Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site of Canada |
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©Bob Campbell (2004) Presented here by Special Permission Last Updated April 2004 |
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Introduction | back to top | ||||
Relax! This is not a government document. It is not a list of rules. And it certainly is not an attempt to regulate arbitrarily the fun and passion you experience when you visit an historic site as a reenactor.
What this document is, is an attempt to better clarify what Fort Rodd Hill expects from you as volunteers and, in return, what you can expect from the site itself.
While I am the author of this document, I openly and freely admit to borrowing from other sources. I will either quote directly when I am doing this or I will introduce my source when paraphrasing. It is also important to note that I am writing this as a fellow reenactor with an insider’s view of Parks Canada, not as a government official.
In addition, the following group of individuals have provided insightful help, information and guidance when writing this document:
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Fort Rodd Hill NHSC commemorates the national significance of the Victoria-Esquimalt coast artillery fortress in the defence of Victoria and the naval base at Esquimalt harbour, as part of the larger defence strategy of the British Empire and Canada, 1878 to 1956. Other important messages are the shift from British to Canadian responsibility for our national defence, and the evolution over time of the V-E Fortress in response to changing threats to Canada’s sovereignty.
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Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site officially opened its doors to the public in 1962. Since that time the site has gone from being a nice green-space with closed ‘old buildings’ to the premier 20th Century military site in the Parks Canada system.
Costumed reenactment has evolved through two distinct phases. During the mid-1970s, the site received approximately 2 dozen sets of replica Royal Marine Artillery uniforms. In addition to these uniforms, approximately 6 sets of Slade-Wallace gear were reproduced to accompany the uniforms. This equipment was used by a group of Parks Canada staff that drilled around the site. When the number of interpretive staff was reduced from 13 to 2 over the 1980s, this program suffered a great deal. Due to other operational duties, the remaining staff had little opportunity for costumed interpretation and the ability to drill as a group was impossible.
In the late 1990s, the site received a grant from a program called kids@parks that was used to create child-sized RMA & WWII uniforms. In addition to these smaller uniforms, adult-sized Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWAC) replica uniforms were created for staff use. When these uniforms are not being used by staff, they can be requested for use by reenactors wishing to portray the CWAC. Note: As with any other period, those wishing to portray the CWAC must research the role and be able to discuss the role of the CWAC within the Victoria-Esquimalt fortifications.
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In addition to the acquisition of new uniforms, the development of reenactment events at Rodd Hill has greatly aided costumed interpretation. The first military reenactment weekend occurred on the May long-weekend in 1997. That small event has evolved into what is likely the largest annual Canadian military reenactment event west of the Great Lakes!
In 2002, the site expanded the reenactment events to include the 20th Century Garrison Family Picnic weekend in August and the School of the Soldier/Lantern Tour at the end of September.
As of the fall of 2003, a new Korean War period event is being planned by volunteers with the help of site staff. This event will likely occur in April of 2004 and will commemorate the work of Canadians in Korea, specifically touching on the battle of Kapyong which saw the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) winning the United States Presidential Citation.
The site is always willing to entertain new ideas for reenactment events, especially those outside of the busier summer months. Please contact the site with any ideas you may have.
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The reenactment season at Fort Rodd Hill runs from the May long-weekend until the end of September with a breakdown as follows:
In addition to the above events, daily reenactments occur on a regular basis over the busier summer months. If any reenactor wishes to volunteer in addition to the scheduled events, please contact the site at (250) 478-5849.
It is important to emphasize that reenactments at Fort Rodd Hill are based on a strong partnership between the site and the Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse Preservation Society. Indeed, while the site may host an event and staff may support the event, the organization of the event itself is the result of planning by society volunteers and staff members volunteering their time outside of work hours. Other than donating the use of the site and site resources, Parks Canada does not provide financial support to these events.
