Lord Scott supplies answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding We Make History

Q: What was the inspiration behind founding “We Make History”?

A: The vision for We Make History was and is rather dramatic. In an instant of time I saw the opportunity to create and bring to reality a multi-faceted, multi-layered vision that uniquely addressed passionate concerns while utilizing my own background, knowledge and experience and which in time could bring great benefit to many.

The passions?

Education: To reconnect people to their heritage; stirring up a love, interest in and awareness of history that would translate over in meaningful positive ways into their everyday lives, pursuits, relationships, responsibilities and view of the world around them.

Values: Giving and Serving are not only basic Christian practices but basic Christian values as well. We are all expected to make the best use of the gifts and talents we have received to do some good in this world. One way for us is to support families with wholesome, multi-generational social opportunities which would both directly and indirectly introduce them to or further them in the social mores, etiquette, expectations, behaviour, practices, mindset and character of ladies and gentlemen in a context of joy, hospitality, generosity, warmth and encouragement. (We often speak of the "We Make History Family". And so we are!)

The Higher Road: To raise the bar on our present culture and actually impact and change our society for the better through education, values and the restoration of better aspects of our social heritage.

The background?

I’ve had a love of history as long as I’ve been able to read, and experience in acting, speech and public presentations that dates back to childhood as well. In addition I have a long and diverse background in creating, pioneering, directing, managing, organizing, and promoting. I very much enjoy forming an idea and crafting it into a multifaceted work of art that will provide all the depth of beauty to be discovered in a full immersion experience for those involved.

Put all this together with a passion to reconnect people to our heritage, a longstanding affinity for formal social events, enjoyment of dance, experience with fashion, knowledge of historic clothing, study of culture, and participation and associations with living historians, homeschoolers, educators, dance enthusiasts and other inspirational people – and perhaps you’ll see that for me We Make History was a natural!

Q: What's in the name?

A: “Living history” holds immense potential as an educational tool and I believe in the unique contribution of historic dance and other social events to help us all in learning about and thus perhaps recovering wonderful aspects of our heritage, engendering respect, teaching good manners, raising people to a higher cultural standard and providing wholesome entertainment. I truly believe that by meeting the sudden and great hunger in our society to be reconnected to their heritage and to a higher level of culture, that by recreating history we actually have the ability to make history, to change our society for the better. Thus "We Make History"!

Q: What sorts of activities are provided?

We Make History provides a full and well rounded season of historic activities each year. In a typical season we host seven historic Balls, organize two historical reenactment events, hold historic style picnics, and are frequently involved in seminars, workshops, dramatic portrayals, speeches, public appearances and other educational and social activities.

A large milepost in the development of We Make History has been our annual American Heritage Festival, the first of which was held in November 2003. As a public celebration of our heritage featuring diverse military and civilian interpretations of the people and events of American history ranging from the Colonial era to the Vietnam era this event has quickly proven to be an immensely successful educational tool and is already the largest multi-era living history event in The Southwest.

In 2006 we began creating unique full-immersion Civil War experiences with all participants (both soldiers and civilians) acting in "first-person" mode and remaining in character as spectators are drawn into the experience as local citizens in the year 1862. The Battle of Payson is just one example of these unforgettable "immersion" experiences which we create.

Historical reenacting groups such as George Washington's Army, The 1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry and The 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry have been formed by We Make History to encourage and include those who desire a positive experience in "living history" in a family friendly context. In 2008 we have begun our "Valley Campaign" of community service in which we are taking our living history groups "on the road" to provide interactive education for Arizona families in their own communities.

And now we are planning and continuing onward with other special, family-oriented educational events featuring the many soldiers and civilians of the 1st Virginia Infantry and 1st Minnesota Infantry as we move forward toward exciting roles and opportunities with the Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the Civil War or War Between the States.

We Make History Virginia had its beginnings in 2006 and moved forward in earnest in 2008. We are very proud of our Virginia and Maryland We Make History Family and are currently holding two historic Balls per year as well as living history days, portrayals and participating in large-scale historic events. We Make History Virginia is growing rapidly and we expect to be focusing more time in the Old Dominion as our East Coast activities expand.

We also begin to step forward with our dream of building a Center for Heritage, Education and the Arts. This facility will include a formal historic ballroom, educational space, 18th and 19th century living history villages with numerous buildings and exhibits, an area for hands on agricultural history, a great open space for battle reenacting, a theatre, gift shop and more!

