How would you describe what you do?Historic Restoration or reproductions?
I do some restoration of original items mostly my own such as tinsmithing tools and antique firearms which I Collect and an occasional piece of furniture. But I do a lot of reproduction Tinware and some camp furniture. But in that sense I only do correct and accurate reproductions of an existing piece.
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I first started in the field of Museum work back in the 1940s and this is because My father was the director of the Staten Island Historical society helping out as a kid with what I could such as helping getting items for the museum collections helping with archeology digs and helping with their annual Old Home Day event. My brother and I had our own Museum in the attic of our 1818 house where we would host the students from our school as a class trip. |
When I think about my father who was born March 10 1906 and passed away March 19th 1991. His mother Elizabeth Boyce McMillen was a big influence to him in history and things of the past. after he graduated from Union Collage as an Engineer in 1928.
(ed note, In a biography written by Bill's father, "Loring said in a 1967 interview that his interest in local history came from his mother's "curiosity in how people lived and what caused them to be the way they are." She encouraged him to study "the inner domestic life that people led - what they ate, what kind of tools they used and how they developed these tools"...Loring's father, Harlow, was also a teacher. He was a "crusader," the son recalled, and became leader of Staten
Island's Prohibition Party.)
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Was your father involved with Living History interpretation? Did he have an opinion on it that you can remember?
Of my Fathers thoughts on living history , I do not think he had much to say about it. I know he enjoyed it as if brought to life the aspects of teaching and illustrating tools and and there use by a demonstrator. I know of several instances where he picked up a farming tool and used it showing folks how a scythe and a cradle were used. As for wearing a costume I can only think of once during the tricentennial of Staten Island 1961, he participated in the persona of an early traveler on Staten Island in the 1670s.
As for me, I think that living history wearing a costume or uniform of the person or trade that you are representing is an integral and necessary tool for teaching and or illustrating it.It certainly puts a third dimension to it.The influence he had on me and I got into reenacting and working in the trade. History and interpreting it was in my blood.
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That photo is of the first Oven and Fire place I ever built. The fire place was taken down when the house was moved to Richmond town as it was much too heavy when it was picked up on the steelbeams under it. The steel was bending and the kitchen part of the house was separating away from themain house. My father made drawings of the fireplace and Oven and when it came time to rebuild it he could not find the drawing,. So I built it using the evidence from the surrounding floor, celling and walls, as well as photographs taken before the move. Well he found them after I had finished and I was only off by one measurement. |
Did you start in reenacting first?
Well, with all this history surrounding me it stuck to me and I started to collect antique guns which led to shooting them and the North South Skirmish Association which I started doing in 1955 with the 1st NJ regiment. Soon after I was in the 13th NJ Reg. In the 1960s we started the73rd N.Y.S.V. Reg. All through the Civil War Centennial I participated in many of the reenactments such as 1st Manassas, Antietam, Wrightsville, and Gettysburg.
Starting in 1971-2 with the By-Centennial of the Revolutionary War coming up I started getting into the Brigade of the American Revolution by starting the "Staten Island Militia, Billopps Corps" which was a loyalist corps as the British landed on Staten Island on July 2, 1776 and held it until they evacuated it in Dec. 1783. All through the by centennial I participated in almost every major revolutionary war event that took place, from the march to Quebec in 1975 to our surrender at Yorktown in 1983. I also served in the board of the B.A.R. at that time with the rank of lieutenant. I was also B.A.R. Inspector of Loyalist troops, B.A.R. Inspector of the Quartermasters Department and B.A.R, Patternmaster.
In 1984 we (with other X B.A.R. board members) started The "Corp of British Engineers". This impression I no longer run around commanding regulars on the field of battle, and now we talk and demonstrate to the public the fine art of Field fortifications, Surveying and Map making. This impression I still do at Revolutionary war events to this day 2022. At my age (which is 80) all the original British Engineers were dead by age 60, so I am getting a little old for reenacting.
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With the North Bennett school, have you sent people there after they were hired at HRT? Have you trained people with no experience?
I was an advisor for the Preservation Carpentry at North Bennett Street School from its inception until a few years ago and would recommend that school quite often.
