Ligonier Valley Historical Society thanks you for taking part in a living history event at our Compass Inn Museum. When taking part in a living history event, ALL participants are expected to wear and use clothing and equipment authentic to the historic period they are portraying. No anachronisms, such as sunglasses, wristwatches, earbuds, or modern cigarettes are permitted. These items detract from your portrayal and the educational experience for the visitor. Other modern accessories that detract from your impression should not be worn during the event.

Clothing and Accessories: 

1. Modern wristwatches may NOT be worn during living history programs. There are alternative ways of determining the time such as pocket watches or keeping your modern watch in your pocket.

2. If possible, participants should make every effort to acquire historical period-appropriate glasses or modern contacts.

3. Cell phones are NOT permitted in the event area until after the event. These are the biggest distractions to fellow participants and the overall event. Please be respectful of the time and effort others have put into the event by refraining from using cell phones in front of our guests, volunteers, and other reenactors.

4. All shoes should be as close as possible to authentic reproductions of the period being portrayed. Athletic shoes, sandals, crocks, and other modern-looking footwear are NOT ACCEPTABLE. Reenactors should be wearing footwear at all times - bare feet are not allowed while on museum property. This rule is in place due to the many bees that frequent the clover on the lawn.

5. All clothing must be authentic reproductions of the historic period being portrayed and should be of period-correct materials and construction.

The following additional standards have been established for all reenactors with respect to conduct: 

Alcohol and Illegal Drug Use 

1. Consumption of illegal drugs will result in immediate dismissal from Compass Inn Museum and Ligonier Valley Historical Society property. Individuals in violation of this regulation will be turned over to the local authorities.

2. Consumption of alcoholic beverages and recreational drugs during business operating hours is prohibited.

3. Anyone acting in an unsafe, disorderly, or uncooperative manner will immediately be asked to leave and/or face legal charges.

Motor vehicles: 

1. Reenactors may not drive or park vehicles (except for loading and unloading) in undesignated areas, such as the lawn adjacent to the cookhouse and blacksmith shop. 

2. Modern vehicles must be parked in the designated reenactor parking area.

Public Engagement: 

1. Reenactors represent their unit, the living history community, and Compass Inn Museum and are expected to exercise the utmost professionalism at all times, both at the event and pre/post event.

2. To be courteous to all guests, do not change out of period clothing, tear down camp, and/or displays prior to the last guest leaving the property or before the closing time of the event.

Weapons: 

1. Reenactors are responsible for having obtained or engaged in proper weapons training.

2. All weapons and ammunition are the responsibility of all reenactors. No weapon or ammunition should be left unattended, even for a second when loaded. Ammunition should be stored in a safe place and free of climatic and/or environmental conditions that could result in theft, detonation, or discharge. Ammo should be labeled by owner and unit identification.

3. Firearms will remain unloaded except for firing demonstrations.

Additional Guidelines: 

1. Any modern beverage or food packaging must be disguised or hidden from view of the public at all times (e.g., soda cans, water bottles, snacks). Use period-appropriate vessels for any beverages and food in public view.

2. Friends or family of the unit who are not unit members must pay the daily admission fee, regardless of whether or not they are wearing period clothes. They may not sit behind display tables or beneath tents. They may not use display areas to set beverages or food containers. Reenactors must not allow friends and family to monopolize their time and attention at the expense of the public. Nor are they should they monopolize each other’s time at the expense of the ticketed guests.

3. Smoking of modern devices is not permitted on-site. Cigars or period pipes and cigarettes are the only type of smoking devices permitted. If you need to smoke a modern cigarette, etc., please be considerate of other fellow participants and the event by doing so in your own vehicle. Smoking of any kind is not permitted in any of the buildings or on the grounds near them.

4. Tentage and camp equipment that will remain in public view must represent items in use during the historical period being portrayed.

5. Non-period-looking photography or video equipment must be disguised or hidden from view of the public at all times. Reenactors are responsible for maintaining professionalism and authenticity.

6. Leave the property as you found it. Police your trash and personal goods. 

Violation of the Code of Conduct may result in ejection from the event and it may also result in the unit you are with being asked to not return for another event. 

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and adherence to this Code of Conduct. 

Use of Compass Inn Museum/LVHS Equipment:

1. If using Compass Inn Museum equipment, such as, but not limited to, tarps/flies, tables, benches, and chairs, reenactors are responsible for taking down the equipment and 6/2023 returning it to its proper indoor location before leaving the property unless asked not to do so by a Compass Inn Museum staff member. In the case of tables, they must be wiped off before bringing them indoors.

2. All participants are responsible for maintaining an authentic appearance throughout the entire event if planning to camp in the authentic camping area. Coolers, sleeping bags, cots, and other modern camping equipment are strongly discouraged. However, if used in camp, they MUST BE CONCEALED AT ALL TIMES throughout the entire event. Please keep in mind, it is not just the general public you need to respect; it’s your fellow participants who want to maintain the integrity of authenticity.

3. The reconstructed outbuildings (1820 Cookhouse, blacksmith shop, wagon barn, carpenter’s shop) are not to be used as sleeping quarters. These structures are used in the daily interpretation of programming. However, exceptions may apply when unforeseen weather occurs. All sleeping gear must be removed from the building during hours of operation. The same is said for modern sleeping tents, etc…

4. Sleeping is not permitted in the historic Compass Inn building, which is on the National Registry of Historic Places.

5. When stowing reenactor equipment in the Barnhart Room during the living history event, all items must be placed on the floor in an orderly fashion. Nothing is to be stored on the countertop and tables that are located in the Barnhart Room.

6. When lunch and break refreshments are provided in the Barnhart Room, reenactors must clean up after themselves before going back to their demonstration area. No modern water bottles, plates, plastic cups, etc. are to be taken back to their area nor should they leave any of these items on porches, benches, steps, or in the restrooms.

Violation of the Code of Conduct may result in ejection from the event and may also result in the unit you are with not being asked to return for another event.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and adherence to this Code of Conduct.