Standing of the Watch may become monthly event

Jake Harper reported to Historic City News that the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument enjoyed such success with their first City Gates event that they have scheduled a November “Standing of the Watch” and their goal is to eventually present the event monthly.

Harper, a garrison member and National Park Service living history interpreter at the Castillo, says the park is going to try the next event on Saturday, November 10th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

“Thanks to all the dedicated volunteers who came out to support our first event at the City Gates,” Harper told reporters. “We were absolutely overwhelmed and thrilled with the number of volunteers, and it was great seeing the enthusiasm for the experiment.”

The November “Standing of the Watch” will be limited to four volunteer soldiers; which would be a more realistic representation of the number that would have been part of the original guard.

As they gain more experience presenting the monthly Watch, Harper says the re-enactors and staff will continue to make refinements to meet their goal of really bringing the site’s history to life for the visitors.

An instructional clinic will be held on November 3 for anyone interested in participating in the Standing of the Watch; to brush up on the basics of marching, drill and ceremony.
Harper advises volunteers interested in participating that, for this event, re-enactors must wear the full uniform and all official accoutrements; including sword belt, cartridge box and musket.

To enroll in the November 3 clinic and be eligible to participate in the November 10 Watch, contact jake_harper@nps.gov by e-mail.