Yes I have trained those with no prior experience. (Which is better as "You Can Not teach an old Dog To learn New Tricks")
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My work when I was working for a living was in historic building restoration which I did for 40 years at Historic Richmond Town on Staten Island. I retired in 2003 and moved up to Glenmont to be closer to Eastfield Village where I had helped with that enterprise when I met Don Carpentier and we in 1977 started the workshops in Historic preservation trades and I have been teaching various courses there ever since. This year will be the 46th year at Eastfield. I still go out there every Wednesday with other volunteers to work on the Buildings. |
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What was the biggest project that you worked on? What was the most challenging?
Probably when we revised and made a totaly new master plan for the site I worked for. It was a Contract that the Dept. of cultural affairs' sets up with a consultant which is an architectural firm with landscape and research. also it took over a year with endless meetings and supplying information. I do not consider any one project harder then the other as they all take understanding what you are doing and making it the best that you can. As a museum worker you are a teacher and the outcome is the truth,
That is one of the leading reasons when Don Carpentier and I began teaching about Historic Trades workshops at Eastfield Village in 1977. These workshops are always "HANDS ON" so a participant would learn by using the historic period tools and proper materials of the trade. A person can also stay at Eastfield during the
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workshop and experience living in a historic building with no electricity, cooking in a fireplace and using an outhouse. Don passed away in 2014 but the "Historic Eastfield Foundation" has continued holding these workshops, and this year will be our 46th year and I am still teaching workshops as I have all those years.
Over the years I have taught, lectured and instructed in many workshops for Eastfield and other Historic organizations. Workshops in Oven and Fireplace Building, Timber Framing, Tinsmithing, How to Date Historic Structures, Molding identification & how to use the wood molding plane, Window Preservation, Window Sash construction 18th century, and many other workshops.
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When did HRT implement its first living history interpreter? Has it changed over the years?
HRT started with costumed interpreters during the bicentennial in the 1970s. It peaked in the 1980s and slowly declined in the 90s, so now it is mostly only in the summer.
How how museum living history interpretation changed over the years?
I would say that in sites that have been doing it for a long time, it has improved, as long as there are no cuts to staff. The best thing is that research has improved immensely with the internet.
What was the biggest challenge in running the sites? What has improved? What has gotten worse?
Money. Money. one off the biggest problems was a site with public money wants the lowest price or contract which only decrees authenticity and content. A good site will develop there own staff to work on the buildings and usually at a cheaper cost.
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Have you helped other sites implement some of the living history programs?
I would say that I have helped some sites by consulting and working on the restoration of their buildings. With that I have made
architectural drawings and plans for restoration of buildings, especially details of fireplaces and bake ovens.
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Who do you feel was the leaders in the historic interpretation field?
Thinking about that, I would say that Williamsburg was the leader in this beginning back in the 1930s and they have certainly improved it over time, People like Ernie Peterkin and Bill Brown who worked for the US Park Service in the Historical areas. Also George Woodbridge with the Brigade of the American Revolution. Of course there are other leaders in this field.
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How long does it take to be a good interpreter?
That depends totally on the person who is doing the interpretation. How much he or she will devote to learning when offduty. One who spends off hours doing research, reading as well as visiting other sites will only improve ones interpretation.Understanding the history of the time period that you are working with only helps.
What are the characteristics of a good interpreter?
To be a first person interpreter you must be all of above, You must dress the part, look the part and Know the part, you are an actor.which most are not.
A second person interpreter, you do not have to be an actor but you must dress the part and do it correctly as knowing the history of the part or trade.
A Guide which is essentially an interpreter, must know the history of what she or he is talking about. ( which is lacking in some sites)
Have you helped other sites implement some of the living history programs?
I would say that I have helped some sites by consulting and working on the restoration of their buildings. With that I have made architectural drawings and plans for restoration of buildings, especially details of fireplaces and bake ovens.
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Do you see reenacting as a good transition into living history? Are the two separate?
