History Camp 2015 is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 28 in Framingham, Massachusetts. (We'll encourage people to do ride sharing so that everyone can attend, even if there's no convenient public transportation.)

Interested?  We hope so.  Follow these steps and together we'll create History Camp 2015:

1. Sign up to receive updates and to be notified when registration opens.  History Camp 2014 was completely filled several days before the event, so if you're interested in History Camp 2015, you'll want to register soon after registration opens.

2. If you want to participate in planning History Camp 2015, including as a supporter, speaker, or participating organization, contact Lee and be sure and sign up for e-mail updates, too.

3. Start working on what you'd like to present and then add it below.  We should have the location finalized by late January.  When we do, we'll send a note to the mailing list.  

If you didn't attend History Camp last year, you might browse this archives of History Camp 2014, including the speakers, topics, a results report, and more.

History Camp 2015 presenters and topics

If there is a presentation you'd like to give, please add the title (or topic area), your name, and a link to your e-mail address or to your site or blog.  (Click on the "Edit" tab, directly above "HistoryCamp2015."  If you run into problems using the wiki, let Lee know.)  Please also sign up for updates. 

Note that presentations must be non-commercial.  In practical terms, that means that people should feel that the information they got was useful and that they benefitted from attending even if they have no plans to later buy your book, take your tour, buy your product, or attend your class.  

Sessions will run concurrently.  We'll draft the schedule in the morning and revise, as needed, during the day.  Sessions will run concurrently, so there are many slots open.

Sessions are currently scheduled to be 45 min. long, including Q&A and discussion.  This year we'll add in more time to move from session to session. 

For inspiration, you may wish to browse the topics and presenters from 2014.

Enter your title, name with link or links and notes, if needed, below. 

"Roman Legionary" or "Printing Paul Revere" from Andy Volpe: Art & History. Note: Presentation/Demonstrations. Both offerings I'd need some space.  The Printing offering could be a live printmaking demonstration, I could feasibly bring in my own press, ink, paper - would need access to a water source.  I'd need some extra time for setup though. 

Did you attend last year?  If you have suggestions for things that should be done differently, please add your note below.

FAQ

What's it called?

History Camp.  

When is it?

Tentatively, March 28 

Where is it?

Framingham, Masachusetts

Do I have to register in advance?

We expect it to fill up, as it did last year, so registering in advance is the only way you're certain to have a spot.  As soon as registration opens, we'll post a link here.  Sign up to receive updates and to be notified when registration opens. 

Who is organizing this?  How can I help?

Thanks for asking--especially that second question.  Here's the page for volunteers and information on how to support History Camp financially through a donation.

How can my organization secure a table or show our support for the event?

          See this information on supporting History Camp.

I've got a book out that I'd like to sell.

          When registration opens, we'll include a registration option that includes having a spot to sell your book, and in the process you'll help underwrite History Camp.

Where do I sign up for e-mail updates?

Add your name and e-mail address to this mailing list.

What is a BarCamp or Unconference?

• It's a self-organizing conference.  People who share a common interest get together and create the framework for the event.  The on-scene volunteers, presenters, and everyone else who attends make it happen.  The topics that are presented are the ones of interest to the presenters.  The sessions that are well-attended are the ones that are of interest to the attendees.
• It's free, though there is an individual sponsor level that includes the t-shirt and helps cover the cost of lunch.  However, no one is required to pay anything and no one should feel that they shouldn't attend because they can't chip in financially.  They may want to consider volunteering a little time to help organize, set up, or clean up at the end.  
• Read more about BarCamps on the home page and other pages linked from it. 
• There is a great annual barcamp in Boston.  Browsing their site gives you an idea of what a large, well-run barcamp looks like.  Note that, since we're just starting out and since there is a specific topic area, we expect that we'll have a much smaller group, but the approach is the same.

What is History Camp? 

• History as broadly defined, across geographies and over time.  Yes, it's Boston, but this isn't intended to be limited to the Revolutionary War--or on the United States, for that matter.  Ultimately, it's the speakers and attendees that will define the scope.  Hopefully it will be broad in a way that is of interest to many people.
• What about genealogy?  Sure.  
• Has this been done before?  Not that we know of.  There's a very successful program from George Mason University called THAT Camp, The Humanities and Technology Camp.  History Camp is envisioned as being a true BarCamp, open to all.  No need to apply.  No advance screening of topics and presenters.  
• In short, History Camp is what we make it.  Please join in.
• It is not the place for a sales pitch.  In other words, if you are an expert at preserving very old books, do not come and give a talk about how you provide a great service and why people should hire you to repair and preserve their old books.  Rather, give a talk that has useful information, perhaps tips and techniques, so that, regardless of whether the person listening hires you or decides to undertake the work themselves, they walk away with new information that they value.

Who is this for?

You, if you're interested in history.  We hope that students of all ages, teachers and professors, authors, reenactors, interpreters, museum and historical society directors and board members, genealogists, and, most of all, history enthusiasts come.

Okay.  Now I get it.  Sounds fun.  How can I help?

Great!  Here's the page for volunteers.  You can also contact Lee.

FAQ

• What if I can't get there at the beginning or stay until the end?  Come whenever you can and stay as long as you like. 
• My son/daughter is in junior high and likes history.  Can I bring them with me?  Definitely! 
• Can I come in my reenactor attire?  Definitely!
• How will I know if this ever gets off the ground?  Sign up for e-mail updates.