Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson State Historic Site

Goals of the site and the Alabama Historical Commission are the preservation of the historic and natural resources that have been entrusted to us, the researching of the life ways of the people who created our history, and the presentation of educational and entertaining programs. The living history participants associated with the park are key parts of our programming. Each of the past living history participants left a legacy that strengthened our organization. Each of our current participants continues this tradition of excellence and commitment and any future participants will hopefully continue this rich tradition.

Living history groups at the site are divided into two sections, the French Colonial era and the War of 1812/Creek War era. Within each group there are subdivisions or soldiers, civilians, Native Americans, and other supporting characters.

The members of the living history groups are volunteers and are committed to the goals of the site's programs. The site owes you a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices each has made. However, the groups are not independent entities. The groups are an extension of the site and thus, final responsibilities for behavior and truth of interpretation fall upon the park staff.

In order to ensure the continued progress of all groups at the site, the following list of standard rules and regulations must be observed. This listing applies to all groups at the site. Additional group specific rules have been or will be formulated.

1. We will work to foster an attitude of teamwork and cooperation. If you have difficulties working in groups and following rules, the living history or volunteer programs may not be suited to you. In the eras that are portrayed, there were groups and individuals that did not work well in structured situations. While we may portray individuals and groups of this nature, we will do so in a cooperative manner. Role playing under these rules is one thing, actually having such an attitude is another and shall be considered unacceptable.

2. Volunteers at the site must coordinate activities with the site Education Coordinator. By law, you are considered an extension of the site and its parent agency so we must be aware of and approve all activities. If you wish to volunteer at times other than those organized by the group, you shall coordinate your plans with the Education Coordinator.

3. Safety is a primary concern at the site and with the site's programs. As such, rules concerning the handling and use of firearms and other weapons are formulated for each group and approved by the site director. None of these group rules will allow for the violation of safety procedures. Other implements or activities such as cooking and eating items as well as fire can be dangerous and must be treated with respect. Any actions that may lead to the endangerment or harm of any person or the park facilities are not allowed.

4. A strategic plan for the interpretation of the site is being developed. The presentations of the living history groups shall follow the priorities outlined in this plan. We will solicit input from members of each living history group when a draft is completed. The plan's priorities will be based on the dominant groups that occupied the site during the period of 1700 to 1820.

5. All living history groups are subject to the established Rules and Regulations of the site. A copy of the site's Rules and Regulations will be given to each current and prospective member. The main exceptions to the rules are related to parking and driving on the grass at specific times and the possession of firearms.

6. Each living history group shall have elected and appointed officers who are responsible for the operations of the various activities. These officers are the liaisons between the group's members and the site's staff. You shall follow the directions of the officers and the site staff or your continued status with the group will be reviewed by the Park Director and the Education Coordinator. If you enter an interpretive area or approach an organized group, you must make your self aware of the applicable rules of that area and group. No matter what group you belong to, you are subject to the rules governing the locale or group where you are.

7. Each meeting of the living history groups should have a planned agenda. Special events may require more detailed plans and rules. The site staff and group officers will make every attempt to post and inform the membership of the agenda and rules. It is the responsibility of each group member to acquaint themselves with the agenda and any special rules.

8. The site and the groups are for all the visitors to the site. All behavior is to be "family" friendly. No activities, actions, language or behavior that is not fit for all ages is unacceptable. Failure to abide by this will result in no more than two reminders. After that, you will be removed from the group.

9. Group members are responsible for the members of their family including minor children. Members who sponsor or bring minors to the site are responsible for their charges at all times and must sign the appropriate forms for participation.

10. Group members who sponsor new members are responsible for making sure a potential member is aware of the rules and regulations and making sure the potential member follows the rules and regulations. Members noting inappropriate actions of a new member should first go to their sponsor. The sponsor shall work with the potential member to correct the inappropriate action and shall report to an officer of the group or to a site staff member. If the sponsor does not "fix" the problem, the observing member should contact an officer and a site staff member.

11. The public and other living history participants do not come to the site to listen to debates or expositions about current politics, religion, or recent history. Limit your conversations to subjects relevant to the resources associated with the history of the site.

12. Members shall respect the belongings of others.

13. Smoking is allowed in the period structures with caution. During periods when strict authenticity is observed, smoking will only take place using period acceptable materials. If you are in costume, cigarette smoking shall be done in a place out of the public vision. If an area or locale has been designated as a "no cigarette" or "no smoking" area, that decision must be respected.

14. No drinking of alcoholic beverages will be allowed during public hours. Intoxication at any time is unacceptable and shall result in immediate removal from the site. The use of alcohol after public hours shall be in moderation and any use of alcohol precludes members from using firearms, axes, hatchets, bows and arrows, and other dangerous objects.

15. You must control any alcohol in your possession. It is against Alabama State law for minors to possess alcohol. It is also against Alabama State law for anyone to offer of give alcohol to a minor. If you violate the laws, you will be immediately suspended from the group pending expulsion. You may also be held criminally responsible for any of the before mentioned laws. Illegal use of any controlled substance is against the law and you will be referred to the local law enforcement agencies. The policies of the AHC require that volunteers sign a drug free workplace statement.

16. No scenarios will include sexual harassment. The policies of the AHC require that volunteers sign a statement indicating the understanding of the no sexual harassment policy.

17. The AHC reserves the right to conduct a background check on any volunteer working with the agency in any role or job.

18. Living History group members may leave personal items in buildings at the fort at times other than organized events at their own risk. This does not include weapons, knives, shot, or powder.

19. The site provides items to the groups and individuals to assist in programs. Individuals who are provided gear or other items must check the items out from the staff. Individuals will be responsible for items they check out. The staff will make every attempt to have the items needed in various camps in place when you arrive. You must coordinate your requests with the staff. It is especially important to let the staff know of needs outside of the ordinary. If you are not able to attend a meeting and the staff usually places supplies or equipment out for your particular needs, you shall inform the staff so time and effort is not wasted.

20. The blacksmithing shop is available for use by our living history group members and members of the Alabama Forge Council's Montgomery area club. Anyone using the forge shall leave it in a condition at least equal to how they found it. Only persons with blacksmithing experience or those being taught or supervised by experienced operators are allowed to use the shop.

21. There are three collections of books at the site. Ned Jenkins' personal library, Jim Parkers' personal library, and the site library. Anyone needing an item from any personal collections shall ask the owner for use of the book(s). Books may be checked out from the site library for a maximum of one month with a signed receipt required. Due to the loss of some hard to find and/or expensive works, this procedure shall be followed. If you lose a borrowed item, you will be accountable for the cost of its replacement or you may elect to replace the item yourself. Removal of a book from any of the repositories without permission is grounds for suspension or expulsion from all volunteer programs.

22. All group members shall be familiar with the history of the site. A copy of the site pamphlet and site rules is attached. We encourage members to buy a copy of the Thomas/Waselkov book on Fort Toulouse but this is not required. The Education Coordinator has copies which may be checked out for study. Each volunteer who will have contact with the public shall be given a test on the major points of the history of the site after 90 days of membership. All current members shall be given a test in February.

1. Reports of violations can be made by anyone from the group. Violations shall be reported to the group officers or a site staff member as soon as possible.