More than a year in the making and then waiting, I finally gave my first costumed historic house tour on Friday! It was like redemption or finally catching up to where I left off last spring (similarly, we're trying to reschedule the things that were canceled that we can re-do, like our trip to Plymouth).
And it was marvelous!
I was nervous beforehand. I haven't given a tour since November 2004, a long time ago (though I did it weekly, and sometimes daily, from June 1998 until then). And never in a house, or in a costume. Sure, I helped write the tour and have been researching the colonial period since January 2011, but leading a tour is something different altogether.
Thank heavens for adrenaline.
Not only did I enjoy the tour, but I think it went well. I remembered all of the facts, hit the transitions, managed interactive questions, and kept the discussion going. They paid attention and there were no discipline issues (that can be so, so common with 5th-grade tours!). And I think they enjoyed it, from the stories about slaves and Native Americans to the discussion of the archaeological excavations that tell us about life in the 18th century.
And I got to do it all in a costume! Chemise, underskirt, gathered overskirt, English bodice, apron, gathered cap, even pockets tied around my waist. Which contained my smartphone! Other major anachronism: I had my fancy tennis shoes on.
But they got me through the morning with no spasms or serious weakness, which was a major achievement. Even a month ago giving the same tour to the docents, I almost didn't finish.
I hope I get to do another tour soon.
Especially because my favorite costumer has new bodices and flounced skirts in their catalog!
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