Reenacting as a hobby for a lot of younger people is for them to be able to feel what it was like at some past event. This in itself will lead to more curiosity of that event and will produce more research into that time in history. Curiosity leads to collecting which improves impressions and knowledge. With the more knowledge a person wants to dispense it with his fellow reenactors which, may lead to a good "Living History Interpreter".
Many reenactors are older folks who have been in the hobby for many years and now have the whereabouts and money to just hang out and be with their buddy's, and most of them are too old and out of shape to be a soldier (like me) but can be a good interpreter to the public if they would let go of their Gun. But I do know that a lot of reenactors are shy and do not like to talk to the public as they feel that they do not have the Knowledge of the history or they will say something wrong.
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In your opinion how do historical interpreters "mesh" with academic historians? How do reenactors "mesh" with historical interpreters and academic historians?
I do know quite a lot of Historical Interpreters who work in Museums or Historic sites that do Reenacting on their time off and are really good at it. I also know Museum Curators who are very good researchers and write about their findings in publications and on line who are also reenactors. I also know others who work in other professions who do excellent research and are also reenactors. Some folks do excellent research, but do not write but are excellent craftsmen and produce excellent reproductions of historic items and they are reenactors or have been reenactors.
The more a reenactor could learn about the history of the time period that they are reenacting will lead to a better and more accurate impression they will make. (That is assuming that the information they get is accurate, there is a lot of CRAP and bad information out there on the internet) As they say "There is a sucker born every day" and all too often they will buy first and learn after.
In terms of room for growth and improvement, what would you like to see reenactors do? Living history interpreters?
Reenactors tend to be more into it as self gratification of living and experiencing the past. I am not criticizing that as I myself do that. I think more research and more accurate clothing and equipment is where improvement can be done.Joining well known and respected organizations such as the Brigade of the American Revolution leads to better reenactors.
There is a sad lack of central organizations for reenactors in all areas of history.
Also Most important is to talk and educate to the public, as living history interpreters.
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We wanted to extend the most heartfelt gratitude to both Bill and his late wife Judy for the nearly half century of dedication to the preservation and teaching of history. The knowledge that they have passed along has moved forward the study of craft, and will be flowing the the veins of the history community for years to come. |
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We are now offering Confederate trousers, made with out own production of royal blue satinette. These trousers are complimented with the addition of our own reproduction Isaac & Campbell stamped brass trousers buttons. Made with a stamped brass front, and iron backs, they are the only reproductions attempted, let alone offered to the market. |
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We will have all size of the economy blouses in stock this week, as well as brogans, canteen slings, Ladies stockiings, and all sizes of shoes laces.
We have the tooling for the shoe laces in house and can do all sizes, or any size on demand.
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The Organization.
Historic Richmond Town was founded as the Staten Island Historical Society in 1856. The institution still uses both names but is more popularly known as Historic Richmond Town. The museum's focus is to create opportunities for the public to explore the diversity of the American experience from the colonial period to the present.
It's a remarkable living history town and museum complex. Historic Richmond Town relies on the history of Staten Island and its neighboring New York area communities to show how ordinary people of every background worked together for centuries to build an extraordinary country.
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In the mid-20th century, the Society, with the help of founder Loring McMillen, embarked on an ambitious project to collect, preserve and interpret the material culture of our region. The result is that Historic Richmond Town has become a remarkable living history town and museum complex that evokes 350 years of history and culture. That complex includes NYC's oldest continuously working family farm and two other historic sites - including one of the oldest original houses in the country. There is no other place like it in New York City. Over 100,000 people visit the site each year to enjoy tours, education programs, museum exhibits and special events.
The Structures.
The area that is now Historic Richmond Town's main site served for nearly two centuries as the government center of Staten Island (Richmond County). After Staten Island became one of the five boroughs of New York City in 1898, the county offices were gradually moved to the northern part of Staten Island, closer to Manhattan, and Richmond Town became a quiet community as government offices, and the many businesses that served them, left the neighborhood.