During a typical year we join in supportively for a number of cultural, social, educational, charitable and historical events and Lord Scott often receives inquiries regarding being master of ceremonies, giving a speech or doing a dramatic portrayal for charity fundraisers, formal events, holiday events and patriotic gatherings. Our annual 18th century picnic in Prescott is always enjoyable as are We Make History "family gatherings," our annual Christmas Party, outings to classical music and theatrical productions, participation in 4th of July Parades, dramatic presentations, seminars, workshops and much, much more!

We are justly renowned for our formal dance events and cover quite a bit of historical territory, ranging from Elizabethan and Jacobean to Colonial and Georgian to Regency and Victorian in the eras covered. Most focus on the dance, fashion and culture of a specific period such as the Pride & Prejudice Ball, Victorian Christmas Ball or our annual Civil War Ball. Our most elegant Grand Ball of the year is Her Majesty's Ball which focuses on the Baroque and Georgian periods of the 18th century. George Washington's Birthday Ball welcomes Americans of all time periods. Our annual summer event, the lively Scottish oriented Highland Ball has its own unique flavor as well. In the Spring of 2007 our Jamestown Ball celebrated the 400th anniversary of the birth of America and in September of 2007 we began putting southern Arizona on our historic dance map with the Tucson Barn Dance.

Over a number of seasons of love and labor we have grown these Balls to the point that the largest involve as many as 300 people with probably three quarters of that number in some level of historic attire. Our We Make History family ranges from children to seniors but at our Balls teens and twenties make up the largest generational component. At present all planned dance events are geared toward all levels of experience but perhaps in the future we might hold a smaller event aimed at those with a desire for greater historical depth. At such an event we would be striving for an experience of greater immersion through such means as required historic style clothing, historic personas and greater attention to the details of etiquette. Be that as it may, the main focus of We Make History has been and shall continue to be an inclusive one which gladly welcomes and embraces the newcomer while providing enjoyment for the veteran as well.

Regarding the Balls....

Q: Why historic dance?

A: It is amazing and encouraging to reflect upon the comments I receive which indicate that so much good is being accomplished for diverse people in diverse ways through these historic dance events. I've been told of marriages strengthened, families united and young persons inspired to seek higher standards. Historical reenactors have an opportunity to practice their hobby and educate others. Homeschooling families find a social activity which is wholesome, educational and enjoyed by all ages. High school and college students discover that history can be quite interesting and that there is something truly appealing about the formality, grace, civility and respect which are part of an historic Ball. Married couples who want a night out dancing together are given a positive experience which I have been told by many has helped to strengthen relationships. Singles who enjoy dance but don't want to be "hit on" find an atmosphere of respect and chivalry.
Historic dance gives us an opportunity to learn about the people, manners, and thinking of the past and perhaps experience the joy of recovering aspects of our wonderful (but often ignored or forgotten) cultural heritage. Historic dance is clean fun, good exercise and we believe a valuable asset in learning proper attitudes toward other ladies and gentlemen, particularly members of the opposite sex. Young (as well as older) persons are put in a framework of looking upon the other gender not as mere objects but as real persons worthy of grace, respect and honorable treatment. Since historic dances were multi-generational events, they are wonderful family activities and a good tool for connecting age groups who might otherwise have little interaction with one another. Historic dance also gives the opportunity for all of us to polish our manners. The pleasant, cheerful formality of such an evening stands as an enjoyable contrast to what is often experienced in our modern culture at large. Last but not least, historic dance makes people happy.
If you would like to witness a room full of joyful, smiling faces attend a “We Make History” historic Ball!

Q: Must I be an experienced dancer to attend?

A: While some among us have years of experience with various dance forms, many are novices or complete newcomers who are really enjoying the learning process. The dances we do are mostly quite simple and easy to learn. We typically hold a practice before each Ball and our dance masters (“callers”) do a good job of explaining the figures (steps) throughout the evening as well. Also keep in mind that most of what we do are simple, social (group oriented) dances such as reels, quadrilles, circle dances, cotillions (mixers), marches and historic American, English, Scottish and French “country dances.” We haven’t had anyone yet who wasn’t able to join right in, and learning as a group really is a great deal of fun!

Q: What ages may attend and join in the dancing?

