We objectively review these factors before selecting the specific interpretive techniques to be used. When selecting the types of presentation methods our first priority is that those methods are always the means to an end (i.e. Providing a clear, understandable message for the target audience) but never the end itself. For example, living history techniques are often desired and used, and have proven highly successful in the proper setting. But if the interpretive story and objectives can be conveyed more effectively, based on review of the above points, by an interpreter in contemporary clothing utilizing exhibited material, structured tours or talks, or other methods, there may be little justification to take on the added responsibilities, work, and expense to present a first class living history program. Further, improper or inappropriate application of techniques such as living history will often greatly reduce their effectiveness and detract from the desired objective and program’s credibility. We always approach program development with an open mind, objectively working to come up with an equitable balance between the needs of the requesting agency, the mission, and our ability to meet those needs.

As stated, one of the more popular presentation tools that the USMCHC is often called upon to utilize is an educational technique commonly referred to as Living History. This entails members of our staff (often supported by additional active duty Marines) dressing in Marine uniforms of a particular time period and creating an environment that will give an audience a limited glimpse into the past. This technique can take on many forms and can be adapted to various environments. However, the USMCHC does not participate in “battle reenactments.” With many of our members combat veterans themselves, we know that there is no effective way to re-create the tragedy and horror of war. Such attempts for live audiences take away from the accurate depiction of history, misleads the audience, and often makes a mockery of what the original veterans endured and accomplished. To this end the USMCHC does not portray combat, or participate in mock battles. When utilizing living history techniques, what we do attempt to create is an realistic interpretation for the audience that reflect the conditions historical Marines lived under, their training, and how they prepared for combat.

If your organization, base, or site would like the USMCHC to provide an educational program, or to assist you with a program or project please contact us at Deputy Director of Programs or the Director.

Partnerships and recurring programs

As part our outreach programing the MCHC is continually developing partnerships with historic sites throughout the country. They constitute part of a series of partnerships and recurring programing between the USMCHC and various National, State, and Local historical sites throughout the country where the Marine Corps was in some way involved. Working in direct support of the United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, the focus is to specifically tell the Marine Corps story at these sites, based on the concept title History through the eyes of a Marine.

The purpose of these partnerships are:

• To provide outreach historical educational programing supporting the Marine Corps at historical sites throughout the country, and to assist in telling the “Marine Corps story” at these sites.
  
  
• To allow the US Marine Corps (through the USMCHC) to have input on specific Marine Corps related historical programing at these sites. For every site there are multiple points of view and historical incidents and eras that must be presented. These partnerships will allow the Marine Corps Historical Company, working in association with each site’s staff, to specifically and objectively present the Marine Corps point of view of a specific incident or historical era as it relates to each site, and thus allowing the Corps to have input on how its own heritage and history is being presented.
  
  
• To provide a level of continuity, quality, and standardization in the presentation of Marine Corps History at relevant sites throughout the country.
  
  
• To make available a centralized system for research, program development, and material resources to aid in the presentation of Marine Corps specific historical programs at these sites.
  
  
• Working in concert with the sites, develop standards of accuracy and quality in the material history, presentation techniques, and authenticity in the presentation of Marine Corps specific programing that meet or exceed the expectations and standards of both the site and the Marine Corps.
  
  
• Working with each site, and in accordance with that site’s operation and management plan, to develop related temporary and permanent exhibits, and printed brochures telling of the Marine Corps’ involvement at that site and its impact on history. In turn, written material highlighting the individual site’s contribution to Marine Corps history will be made available through the marine Corps Heritage Foundation and other historic sites involved in the partnership program.
  
  Some of these partnerships include:
  
  
• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park where we tell the story of the Marines that captured John Brown in 1859;
  
  
• Ft. McHenry National Historical Site, where we will focus on the Marines during the War of 1812;
  
  
• Battleship North Carolina Memorial, where we present the story of “seagoing” Marines during WW2.
  
  
• The Marine Corps Legacy Museum, Harrison , AR
  
  
• The Virginia Museum of Military Vehicles, Nokesville, VA,

As an example, the USMCHCs partnership with Harpers Ferry National Historical Park primarily focuses on the Marines that were involved in the capture John Brown in 1859. As part of this partnership the USMCHC, working in concert with park staff, is responsible for the development and presentation of Marine Corps specific programs using living history and other interpretive techniques, both as part of larger programs being presented by the Park and as stand alone presentations related to the United States Marine Corps and it’s involvement at Harpers Ferry. We act as the principal organization representing the history of the United States Marine Corps, and coordinate and/or approve, in conjunction with Park’s staff and established standards, the involvement of any other organization wishing to portray US Marines at the Park. Responsibilities include:

• Procure and maintain a stock of museum quality reproduction Marine Corps uniforms, equipment and weapons to be used for the above mentioned programs, and be available for loan to NPS staff for specific programs.
  
  
• Provide trained (meeting or exceeding NPS-6 standards) Historical Interpretive personnel to represent the Marine Corps for any special program at the site, either as requested by the Park or by special interest groups.
  

• Develop temporary and permanent exhibits that fall within the Park’s operation and management plan, telling the Marine Corps story at the site.
  

• Develop brochures and other written material to specifically tell the story of Marine Corps involvement at the site.
  

• Develop an Interpreters guide to be available to anyone wishing to present Marine Corps programing at the site.
  

• Coordinate other organizations which represent or portray US Marines that may be needed or requested as part of either a general Park program, or special program.
  
  For a list of upcoming Public programs, refer to the Calendar page.