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In the 1930s, Borough Historian Loring McMillen working alongside the Staten Island Historical Society saw a historic preservation opportunity in the buildings that had been vacated, and in 1933 the Society obtained permission to renovate the former County Clerk's and Surrogate's Office for use as a museum. The museum opened in 1935, and in the following years the Society acquired several other nearby historic buildings. In 1948 the Society was granted use of the Third County Courthouse (which today serves as the Visitor Center). In the early 1950s, the City of New York acquired the 100-acre Richmond Town site, which was designated Richmondtown Restoration and set aside for preservation. Today this site, with 30 historic structures, serves as the largest of the four sites that make up Historic Richmond Town. |
The Staff.
Living History:
Historic Richmond Town is home to both material culture historians and artisans who have spent decades studying the jobs, trades and food-ways present in New York City in the 18th and 19th centuries. The focus of their research includes the reproduction of original household utensils, common tools and traditional recipes. Some of these items are available for purchase at Historic Richmond Town’s Main Village Site.
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JEFF CAVORLEY,
BLACKSMITH.
Jeff Cavorley has had his hand to the forge for more than a decade, filling the homes and shops at Historic Richmond Town with his skilled iron work. He is also an expert English Country Dance instructor and has travelled the country calling sets and instructing other historians in the art of 18th and 19th century music and dance. Jeff has studied Science and Secondary Education at Hunter College. He is an avid astronomer and can be found most weekend evenings at his local observatory.
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CARLOTTA DEFILLO, LEAD INTERPRETER/LIBRARIAN.
Carlotta DeFillo has been a member of the Education Department at Historic Richmond Town for more than thirty years. She has extensively studied open-hearth cooking, food preparation and preservation as well as textile arts. When Carlotta is not leading cooking workshops in the historic Guyon-Lake-Tysen farmhouse she is researching
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18th and 19th century quilting techniques which she uses to create stunning recreations of original quilts. Carlotta assists visitors, amateur genealogists, local historians, and authors in their research projects at Historic Richmond Town’s library, located in Public School No.28. |
NORM PEDERSON, CARPENTER.
Norm Pederson maintains Historic Richmond Town’s working Carpenter’s Shop. The 1836 building is furnished as a rural workshop would have been before the American Civil War. Norm crafts the typical items produced in shops like this, including simple furniture, farm tools, kitchen utensils and home furnishings.
Always interested in history and the carpentry of his grandfather's era, Norm soon became involved as a volunteer at Historic Richmond Town, and in 1994, he became a familiar face around the main village, as well as the resident artisan of the Carpenter's Shop.
On weekends and during special events, Norm delights visitors with his deep knowledge of this long-lost craft.
Norm was born and raised on Staten Island, the grandson of a carpenter from Norway. He spent his life working in the maritime world, shipyards, and later as a deckhand on the Staten Island Ferry, retiring in 2008.
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ANNIE WICKERSTY,
TINSMITH.
Annie Wickersty has been involved with Historic Richmond Town since she started as a tinsmith shop apprentice in the mid-90's. Her favorite thing about tinsmithing is the opportunity to learn about everyday life in the past through studying and making common household objects of the time.
She trained extensively to become a tinsmith during her teens and early twenties, and today finds that teaching the trade to the next generation of apprentices at HRT's summer apprentice program is one of the most important and rewarding experiences.
On weekends and during special events, Annie is often found in the Tinsmith’s shop crafting wonderful creations with her dedicated apprentices. These one-of-a-kind creations are seen throughout the village and are available for sale in the Museum Store.
Studying under master tinsmith and since-retired Restoration Department supervisor Bill McMillen, and journeyman tinsmith George Conlon, Annie has had the honor of creating useful and decorative reproduction tinware in HRT's tinsmith shop, demonstrating the trade at various museums and festivals in the Northeast (usually alongside her father, carpenter Norm Pederson), and appearing on an episode of PBS's "The Woodwright's Shop."
Become a Volunteer!
Do you have a passion for local history ? Do you have the desire to give back to your community, but aren’t sure where to start? If you’ve answered yes, then become a volunteer Historic Richmond Town! Our wide array of public programming and special events would not be possible without volunteers from the local community. Your help is always welcomed!