A: Historically, young people began joining in adult social events such as dances in their early teens. From experience we have found that our ancestors knew what they were doing and for reasons of safety and respect for all attending we follow an adapted version of their historic practice. All ages from thirteen on up are welcome to join in the dancing at our events. And our usual policy at We Make History is that ages 8 to 12 are also welcome if their parents would like to bring them and deem them to be of sufficient maturity.

Q: Will you ever organize events specifically for younger children?

A: As mentioned, it seems that our ancestors knew what they were doing when they generally considered the early teens as the acceptable age to begin joining in Balls and other adult social activities. But I am looking into the possibility of holding civility classes and then a "Children's Ball" especially for those from six to twelve years old. The purpose would be to instruct in dance, general good manners, dance etiquette and respect for the opposite gender. Historically, young children from good families did receive such instruction for many years so that when they were finally of an age (and height) to be admitted to the ballroom, both their dancing and social skills were well polished and ready.

Q: How authentic are attendees in terms of looking like a person from another time?

A: We congratulate ourselves that through loving care, encouragement and sound instruction our number of people who own historic style attire has grown over several years from perhaps a dozen to hundreds. Some attendees have become quite knowledgeable and have invested untold hours and thousands of dollars to obtain extensive wardrobes with high levels of authenticity. Others are new to reenacting or portraying history and just beginning to get outfitted. Thus we have people from the full range of the "learning curve" and at varying degrees of authenticity all the way from the high school theater or costume shop level to quality reenacting ensembles to wardrobes of museum quality. Some sew from copies of actual historic patterns, some from adaptations of historic patterns and some from modern patterns with an historic flair. Some alter modern clothing to look “historic.” Some have clothing made by businesses or seamstresses who are skilled with historic reproductions. Some rent costumes. Some come in modern attire, tuxes or suits and ties for gentlemen and evening gowns or “prom dresses” for ladies. Many first attended in modern clothing or rented costumes, thoroughly enjoyed themselves and have been inspired to become more authentic since. All of these are welcome!
Note: Modern casual wear is inappropriate. Those dressing in modern clothing should choose formal or at least semi-formal evening attire.

Q: Where does everyone obtain their beautiful historic attire?

This is one of the questions we are most commonly asked. When we first began holding historic balls there weren't more than a few of us who possessed historic attire. But we have been blessed to help literally hundreds of people onto the path of the deeper experience of history that comes through learning about and wearing appropriate historic fashions. Those in modern formal attire - though always welcome - are now a distinct minority as so many enjoy being part of a beautiful historic assembly.

But for their first Ball or two many do arrive in modern evening wear or in rented costumes. That is fine. And there are costume shops we can recommend for the neophyte. But most move on to owning their own historic reproduction attire - whether made themselves or purchased from quality suppliers. We hold workshops from time to time to teach historic fashion and have some very helpful articles posted on our website which may be accessed from the We Make History main page. At these workshops we discuss appropriate fashions for different people in different roles at different times, go into background information as to various influences on the fashions of different periods and also discuss very practical matters such as the best patterns for certain items and helpful sewing tips. Twice per year we also hold an "historic fabric tour" where we take a group on a tour of fabric history and discuss the best uses of various fabrics available today for use in historical contexts and applications relating to garment construction.

Q: Why must those in modern attire be dressed at a formal or semi-formal level in order to attend a We Make History Ball?

A: There are several reasons for this and they are important to us. (1) An historic ball is a beautiful spectacle with many people resplendent in gorgeous period attire which they have made considerable investment in. To put someone in the midst in modern casual attire is unpleasant, disrespectful, jarring to the eye and disturbing to the beauty of the scene. (2) One of our primary motivations behind these events is to inspire and raise people to a higher level of culture. It is our opinion that the laissez faire attitude toward attire and appearance which has pervaded society since the sixties has contributed to various aspects of social decline. The clothes we wear can help to lift us (and others) up or to pull ourselves (and others) down. We have heard from many people of all ages of their experience that the very fact of being dressed well at the Balls and seeing others who are the same is a major factor in inspiring an aspiration to "best behavior" and engendering a greater respect for one's self and others. Though we occasionally hold a more casual "Country Ball" such as the Tucson Barn Dance, and just for fun a creative/imaginative offering such as the Buccaneers' Ball most of our dance events are indeed "Grand Balls" and thus are more formal in nature.

Q: Is it necessary to portray a historic person and stay “in character” in order to attend a We Make History Ball?

