As some of you know I was asked to give a program on medieval arms and armor at the local library. The subject of this summers activities is the middle ages, so I was asked to give a program on the military side of medieval life. Here are a few photos of the evenings activities. I apologize for the bad quality of the photos.

We had a pretty good turn out, honestly it was better than I expected.
[ Linked Image ]
That little fellow in the front row in the glasses and red t-shirt really got into it. Every time I asked a question his hand was the first one up.

[ Linked Image ]
That's my youngest son Sean standing behind me acting as my squire. Squire Mini-Me isn't so mini anymore! Overall things went very well and the adults seemed as interested as the kids. One of the biggest challenges during a program like this is making sure you convey the information without talking over the head of the children. Some of the adults had very good questions that helped move the program along.

[ Linked Image ]
One little guy arrived late and was very disappointed that he missed the program. As it turned out he was the luckiest one of the whole bunch, because he got a one man show and was able to handle a lot of things first-hand that the other kids didn't. He left happy. :D This evening really reminded me how much I miss doing this kind of thing.

And yes, I was sweating like a pig in all of that wool and steel. The Kelly family has also been drafted into the libraries one-day Renaissnce Faire next month. That's going to be outside in August. :eek:

I'm very glad to see that it went well, Patrick! I know that turnout and crowd participation are issues that we just don't know about until they are (or aren't) there. In this case, most of the faces seem intent on actually watching and learning.

I would very much have liked to have been there for this event, hanging out in the back. I, too, really miss doing this type of thing. I'm WAY overdue for a bout of "educate and amaze the kiddies".

The kit has definitely turned out quite nice - hadn't seen the spear before, but it's a solid companion to your helm. Big-time kudos to your seamstress! Way to go, Team Kelly!

Oh, and best of luck surviving the Kansas heat in all that mess!

Hey Patrick...

That's the best way I know to keep history alive for another generation. And even those kiddos that don't become historians are encouraged by a man who brings his hobby into a kids world.

Keep up the good work!

ks

Patrick "you loook marvelous" (thats probably a little dated as far as references go) . Isn't it great when you see the light come on in the little folks eyes and you know that what you've said will stick with them for a LONG time to come.

Thanks guys!

Aaron,
As you know my wife busted her butt all day long getting the clothing part of my kit finish. It's all still a work in progress but I think she did a great job. Just imagine what the spear and helmet look like when they have a shield to go with them. ;)

Kirk,
Yes, it's great seeing the interest in the kids faces. The young ones have a tendency to draw everyone else in too.

Allen,
Though not in these particular photos, your shield was there and was put to good use! These days I'm looking a bit too "mahvelous", if you know what I mean. :D

All that stuff looks great: Cool to have a dad who still knows that an active fantasy life is O.K. ( I guess, unless the kid is the one who thinks like a " DULL NORMAL " )

A good kite shield and a horse would complete the whole thing.

Don't you wish there was a way to rachet down your methabolism so that you could feel as cool as you look. :p :lol:

Hi Patrick,

First of all, congratulations for your teaching program ! I have the deepest respect for people like you who are ready to share their knowledge and passion with the others, and especially children. Teaching something is a really difficult art, notably in this "Playstation-era", so I'm very pleased you did find an interested audience.

Like Kirk said : Keep up the good work !

David

That's fantastic Patrick, and the kit looks great!

Well done, Patrick. My wife does similar demonstrations for American colonial life, having worked at a couple of colonial plantation reenactment sites in a previous life. She finds it very rewarding, and I'm sure that you did, as well. Did you and mini-you make any special efforts (other than your kit, of course) to be "in character"? Were there any issues with showing the large pointy on such public property?

Great job and great kit there Patrick. Doing these types of presentations/demo is another wonderful aspect of this hobby.
The chance to pass on our knowledge to others (especially the kids) is a blessing. My wife (who's a period seamstress) and myself have done several of these for my son's school to both children and adults.

Thanks for sharing this.

Bill

Hey Patrick,
That's awesome! And your kit looks great.

I actually just did a demo at a school two weeks ago along these lines. The sixth grade class was having a medieval day, and they had many different people talk about certain medieval trades. For instance, right before I was on, there was a falconer, which was really neat. I was there to talk about 15th century swordsmanship, and showed up in some armour with some swords. I passed around the blunt ones (which I forgot to oil off afterwards, and are covered in rusty finger prints. :eek: :lol: Whoops.) and got volunteers up to demonstrate a few things with wasters. Talked about reasons for certain sword types and all. Overall it was a lot of fun. Honestly, I really wish there were more things like this when I was a kid.

As a teacher I have to say thanks to you Patrick for sharing your knowledge with people. I think that with kids, things like this, outside of shcool, would probably work better. The reason I think that, is you have only kids there who want to be there. I too wish there were more of this going on, especially in the summers. So once again thanks for sharing and expanding our future hobby base. If only one of the kids in your audience picks up the hobby, then you have esured at least one more generation will continue with what has become our passion.

Joel