A New Course Charted for the English Speaking World Sept 27, 1066

William as depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry 

On this day in history, Sept 27th 1066, William of Normandy set sail for England. Change had already been in the wind for England since the death of Edward the Confessor, the previous king of England, without an heir. Several claimants had made raids into England but nothing had been settled. Harold Godwinson the English lord had been crowned King earlier in the year but his challenges to the throne came from William, who had a claim to the throne, and Harald Hadrada, King of Norway.

In what may seem only somewhat understandable today, given the popularity of the television show Game of Thrones, even then office did not mean legitimacy, power, and clear ascension. Sometimes breaking the rules and making the rules made the rules. It was certainly the case with William who survived in a lord-eat-lord world of the 11th century Europe. But much has changed since then in the world. These days peaceful changes of power happen at a fairly even rate and frequency now, but they are still not without pitfalls, such as the first televised debate of the 2016 election. It would also seem a bit naive to also ignore the amount of violence in the world in matters of control and power. The world is still a dangerous place to be, and will probably always be so.

Whether Old English or Middle English, Anglo-Norman, French, Latin or whatever, men on horse with spears and swords send a pretty clear message.

The Norman Invasion also changed England's lexicon; ushering in Middle English from Old English. Up until this time, "English" was still very German as a result of the Saxon invasions. The earliest known English classic, "Beowulf", was written in this language. The Norman Conquest happened not only in force but in language. English was relegated to common people while Anglo-Norman was the language of the court. This meant the importation of the French language as well as more Latin into business and legal vocabulary. It also changed pronunciation and grammar into a form that we can recognize today.

Still, the decision of William to assemble his armies and ships and press his claim for good or ill fundamentally changed the English speaking world, even the US. The lesson I choose to learn from this is that bold endeavors have the chance to change everything, and they can affect the outcome of so many people's lives. Be bold and press on.

National Park Centennial Celebration Part II

Limited Edition' Junior Ranger Badge for the Centennial

Earlier last month on this blog I described the goals and interpretive offerings of the National Parks. This second part was supposed to be done quickly for August but it did not work out as planned, so this blog post will look at what a local park did for last month's event. Since the actual date of the signing of the Organic Act took place on August 25th, it fell on a Thursday this year. I was at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park on that day, but being a weekday it was not very busy. In fact, many of the visitors were not very aware that it was the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Park Service until Park personnel told them so. Perhaps wisely, the Park did not have any special events that day and were going to have a special events on the weekend. Still, it was a good time to get a few of those free cancellation stamps for the Passport book I own with the 100th date on there. They even had a 'limited edition' Centennial Junior Ranger Badge.

Actual Woodrow Wilson

Abraham Lincoln NHP's weekend program included a historical presenter of President Woodrow Wilson, Judd Bankert. The program included a meet-n'-greet, formal presentation program by "Mr. Wilson", and an afternoon program with the staff. Mr Wilson turned out nattily dressed in sport coat, slacks, and straw boater hat, each of which was meticulously researched. His interpretive program covered his presidency, the Great War, and his stroke, and he took questions and answers. The afternoon program included a brief speech by the Park's Chief of Interpretation and the speech that Mr. Wilson made on his arrival at the park in Sept. 1916 to accept the deed of the park on behalf of the American people. Following this speech "Mr. Wilson" reenacted the signing of both the Park's enabling legislation (the law that created the park) and the Organic Act which created the Park Service. From then on the formal special event was over for the day.

Historical Presenter of Woodrow Wilson

Having a historical presenter channel President Wilson and give first and third person interpretation is a great way to make a connection to a historical person, especially a presenter that really researches his subject. The classic presentation followed by Q&A is a great way to introduce a subject, explain it, go into detail, and check for questions afterward. Having a flexible first and third person format allows the presenter to answer the question more fully in a way that allows the research to speak but also reveals the opinion of the researcher. Giving the same speech that was given 100 years ago on a similar occasion has the power to use Power of Place, time in context, and quotation to move people to think about what these places mean to us. On the other hand, it can be difficult for a visiting crowd to long endure heat, humidity, and long speeches followed by signing two pieces or paper.

Signing legislation: cutting edge interpretation?

The 100th anniversary of the National Park Service will continue to go throughout the rest of the year. There is still plenty of time to go enjoy the 412 Parks and celebrate with them and see the rugged beauty or experience our American past, or go on a Ranger tour, or go do something you have never done before. The Parks are a great resource and something special that we get to enjoy, so please go out and visit, support, and promote the National Park Service.