A: No, it is by no means necessary though those who would like to do so are encouraged. Those who are willing may choose a historical person to portray or may create a character who would have been “typical” of the times. Be sure to do your homework so that you may converse and interact “in character”. (I realize that this could potentially create some non-historical situations (such as Grant and Lee at the same Ball or Marie Antoinette and Josephine Bonaparte engaged in conversation) but chalk it up to good, creative, educational fun.) Also keep in mind that we are endeavoring to recreate pleasant social events attended by ladies and gentlemen. While portrayals of various social and economic backgrounds are welcome (after all President Jackson was known to have frontiersmen in attendance at White House events and French Republicans of the 1790s weren’t always what one might term a “belle assemblée”) yet portrayals of immoral or unethical characters such as gunslingers, prostitutes, "saloon girls", criminals or others who would have generally been unacceptable to decent people would be inappropriate. The host of the event would be the final arbiter if such a case were ever to develop.

We attract a very gracious, higher class group of ladies and gentlemen to our events. All are expected to behave with the manners, decorum, tastefulness, grace and gratitude appropriate to gentility and it has been our experience so far that such has always been the case. However, if there were ever a circumstance when harassment, threats or other obnoxious behavior were displayed such a person would be told to leave. The same would apply to anyone exhibiting the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Their use as well as the use of tobacco products is not permitted during these events. Spurs cannot be worn nor may historic footwear have exposed nails. No one wants to scratch a floor! Likewise, the small-minded, petty person with a desire to criticize rather than uplift, to tear down rather than to build up, to complain and whine rather than show thanks and gratitude, would be best to go elsewhere. Without grace, respect and good manners one has no claim whatsoever to any level of historic authenticity within the setting of an historic Ball.

Q: Have you considered extra instruction to help people get better acquainted with historic dance and fashion?

A: Most Balls have a social hour and often some dance practice scheduled just prior to the main event. I encourage all to take advantage of such opportunities. But we really do tend to keep to the simpler forms of the various eras we portray and the response I’ve gotten from many people has been something like “The dances really turned out to be very easy to learn and we are so busy we wouldn’t have had time to come for an extra lesson anyway.”
Occasionally we hold a "School of The Reenactor." It has been a great success. In one workshop we focus on how to research and develop a historic persona and in another we introduce basic acting skills and techniques. Historic dance, period clothing, etiquette and music as well as themes such as general historical background and culture of the era are topics which have been addressed.

Q: Could We Make History send me an email telling me all I need to know to hold an historic ball?

A: You'd be surprised how often we get this question which would immediately strike a thoughtful person with not only its practical absurdity but also its profound level of either ignorance or disrespect.

Regarding Battle & Historical Reenacting....

Q: Why the reenactment of battles and historic military life?

The answer to this is three-fold.

1. Honour

If done well military reenacting gives us the opportunity to honour those who have gone before us, who sacrificed so much to bequeath to us the heritage we share and all the blessings which come through it.

2. Education

This is in itself two-fold. We have a focus and commitment to service, to sharing our knowledge and what we have learned with the public. The examples go on and on of persons of all ages who have become excited and interested in history through interacting with the We Make History family. Education is also a personal goal as we all continue to learn of those who have gone before us and then share the knowledge gained through our portrayals.

3. Inspiration

Learning of the noble character, aspirations, motivations and actions of so many who went before us gives us encouragement, tools and respect to carry forward in our day to day lives. For men in particular battle reenacting gives a sense of standing literally shoulder to shoulder in a common cause. The lessons of teamwork, leadership, loyalty and commitment which we find in history can be given a greater sense of poignancy, of reality when experienced on the "battlefield" which can translate well into real life in the real world. In our very individualistic society We Make History's military reenacting groups give men a rare opportunity to experience, ponder and put some of these lessons into effect in their own lives. Personal character development is the result.

Q: What military oriented reenacting groups does We Make History offer?