You can use your unique talents and passions at HRT and help us make a difference in the Staten Island community. You’ll also learn some new skills and brush up on an old ones, too! Plus, what better way to make new friends with like interests? Historic Richmond Town offers volunteer opportunities in a variety of areas including Visitor Services, Education & Public Programs, Maintenance/Grounds, Special Projects, Special Events, and more!
Upcoming Events and Living History Programs
Spring/Summer Events:
Hibernal Season (Current) Hours:
Friday-Sunday, 12-5pm
Guided Tours offered daily
Open Village Seasonal Hours
May 25 - Oct. 2, 2022
11am-5pm
Guided tours available by advance reservation only.
_Assigned to Amy Kennard_
@crdefillo@historicrichmondtown.org
_Assigned to Carli DeFillo_
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Historic Richmond Town
441 Clarke Avenue
Staten Island, New York 10306
(718) 351-1611
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Obscure Period Musical Performances |
We are looking to have musicians perform some of the lesser known pieces of the period, or bring to life ones that were written for the consumer market. These pieces include businesses as well as ones from periodicals of the day. The objective is that the living history community can widen their sensitivity to music of the period. There was much more to it than The Battle Hymn of the Republic. |
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Our Mary Ann ladies shoe. Based on an original, it is made with a wax calf vamp, which is the identical leather used on men's brogans, it is designed to be an outdoor shoe. We added two stitched loops through which a bow can be threaded. This feature allows the bows to be removed to be cleaned, or for the color to be changed.
The waxed calf vamp, is more resistant to scuffing than grian leather.
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Stock of ladies shoes is always changing with ladies shoes, so let us know what you are looking for! |
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Discounted magazine subscription offered to our cusotmers! |
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T.J. started reenacting when he was just a baby. His father started in the 70s, so he was born into it. His father started in the 70s with an artillery battery that did live firing and competitive shooting. He saw some reenactors at one of the events he was at and was instantly hooked on the hobby. TJ was brought into this hobby dressed as civilian child until he was about 13 or 14., when he was able to start carrying a musket. There was a living history event at Fort Wayne around tthat time, and they let him participate for the first time. |
He loves to do as many impressions as he can. Eastern and western reb, eastern and western federal, cavalry, artillery, as well as a drummer.
The event that he enjoyed the most was Fort Blakeley in Alabama, because of the amount of cool stuff that they did. Digging trenches, overnight fighting, and day long skirmishes were great. It is also always neat doing things on the actual battlefield.
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He said that he would like to see larger quality events. This has been lost in the hobby now for a few reasons. Too many times we go to events and there are 10 man companies in a 45 man battalion. He loves when groups putting together 40 plus man companies. Making the experience better for all that participate. |
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When asked what improvements he would like to see, "I think that everyone should focus on improving field skills in general. Knowing how to make a fire, how to cook your rations, how to sew on a button in the field, knowing your drill, exc. It will make you that much better of a Civil War soldier."
Living and reenacting in Michigan, for years there was not a lot of field music. One day he decided that he would make an attempt to learn how to drum. Fast forward 6 years later,he is helping teach the nextgeneration of drummers and field musicians. He said that he is also fortunate enough to have joined a great fife and drum group known as Camp Chase.
TJ has worked with a few NPS sites before.he attends the Civil War Field Music School, which was held at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, spendingt the weekend there learning how to drum, and talk a lot to the public that came through.
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He has also done volunteer work at River Raisin National Park, and volunteered at Historic Fort Wayne in Detroit for many years. He especially likes going there on National Park Day to do what he can to help his local national park.
His goals of reenacting includes many different things. First and foremost, it is to raise money for battlefield preservation. Going to sites and helping put on programs is important to me, because it allows him to talk to visitors and talk to them about the history of where they are visiting, and the Civil War in general. He always enjoys passing on his love for history. Anything that he can do to get people excited about it and want to learn more or donate money for preservation, is special to him. Another goal, includes improving the impressions of his pards that he does events with. Helping them with their field skills, telling them where they should get accurate clothing from, are things that he wants to do to help them feel engaged in this period.
