make a claim, sit back, and demand others disprove your position. Similarly, you cannot ignore requests for documentation. It just doesn’t work that way.
At the end of the day, we respectfully suggest that this all comes down to ego. Participants who object to the new standards are upset because they now have to operate outside their comfort zone or conform to acceptable historical standards.
In short, it comes down to a simple standard recently highlighted by a progressive American Civil War chat board - What should your goals be when you attend a quality living history event at a reputable site? In short, the event is not about YOU…it’s about the objectives and goals of the site.
As a reenactor, you should adhere to two common standards… your personal expectations and the site's expectations.
Similarly, for those who argue the current Battle Road standards defy historical notions and logic, our response is simple… prove the standards wrong. If you claim the material culture of April 19, 1775, is incorrect, it is YOUR responsibility…not ours … to provide documentation supporting your claim.
You cannot simply make a claim, sit back, and demand others disprove your position. Similarly, you cannot ignore requests for documentation. It just doesn’t work that way.
At the end of the day, we respectfully suggest that this all comes down to ego. Participants who object to the new standards are upset because they now have to operate outside their comfort zone or conform to acceptable historical standards.
In short, it comes down to a simple standard recently highlighted by a progressive American Civil War chat board - What should your goals be when you attend a quality living history event at a reputable site? In short, the event is not about YOU…it’s about the objectives and goals of the site.
As a reenactor, you should adhere to two common standards… your personal expectations and the site's expectations.
Regarding personal expectations, you must be physically ready for the effort required Your kit must meet site standards, and you be mentally ready to do what is required. This includes knowing the drill, understanding the history behind the event, and being prepared to educate the public on the event's purpose.
If your position is “the public doesn’t know any better,” and you intend to mislead guests, you must step aside and find a new hobby.
Regarding the site expectations, please remember their goals and objectives supersede ours. We must, without question, hold our wants, desires, and comforts as subservient to the event organizers' goals and objectives. If the event organizers wish to set high standards, we must strive to support them. A site does not exist to serve us…we support the site.
So in summary…naysayers of Battle Road remember three things: objections, grumblings, and complaining will get you nowhere. Either support progress and evolving standards or step aside. Second, if you object…and we encourage you to do so …be prepared to support your claim with documentation. Finally, our personal needs are subservient to those of the site.
And with that, we hope this will be the last editorial from the Nerds in a long, long time.
So in summary…naysayers of Battle Road remember three things: objections, grumblings, and complaining will get you nowhere. Either support progress and evolving standards or step aside. Second, if you object…and we encourage you to do so …be prepared to support your claim with documentation. Finally, our personal needs are subservient to those of the site.
And with that, we hope this will be the last editorial from the Nerds in a long, long time.
The views of this editorial reflect those of Historical Nerdery only and do not incorporate or reflect any official position of Minute Man National Historical Park or it's employees.
