Echoes of the Past: From Classroom to Campfire at the Feast of the Hunters' Moon

I never dreamed, as an international student, that my academic path would bring me back in time to the Feast of the Hunters' Moon on October 6, 2024. Held in Fort Ouiatenon close to West Lafayette, Indiana, this extraordinary event provided an immersive journey into American history in the 18th century that no textbook could ever match.

The sights, sounds, and fragrances in the instant I arrived with my husband Joe and our friend Marina took us to another age. The sound of a blacksmith's anvil, the far-off splash of canoe paddles on the Wabash River, and the piercing snap of muzzle-loaders produced an alien and exciting audio scene.

Finding that this event, which today attracts thousands, started modest in the 1950s as a tiny gathering of the Tippecanoe County Historical Association captivated me. Celebrating its 57th year in 2024, it is incredible how it has evolved into this huge two-day celebration.

The TCHA Storytelling Booth made for one of the highlights of our day. The stories of French immigrants and Native Americans, their relationships, and the rich tapestry of civilisations that moulded this area attracted me as a passionate history student. I couldn't help but laugh at some of the funny tales the storytellers related about living in the 18th century; they brought history to life in a way that connected me to the past.

Marina and I agreed to try cross-cut sawing. I couldn't resist kidding, "I hope this counts towards our physical education credits!" as we positioned ourselves on each end of the long, toothed blade. The event helped me to value the physical work of the past. We then headed to the range for axe throwing. Though not a youngster, I felt compelled to attempt it. Quipped, "I think I'll stick to PowerPoint presentations for my future demonstrations!" as I flung the axe at the target. The laughing that followed added to make the encounter unforgettable.

My effort at running a loom at the Wabash Weavers Guild produced an unpleasant incident when I unintentionally knocked over a tool. The compassionate weaver comforted me as I laughed at my clumsiness, telling us that acquiring historical skills calls for patience and practice — a lesson every student of history should take great note.

The food was a joyful investigation of eighteenth-century gastronomy. Jokingly calling the fried bread and herbal pork chops my new "study fuel," I savoured every morsel.

Going to Scoundrel's Alley was among the most exciting events. Standing with my feet caught in the stocks, I pondered, "Well, this is one way to ensure I don't miss my next history lecture!"

The experience gained levels of realism via interacting with members of the Myaamiaki and Anishinaaba Kwe tribes and observing the SYW British Army/Artillery performance. It was a potent reminder of the several civilisations that moulded this country.

I started thinking about the complexity of living in the 18th century as we toured the military camps and voyageur camp. I could not overlook the difficulties they encountered even if the simplicity appealed to me. It made me appreciate our contemporary conveniences as well as the tenacity of people who preceded us.

I came to see as the day came to an end that the Feast of the Hunters' Moon had bestowed upon me more than just a leisurely stroll. It had given me a real link to the past, therefore improving my knowledge of American history in ways I never would have imagined. The development of the event from a little gathering to this great celebration reflected the expansion of the country itself, therefore highlighting the strength of community and shared history.

Weary but excited, I turned to Joe and Marina as we returned to our bus departure and remarked, "Same time next year? I ought to work on my axe-throwing technique! We chuckled and immediately looked forward to next historical excursion. In conclusion, as I walked through the vibrant scenes of the Feast of the Hunters' Moon, I was surrounded by thousands of emotions and experiences that filled the air. Each moment was captured in photographs, yet I knew that while those images might fade over time, the memories would remain forever etched in my heart. The stories shared, the laughter exchanged, and the rich tapestry of culture and history experienced will continue to resonate within me long after the event has ended.

http://feastofthehuntersmoon.org

https://tippecanoehistory.org/the-feast/

Captivate and Convince your Audience

Mastering Presentations: What I Learned from the Workshop "Captivate and Convince your audience"

    Recently, I attended a-two-day workshop (09/24/2024 and 09/26/2024) that was a game-changer in how I approach presentations. The workshop title is “Captivate and Convince your Audience” Whether it’s a small group or a large audience, delivering a compelling and organized presentation is crucial to success, and this workshop provided invaluable insights. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways, practical steps, and tips for preparing and delivering presentations that captivate and inform.

    The first thing I learned was "the importance of knowing your audience". Before even creating a slide, it’s essential to research who you’re presenting to. What are their interests? What do they know about the topic? This helps tailor your message in a way that resonates. For example, if you're addressing a technical audience, go deep into data and logic. For a more general audience, simplify your terms and use analogies. The workshop emphasized researching audience backgrounds and using tools like company profiles to gauge their interests.

    Another critical takeaway was the "structure of a presentation". The workshop broke down an effective presentation into three parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion. Start strong by grabbing attention—whether with a question, a story, or an intriguing fact. The body should flow logically with well-researched data, while the conclusion should reiterate your key points and call the audience to action

      Remember, visuals should enhance your message, not overload it—so keep slides clean and simple.

"Engaging your audience" is another secret to a successful presentation. I learned that asking thought-provoking questions, telling relatable stories, and even using short videos can keep the audience hooked. One great tip was to use "infographics"—these are visual summaries that make complex data easy to understand. The presenter encouraged us to integrate visuals thoughtfully and ensure they align with the narrative of the presentation.

    An interesting part of the workshop was how to "establish credibility". Introducing yourself, sharing relevant expertise, and confidently backing up claims with reputable sources (think journal articles or industry reports) can make your presentation persuasive. Additionally, incorporating ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic) were highlighted as key strategies for persuasive communication, even in scientific presentations.

    Finally, the workshop reminded us of the power of "practice and passion". Nothing kills a presentation faster than lack of enthusiasm. By practicing in front of peers or even recording yourself, you can refine your delivery and timing. Most importantly, maintain eye contact and show genuine excitement about your topic, as your energy will be contagious to the audience. In conclusion, the workshop reinforced that great presentations come from preparation, structure, engagement, and passion. Whether you're addressing a team meeting or a global audience, these tips will ensure your message is not only heard but remembered.

P.S.  the speaker also give us this; for more advice on preparing a research presentation see

http://www.swarthmore.edu/NatSci/cpurrin1/powerpointadvice.htm

and for more resources go to these;

Atkinson, C. (2011). Beyond bullet points: Using Microsoft PowerPoint to create presentations that inform, motivate, and inspire. Microsoft Press.

Duarte, N. (2012). HBR guide to persuasive presentations. Harvard Business Review Press.

Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. Free Press.

Gallo, C. (2014). Talk like TED: The 9 public-speaking secrets of the world's top minds. St. Martin's Press.

Reynolds, G. (2008). Presentation Zen: Simple ideas on presentation design and delivery. New Riders.