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He also had 5 ancestors fight for the confederate army over the course of the war. Remembering them and telling their story is something that he will continue to do for years to come.. |
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We are planning a major upgrade to the site this month, which will include the addition of the paypal utility to "pay in 4". This will allow you to grab that in stock item, and spread the payments out to fit our budget. |
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P. McDermott papergoods in stock! |
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A staple item, that is handy for a variety of applications. |
An incredibly convenient item, which is a pocket sized version of the widely produced song sheets. |
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An item long held as classic tract to be carried by the Federal soldiers, we are proud to be offering this limited production item. |
An item that can be used for both citizen as well as soldier, and one excavated in campsites both north and south, as well as the steamboats Arabia and Bertrand. |
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New York State hat badge, from an original for sale at the horse soldier. Can be used for New York dress hat or slouch hats, which is pictured. |
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Very highly detailed and miniscule artillery device, Truly artistically embroidered. Captures the finness of the original. |
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The variety of Hospital Steward chevrons is self evident in this group image of the Hospital stewards of the 9th Corps, before Petersburg. Clearly demonstrating the variety within the same organization.
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Beautiful addition of the Hospital Steward examples that we carried. A silk cadeusis with wire tape, embroidered on Kochan Phillips broadcloth. |
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From an example sold by the Horse Soldier. Beautiful gold bullion front, embroidered on wool, and painted oilcloth backing.. |
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US Marine Corps hat insignia. From an original for sale at Union Drummer Boy |
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Truly handsome Mexican War Second' Lt's straps. Made from an original example sold by the Horse Soldier. Matte silver on dark blue wool. |
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The American Battlefield Trust applauds Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s announcement on Friday, requesting $4.93 million for land acquisition to create a Culpeper Battlefields State Park. The announcement was part of a package of legislative initiatives and budget amendments submitted by the Governor to the General Assembly on January 21, 2022.
“Friday’s announcement marks an important step in the effort to create a Culpeper Battlefields State Park,” noted Trust President David Duncan. “Culpeper’s battlefields are among the most pristine and historic in the nation. Transforming this landscape into a state park will produce a heritage tourism destination in the heart of Virginia’s Piedmont, with educational, recreational, and economic opportunities that will benefit visitors and local residents alike.”
The Culpeper Battlefields State Park initiative is a proposal to create a state park from a critical mass of more than 1,700-acres of preserved lands on the Brandy Station and Cedar Mountain Battlefields. While this landscape’s overarching national significance is associated with famous Civil War battles and events, the region is rich in history and culture. The pristine countryside visible today retains the imprint of its first native people and the generations that followed.
State Senator Bryce Reeves, long a champion of a state park in Culpeper County, urged the Governor to make a Culpeper Battlefields State Park a priority for the new administration. He worked tirelessly with the Governor’s team to craft the budget amendment submitted to the
General Assembly on Friday. According to Reeves, “Culpeper is the ideal location for Virginia’s next state park. I look forward to the day when Virginians and visitors from
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throughout the country can learn about our nation’s history by visiting these hallowed grounds.”
Joining Senator Reeves in support of a Culpeper Battlefields State Park is a long-standing and bipartisan coalition of state legislators, national and local preservation organizations, and Culpeper government officials. In 2016, the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors and the Culpeper Town Council both passed resolutions endorsing a state battlefield park in Culpeper County.
As submitted, the Governor’s budget amendment sets aside $4.93 million in FY2023 for the state park. The amendment indicates the funding “[p]rovides for the purchase of land to create a new state park in Culpeper County that will have multiple recreational and educational opportunities.”
Nestled in the Virginia Piedmont, Culpeper County is widely recognized for its scenic character, natural beauty, and abundant history. Its pristine rivers, rolling landscape, recreational opportunities and unparalleled historic resources make it a desirable location for a state park. Its location between the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers made it an area of strategic importance during the Civil War, and thousands of enslaved peoples crossed its rivers, heading northward to Freedom; some returned as free men to fight for their country on this very soil.
The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 54,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.
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NJ Sekela
1425 Chambersburg Road
Gettysburg PA 17325
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NJ Sekela produces authentic historical reproduction items using cusotm made materials and by providing the best customer experience By using these ideas we will bring to the consumer products that are not currently equaled in the marketplace and bear high fidelity to the originals |
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