Note: For further information on special events, please see Appendix A: Special Events
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Note on styles of interpretation: The fort currently encourages “third-person omniscient” interpretation among site staff, but reenactors are encouraged to utilize a variety of styles to give the visitor a memorable experience. The site defines third-person interpretation as a costumed individual who places themselves in the historical context of a time period, but does not strictly adhere to the role as a first-person reenactor would. Also known as “ghost interpretation,” third-person interpretation allows the reenactor to step out of the past and answer questions relating to other time periods. Most importantly, it allows the reenactor to help the public put the history being portrayed into perspective.
The most successful events are usually a “mixed interpretive event,” one that utilizes both first- and third-person characterizations. A good example of this is British Camp at San Juan Island NHP, where a costumed individual greets the public and puts the event into context for the visitor before they meet first-person reenactors.
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1. The Administration house is not to be used for reenactment purposes unless pre-arranged with Parks Canada staff. With prior notice, the following uses will be considered:
Note: Due to the small size of the house’s hot water tank, showers and use of the washing machine are not permitted.
2. The site has a small selection of historic uniforms that may be borrowed with advance notice. Sizes and styles are limited so please contact the site if you are interested.
3. First-aid kits and fire extinguishers are located in all buildings and are available if the need arises. Please contact a staff member or site volunteer in either case.
4. Women’s and men’s toilets will be open all day and night. As these are your facilities for the duration of the event, please help keep them clean and well stocked. If a staff member is unavailable during a busy period, feel free to restock any items needed with the supplies available.
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May (Victoria Day) long weekend
Theme: The various military groups of the Pacific northwest, from 1790 to 1956, and their civilian contemporaries.
Goals: To provide a venue for reenactors to demonstrate the various military and civilian groups who occupied the physical territory from Fort Vancouver on the Columbia River to the northern coast of British Columbia, from 1790 to 1956.
Objectives: It is hoped that the public will leave the fort with a better understanding of the diverse, exciting and interrelated history of the described area and time period.
Notes: Any reenactor wishing to portray the Royal Marine Artillery (RMA) may borrow bits of kit owned by the site. Sizes and availability of kit is limited. Please contact the site for more information. Also, the Upper Battery Guardhouse will be made available to any group willing to portray the RMA. In addition, 20th Century reenactors wishing to use the Casemate Barracks may do so with prior notice.
Themes: 20th Century (1900 – 1956) military history with a special focus on the life of families in the military during peacetime.
Goals: To relate to the visitor the experiences of families (in dependant camps) at Fort Rodd Hill during peacetime.
Objectives: It is hoped that the public will leave the event with a better understanding of the fort’s function during peacetime and experience of families during the summer garrison camps.
Notes: Reenactors wishing to use the Casemate Barracks may do so with prior notice.
School of the Soldier/Lantern Tour
Themes: Fort Rodd Hill, part of the Victoria-Esquimalt fortifications, underwent many changes during its use as a coastal artillery fortress.
Goals: To relate to the visitor a sampling of everyday activities from various time periods in the fort’s history (1897-1956).
Objectives: It is hoped that the visitor will realize that Fort Rodd Hill was only a small part of the Victoria-Esquimalt fortifications. It is also desirable that the visitor understand that the VE Fortress adapted over time to meet the new potential threats to the area.
Notes: Any reenactor wishing to portray the Royal Marine Artillery (RMA) may borrow bits of kit owned by the site. Sizes and availability of kit are limited. Please contact the site for more information. Various buildings around the site may be used as barracks. Please arrange to do so ahead of time, as space is very limited.
Scenarios
Note: For additional information on each individual scenario, please consult the specific event guide.
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Although this may seem like an obvious point, everyone has a differing opinion on what is and what is not allowed in terms of behaviour at reenactments. While certain issues may be a grey area (period slang and terminology that may be offensive today) and can be discussed with site staff, the following rules are not open to interpretation:
One of the most important aspects of good conduct is respect. Treat not only the public but also your fellow reenactors with the same respect you’d expect from them.
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