Parris Island Living History Detachment
Military - Beaufort, South Carolina, United States
Parris Island Living History Detachment Employees
Parris Island Living History Detachment Details
"Parris Island Living History Detachment (LHD) The mission of the LHD, as part of the Parris Island Heritage Foundation, is the presentation and preservation of Marine Corps history through the education of Marine recruits and the general public. The primary method used is a first person Living History program that allows the recruits or target audience to go beyond seeing artifacts in a showcase, and stimulates all of their senses as they interact with interpreters.The LHD started in December 2004 as an effort on behalf of two volunteers to give back to the Marine Corps by improving the historical program provided to the recruits. The recruits receive six hours of classroom instruction on Marine Corps history with a capstone two hour tour of the museum. The concept was to present a 20-30 minute core values focused presentation to each recruit platoon by living history interpreters complete with period correct uniforms, equipment and weapons. Initially, there were few volunteers and limited resources. However, the size and capability of the LHD has expanded tremendously over the years and now numbers approximately 20 active members. Starting in 2012 the LHD began participating in the final hike of the Crucible marching beside the soon to be new-Marines in their vintage uniforms, equipment and weapons. This has become our single most significant event winning accolades from both the recruits and the Training Staff. The LHD has been able to field a team to participate in the Crucible at least twelve weekends each year impacting at least 7000 recruits a year. The LHD provides static displays, battle presentations and tactical demonstration with most of the infantry weapons possessed by the Marine Corps from WW1 through Vietnam. We have and continue to support active/reserve units, recruiting stations, Marine Corps Associations, Depot ceremonies, schools, air shows, re-enactments, and parades.
