Into the Storm: Hopewell 1862
September 14-16, 2018

Impression:

This is a semi-immersion event that will put an emphasis on first person character development and first person interaction between participants.

Third person interpretation is also acceptable and, at times, may be necessary, particularly when talking to park visitors. We encourage everyone to develop a first person character based on the information available about village life in 1862. All registered participants are required to pick an impression and fill out the Character Development Worksheet (Adobe PDF).

This event is very welcoming to people new to first person. There will be public visiting the park during the day and we will need flexibility in interpretation in suit their education needs.

Those more comfortable with third person can volunteer to interpret for the public.

If you would like to learn more about first person character development, there are several good links on this site:
Atlantic Guard Soldiers Aid Society (AGSAS)
There is also a very good article and detailed character development worksheet:
First Person Development Worksheet by Vickie Rumble.

All registered participants will be required to fill out the character development worksheet and share their bios by August 15, 2018. This will allow us time to plan scenarios and interactions between village residents and ensure a good distribution of impressions.

Into the Storm
Impression List

Please sign up for the impression of your choice on the registration form. Impressions will be filled on a first come first serve basis. We want to be sure to represent a wide range of classes and roles. If you have a specialty impression or have any questions, please contact Jessica Craig at snowcraig@ymail.com This list will be updated as spots fill up, so register early and check back often! (*please note that military impressions are by specific invitation only and very limited).

Possible Impressions based on actual occupations present in mid-19th century Hopewell Village. Please refer to the Walker history (listed on the History page of the website) and the National Park Service website for Hopewell Village for more information on these occupations.

• Ironmaster and his family
• Relatives and Friends visiting the Ironmaster
• Maids/Servants of the Ironmaster’s Family
• Clerk (business assistant to the Ironmaster)
• Founder (supervisor of the day-to-day operations – one of the highest paid workers)
• Molder
• Collier (charcoal makers)
• Teamster (high paying/lower skilled job)
• Keeper (second in command of the furnace)
• Filler (very hazardous job)
• Gutterman
• Blacksmith
• Miners
• Wood Cutters (seasonal job – most numerous of all Hopewell employees)
• Wheelwright
• Farmers (both land owners and tenant farmers)
• Storekeeper
• General Laborers
• Doctor
• Lawyer
• Teacher/Tutor
• Lecturer
• Traveling Entertainer
• Tinker
• Drover
• Salesman/Buyers
• “Foot” or “Wagon” Peddler
• Shoemaker
• Weaver
• Clock Repairer
• Tailor
• Tinsmith
• Hatter
• Saddler
• Chimney Sweep
• Spinner
• Gunsmith
• Candle maker
• Basket maker
• Pump maker
• Handyman
• Painter
• Plasterer
• Whip maker
• Coppersmith
• Cabinet maker
• Fish monger
• Carpenter
• Mason
• Tanner
• Wagon Maker

In addition to traditional woman’s roles, some women took in boarders and cooked for workers. Women also took in sewing, mending, and laundry. Women also worked at spinning, weaving, candle making, soap making, and knitting. They were also teachers, maids, cooks, and seamstresses. Women also worked at farm tasks, gardening, livestock care, and apple picking. Children worked in the furnace as apprentices. Sons worked with their fathers. Older boys helped to cut wood. Boys and girls did farm work. Girls worked as maids and housekeepers.