Currently these are George Washington's Army, the 1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry and the new 1st Minnesota Infantry. George Washington's Army of the American Revolution incorporates several elements of of the American "Continental Army" including regulars of the Continental Line, militia and riflemen. The 1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry recreates a "gentlemen's regiment" of the War Between the States and has traveled as far as Virginia to participate as part of the "Stonewall Brigade" at the Battle of Manassas, to take part in Jackson's Flank Attack at Chancellorsville and to be part of the famous Battles of New Market and Cedar Creek. From these experiences the 1st Virginia has won national recognition and an unprecedented award on the East Coast. The 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry is the newest addition to our list of in-house family-oriented reenacting groups and recreates one of the Union's most distinguished regiments. Upcoming events include the Battle of Poland Junction, The Battle of Payson, Action at Cook Plantation, the American Heritage Festival and 150th anniversary of the Civil War reenactments such as 1st Manassas in the summer of 2011. If interested in participating in one of these fine family friendly reenacting groups please contact us.

Q: Are there roles for civilians as well?

Certainly! When representing a time period such as the American Revolution or the War Between the States we enthusiastically welcome and include diverse civilian representation of men, women and children of all ages. Our civilians are not a sideshow. They are central to our family mission and to our educational mission!

Q: We have heard (or experienced) that some reenacting groups or events are either unsafe or not a wholesome environment for families. Is this true?

Unfortunately this is sometimes true. This is part of the reason that We Make History activities are "in house" and thus we are able to determine and hold to high standards. But when considering involvement in "outside" events We Make History is very careful regarding what we participate in and who we participate with. We are passionate about good, positive, uplifting historical education for families. We will NOT compromise the safety or values of the We Make History family. Thus there are certain events and groups we choose not to be involved with. Period.

Attending WMH Events...

Q: Where are We Make History events located and where do people attend from?

We Make History is active throughout Arizona and Virginia as well. Our Arizona events have been held in the Phoenix area, Prescott, Flagstaff, Payson and Tucson. The American Heritage Festival takes place each year in Queen Creek, Arizona. Our historic Balls in Virginia have so far taken place in Loudoun or Fairfax Counties and we have been involved in historical reenacting and living history throughout Virginia and in Maryland as well. The We Make History family attends from Arizona, Virginia ... and from many other states as well.

Q: What about attendance and passes for We Make History events?

A: We have many times been asked how such a wonderful event can be organized and produced and yet the price remain so low. Some have even encouraged us to raise the prices. The answer is that the events are not done out of a profit motive but are a labor of love with the goal of providing an enjoyable, educational, inspirational and beneficial historic experience for all attending. These events are designed to be memorable occasions.
We do try to keep the cost as low as possible, yet we must cover expenses and also convey a sense of value - of presenting something special. Though these events are not put on primarily for profit, a great deal of time and expense is invested to create, publicize and organize an event which will be enjoyed and long remembered. Much is involved and invested that the public will never see nor be aware of. Expenses need to be recouped. Our typical advance adult request for a Ball never goes higher than twenty five dollars. For the American Heritage Festival the cost ranges from six to ten dollars. Consider that a movie, popcorn and a coke at a theater can quickly add up to near twenty dollars and perhaps you’ll understand why we think our events are an excellent value for a tremendous and memorable experience! Nevertheless, a person or family desiring to attend who honestly can’t afford the price won’t be turned away if they will only contact us at least two weeks in advance so that appropriate arrangements may be made. We also occasionally need extra volunteers who are willing to help at an event and this is another way that something amenable can be worked out.
We Make History not only offers more historic dance and other events per annum than any other group, society or organization in the country but we are welcoming, family-friendly and go to great lengths to help educate and prepare our people. Yet withal, ours are among the most inexpensive events in the nation though visitors from across the country have often attested that the experience we provide is superb. I will continue in my endeavor to keep these events both high quality and affordable.
Our historic dance events are becoming more and more popular (especially among teens, twenties and families) and often fill up – sometimes weeks in advance. The number of passes for each Ball is limited and there are no reservations. They are available on a first come, first serve basis. Special rates are nearly always offered to students under 21 and discounts are often available for large families and for groups of thirty or more who make arrangements in advance. "At door" passes (when available) are always at a higher contribution amount than those acquired in advance.

Q: Are any other types of events or activities being considered?

A: Yes! Another area I am beginning to consider is that of producing films and/or larger dramatic presentations with historic themes. These could be incredible educational tools and good, positive entertainment as well. I also suspect that there is a great deal of untapped talent among our We Make History family; talent that I would be very pleased to help identify and develop.

 

We look forward to having you join us at an historic Ball, historical reenactment, or other "We Make History" historic event.

 

Q: How do you like white linen?

A: Very well! The finer and brighter the better.

 

Your friend, servant & benefactor

in a good & noble cause,

 

Lord Scott

 

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