Service learning project proposal

S.U.U. Living History Re-Enactment Coalition

Dr. Mulderink

November 27,2001

Southern Utah University Living History Coalition Was meant as a re-enactment club, to study our heritage and history (American). The American people have always had their own ways of doing things, such as making light (candles), making fire, making clothing out of what was available, etc.

The people of this country have always had goals and dreams, some to raise good, God-fearing families, some to utilize what the land offered to gain great riches.

As the people expanded ever westward and strived for freedom from tyranny,

The goals of some turned to the cause of freedom, while some remained focused on what the land had to offer.

Through the trials of a new nation, through the civil war, and fur trade era, to mass westward migration, our great country has survived and thrived.

The goal of the Southern Utah University Living History Coalition was to learn about the every day lives and events of the people that made this land what it is today, by studying, and re-living events from 1500 A.D. to around 1840 A.D..

By re-enactment one can gain a better understanding of many of the aspects of our history and culture that cannot be found in books, and creates in the participant, an appreciation of what our ancestors lived through and had to endure.

It was hoped that the "club" could be up and running by the end of Fall Semester, 2001, with officers in place, and have at least one event planned, but, it was not to be.

The forming of this "club" would give an opportunity for anyone interested in history, both on, or off campus, to "get to know their past". It was a hope that The Iron Mountain Men organization might get involved, but no interest was shown by their leadership.

First contact was made by the author to the Booshway (president) of the Iron Mountain men, inc., who saw no need for a "second" club in Cedar City. Contact was then made with a couple of S.U.U. faculty members (trying for a faculty advisor), with no success, An attempt was then made to contact the student body of S.U.U., resulting in the loss of the author’s computer privileges for a day or two (apparently, trying to E-mail a lot of people at once is not allowed by school regulations-"spamming").

Next, Notices were drawn up, and two copies were hung in every building on campus for approximately 3 weeks, getting only minimal results.

Without enough names on the reply list and without a faculty advisor, it was decided to try and go off campus, and start over.

Contact was made with Iron Mission State Park, where the idea was once again met with opposition, as they could not take any more student projects until further notice.

An S.U.U. living history club could have a great effect on how we view our nations past. There are many groups who could be potential "partners", such as members (not leaders) of The Iron Mountain Men, inc., The Anasazi Mountain men, the Paiute tribal council, and The National Coalition Of Historical Trekkers.

Having been involved in several living history re-enactments (rendezvous), it is the belief of the author that there is no one that would not benefit in some way from discussion of, and participation in such events as the club could offer.

As with any event for any organization, the student workload would increase immediately before each scheduled event. The first event would have to be an organizational meeting, including election of officers, setting of rules, and by-laws, then discussion of possible events in which all club members are involved. The student would also be in charge of making or otherwise procuring their own clothing or uniforms period correct for the event, this would also include weaponry, Art, lodging, eating utensils, etc.

There are a plethora of books about early American history, and many different accounts of the same events. S.U.U. library holds many such books. There are many Web-sites on the Internet that are solely dedicated to living history re-enactment, such as The National Coalition of Historical Trekkers, The mountain man association ( originally founded by a gentleman from Kannarraville, Ut.), and a plethera of sights dedicated to re-enactment of Revolutionary and Civil War events.

Conclusion:

Although lack of time, and lack of support has halted this project so far, it should be feasible in the future--if we can find the right people, and get it off the ground.