Re-Enactors in archäologischen Freilichtmuseen: Motive und didaktische Konzepte

Abstract

The term ‘living history’, in Germany often translated as lebendige/wiederbelebte/erlebte Geschichte, stands for a specific form of popular representation of history. While it has its roots in the USA, it might almost be called a global phenomenon today. The English term ‘reenactment’ is quite often used as a synonym, but originally referred to the replay or reenactment of concrete historical events (often battles), while living history tries to simulate living conditions of the past in the present. Reenactments at open air museums seem to be popular because they emanate a hands-on and authentic atmosphere. Reenactors often employ a whole range of visual, acoustic and haptic possibilities. This specific kind of historical representation is based on the persuasiveness of the ‘real’, the ‘tangible’, and the ‘comprehensible’. Reconstructions and performances arouse public interest and in doing so the mediated conceptions of history (Geschichtsbilder) have a lasting effect.
In this article I focuse on the re-enactors’ motives to engage in living history activities and on their didactical concepts. The paper is founded upon empirical research, mainly interviews with some group-members of the so-called Ask-Alamanni.