Miscellaneous > The Sallyport
Ozark Medieval Fortress closed?
Lord Dane:
--- Quote from: Bradamante on 2012-08-07, 19:17:06 ---Sir Edward,
They did try.
There was a blog on the website, another blog from one of their guides, Medieval James http://medievaljames.blogspot.com/, as well as a Twitter account to supply updates quicker than your average website update. They also posted photos on a separate page within the website.
There had special events such as falconry demonstrations and a special after hours event with a local college Renaissance club. The Ozark Medieval Fortress was even voted on as being one of the Top Ten Tourist Attractions in Arkansas. I was hoping that on brochures and newspaper accounts would spur interest.
Another thing that I thought would really put them on the map was getting Larry the Cable Guy to tape a segment for his History Channel show "Only in America." Too bad that it aired this winter, after the owners made the painful financial decision that they could not sustain another full season.
I had recommended to them to become a vendor at the Medieval Congress in Kalamazoo, but that requires a lot of advance planning and was not something they did. Too bad, because I think it would have spread the word farther in the medieval communities about their marvelous project.
--- End quote ---
Might have also asked the SCA in your kingdom for assistance with events for the project. Resources are in place for that to happen. It's sad that the project is suffering.
Sir James A:
I saw that episode of Only In America and thought to myself, there's some people in France doing the same thing. Then realized, it's the same people. Very sad to see it not going so well here. I wish they would have done it around the DC area, I'd wager more foot traffic, plus more population density?
Sir William:
Bradamante, thanks for the links...since I plan on attending Agincourt 2015, I'll see about making a trip to see Guedelon...something to tell the grand kids about when I take them there near completion, should it actually make it to that point.
Lord Dane, thanks for the link...I'll check it out!
Bradamante:
Sir William,
If you are going to the July event for Agincourt 2015, I have a few other medievalist travel suggestions for you.
There is a village of Marle, about forty minutes north of Reims. It is an archeological site and reconstructed Merovingian village. They have large medieval festivals, usually in June. I didn't make it to that, but did stop by and see it last summer on a trip to France to research my sequel.
http://www.museedestempsbarbares.fr/index_eng.html
It is far less visited than Guedelon, the hours they are open are reduced, but how often do you come across reconstructed Merovingian villages?
(Edited to add, I just saw on their website that this year's event is August 15th. I do not know when they will announce when next year's will be.
http://www.museedestempsbarbares.fr/fr/fetes-archeologiques/index.html )
Marle is also near Reims, the city where Clovis was baptised and Jeanne d'Arc brought Charles VII to be coronated. The cathedrale and its treasury are well worth visiting. You can easily do both in a day.
Have no fear about whether or not Guedelon will still be open in 2015. They attract roughly 300,000 visitors each year. I went there for the first time five years ago when I was researching my novel. Last summer, we went there again. The progress had been substantial, not only in the size of the castle's construction, but also in the expansion of the various artisans' huts.
Plus, I would recommend you staying for a Friday or Saturday in region near Guedelon. Because of the historical spectacle that is shown at the Chateau de Saint Fargeau in the months of July and August. About 500 people re-enact the thousand year history of the chateau. C'est manifique.
http://www.chateau-de-st-fargeau.com/en-gb/the-live-history-show/the-history-show
Plus, I have tips for medieval sites in Paris, etc. Feel free to use me as a resource for trip planning to France.
Bonne journée,
Bradamante
Sir William:
Bradamante...I thank you, what wonderful ideas! My wife'll be tickled- despite her penchant for mundane garb, she does enjoy castles and peeking into what life might've been like back then. I will take you up on your offer, especially as that time gets closer...I haven't left the country since I was little and barely remember it, this trip I am quite sure I will remember for the rest of my life.
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