Do you only give one type of presentation? Actually, we give ~several~ distinct presentations and
are currently expanding beyond the Middle Ages into Ancient history and Colonial history shows. See the following link, CLICK HERE In addition, customized lectures are also welcome but can require lead time so definitely inquire. Because history, technology and art are intertwined , and are studied from the vantage point of history classes, art classes and english classes, we have often delivered presentations to these respective classes who want more insight into the period they are covering. Our presentations can be a great way to anchor a study unit for your students: visual memory is strongest.
What is your educational and/or professional background? Mr Young possesses a BA in history and significant graduate work at Georgetown University, emphasizing historical technology and experimental archeology (making accurately detailed replicas for experimentation). Because archeology and experimental archeology relies heavily on artwork (since it is our visual link to the past) ; understanding artistic technique, stylization and the artist's interpretation is a critical part of his research. His own library contains nearly 3000 books. In addition to presenting his work and lecturing to the Smithsonian Institution, the National Cathedral, The Corcoran, and The Walter's Art Gallery, he has worked on, consulted for, and done promotional work for movies including Joan of Arc and The Lord of the Rings. He also authors many articles on history and historical perspectives. Mr Young has also worked as a professional actor and is well known for his jovial sense of irony and humor.
Is this a hobby for you? We actually deliver over 100 presentations (and growing) each year. This is a full time job for at least 5 months out of the year; researching, making replicas, and preparing alone takes up to 6 weeks. The shows themselves last about 3.5 months full time...a very intensive schedule. In addition, Mr. Young maintains ties to the academic community by regularly building high end reproductions for private clients, living historians and discriminating collectors.
Are you a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Renaissance Festival or Medieval Times?
Mr Young was once an official member of the society for creative anachronism (SCA) back in the early 90s; and he duly credits the society for its role in inspiring him to pursue academic studies. Yet while the SCA has a plethora of members, it's general level of authenticity and innate schoarlarship is really not comparable to living history groups or serious academic researchers. Thus many folks seeking a higher level of authenticity split off to start their own group which concentrates on one specific time/place. As for Renaissance Festivals or Medieval Times: these places are not academically oriented by a long shot, and should be viewed purely as generic "medievalism" and entertainment only.
What else do you do? Mr Young operates several small businesses, including this one. He also builds high end or museum- level historical reproductions as well as authentically detailed movie costumes and props for a range of clients including museums and private collectors. In addition, he operates a furniture repair and antique restoration business.
Are all the 'History' shows the same? If they are the same type of show, they follow a similar format but are never carbon copies of each other; just as a theatrical play is never identical to the next. For our different types of shows, see here CLICK HERE Because no location, nor audience, nor situation is exactly the same, we devised a means to compartmentalize the presentations so we can closely tailor them to to the time allotted and so the shows end on a tidy note. That being said Mr Young has a number of core topics he attempts to discuss per the presentations description. These core topics can be expanded if time allows but are almost invariably touched upon. However even for shorter than average shows, say 45 minutes, Mr Young will try cover the core topics in most cases; the primary difference between it and a longer show is how in depth he can go regarding a topic. In all cases, your students will see the full set up and extensive number of reproductions and replicas. In addition, many schools ask Mr Young to skim over certain sections as they have already covered that topic or, are not able to view a full show. So, ultimately, each show is a little different based on various factors; no two shows are the same.
What do you talk about? Depends on the show. See this link, CLICK HERE
Why do you use the term "an approximate target start time" The reality of an travelling museum with so much to load, unload is a challenging job. We aim for a target time as close to humanly possible but within about 15-20 minutes of that ideal start time. This initially strikes some people as odd because they are not necessarily used to traveling around to a new location each day, setting up a show in a different environment, in different circumstances etc. Sometimes we hear the phrase, "why cant you simply allot more time for travelling" As much as he would like to, Mr Young is not always able to allot more time, nor can he account for a heavier flow of traffic etc in your neck of the woods *we are not always familiar with all the short cuts you might use to avoid heavy traffic or construction. More to the point, travel time itself can be limited amidst several schools each day. This is why we urge that you budget a two (2) hour envelope of time into which the show will be presented. If its a pm show for example, have your students pack their bags and bring them with them. That will allow you some flex time too. We cant emphasize the number of times Mr Young has been ready to speak or been ahead of schedule only to be delayed by a host school, center, museum that does not have tables ready, a place for Mr Young to park (and unload), helpers to assist in unpacking, and so on. So, as of late 2004 we felt the need to back away from specific start times and emphasize an envelope of time. Fortunately 99% of our school clients understand this change in policy. See our schedule details here and check list policies here
Why do you include humor in your academic talks? Studies show that both adults and children who laugh actually live longer and are healthier. Studies have also shown that we learn best when we are relaxed when learning. Of course the presentations are factually based and include audience interaction to get them to think. Mr Young keeps his personal charactor down-to-earth and his 'clean' age appropriate sense of humor is loved by audiences. It is a fun and informative show.
Will you talk about everything you brought? In most cases Mr Young tries to discuss most of the things he brought. In some cases, if teachers and the audience seem more interested in one area, he will try to accomidate their interests.
What do we have to do to prepare for your show? To make any presentation work best, we need you to follow our critical show check list as it helps ensure the best possible show for your audience. Please read and print out Critical Show Check List. (click here)
What 'makes' for the best show? Well, we prefer an upbeat and positive atmosphere. In cases where students are "warned to listen," there is often an uneasy tension in that audience which prohibits the students from having fun while they learn. Please read, the Critical Show Check List. (click)
