Shadows of the Past a HUGE Success

Hey everyone, long time no see. It's been awhile since I last wrote. I took some time off to visit my friends as school starts up, a sorely needed trip, but now I'm back and rearing to go. Hear's to the end of the season, lets let it go out with a bang!

Now for some late breaking announcements:

First off, I want to say "Thanks You!" to all the volunteers who participated in Shadows of the Past.

The Shadows of the Past program on Saturday, August 15th was a smashing success, not in small part due to the huge volunteer response we got. Whether you were a Lantern Bearer, helping to light the way and set the ambiance of the walk, or an actor, dressed up and playing the part, it was the volunteers who allowed this program to go on. It's you guys and gals who really make this program. So give yourself a pat on the back, because you deserve it.

The Lantern Bearers especially deserve our thanks and congratulation. Without them, the walk would not be nearly as successful, or even possible. We had 27! volunteers of all ages helping carry the lanterns, both first timers and old hands. They came early and stayed late, signed forms and waited patiently, and all did an excellent job. They have our recognition, because without the volunteers, there are no Lantern Bearers, and without the Lantern Bearers, there is no Shadows of the Past.

I also want to thank everyone who came to the Volunteer Picnic. It was great fun seeing everyone coming together and discusses the season. That picnic was for you, the volunteer, and it's our little way of saying thanks for helping out and making Mount Rainier National Park all the better for it.

Help Light the Way: Looking for Latern Bearers for Shadows of the Past

Does history get you excited? Does historical reenactment get you even more excited!? Then come join us on Saturday, August 15 and take part in our 'Shadows of the Past' historical reenactment program.

One moment you're a hired hand working for the Longmire's, leading groups of adventurous travelers to the "healing springs" of Longmire Meadow. The next you're a seasoned park ranger, leading tourists through the woods of the new and recently established Mount Rainier National Park. Walk through nearly half a century of history as we take visitors on a travel through time (and space).

You'll help lead groups of visitors along the Trail of the Shadows, where they will come into contact with famous figures from Mount Rainier's storied past. Learn what life was like in the past from the people who lived it.

One group walk lasts about 90 minutes, and the walks start at 8:30, 8:50, 9:10, 9:30. Don't worry, we only have you participate in one walk. We meet outside the Longmire General Store around 8:00, where we will quickly complete the required paperwork and familiarize everyone with the lantern operations. Each Lantern Bearer is assigned one walk, and multiple Lantern Bearers are assigned to each walk.

You don't need previous experience with leading groups, and you are not required or even preferred to participate in the historical reenactment part of the night. Costumes are not needed. All we need you to do is come with an open mind and a willingness to help.

If you're interested in volunteering for this event, you can contact Nick Abel at Nicholas_Abel@partner.nps.gov or by phone at 360-569-2211 x3385.

We would love to see you there!

"We are the lantern bearers, my friend; for us to keep something burning, to carry what light we can forward into the darkness and the wind."

-The Lantern Bearers by Rosemary Sutcliff

Shadows of the Past will be a major project for next year

As many of you know, we had been considering presenting a second Shadows of the Past program at Longmire next weekend, staffed entirely by volunteers. (Click here for photos of the first one.) In the end, that goal has proved too daunting! There's just not enough time to prepare and train, and this time of year everyone is busy.

However, amateur actors, do not despair--we plan to revive the idea next spring! Watch this blog and your e-mail for updates on this exciting project. The current plan is to arrange training next spring--perhaps in June--and then to offer the program twice a month in July and August and maybe September. We'll be looking for people to carry lanterns and serve as trail guides, and also people to serve as character actors, portraying, for example, James and Virinda Longmire, Fay Fuller, John Muir, and other individuals from the park's past. We have a dozen scripts to choose from, as well as costume materials, and we'll be looking into possible grant funding to develop more, so all you'll need to do is memorize a few paragraphs, get dressed up, and have fun!

We'll be posting a recruitment notice soon, but feel free to write to us at any time to get on our mailing list for this very special program, one that has potential to be a highlight of our summers at Mount Rainier National Park.

Shadows of the Past photos

Finally, as promised, here are some pictures from Saturday night's Shadows of the Past presentation! Volunteers assisted with this fantastic program by carrying lanterns for park visitors. In the future, we hope to offer this program more than once per year, by enlisting volunteers not only to carry lights, but to perform the characters themselves. Are you interested in community theater in a national park? Contact us and become part of our future team of historical reenactors!


Lantern light and star light across the meadow

Settlers James and Virinda Longmire

Conservationist John Muir

Climber Fay Fuller

Superintendent Grenville Allen

Photographer Asahel Curtis

Climber and park promoter P.B. Van Trump

Shadows of light along the trail

A young woman shares stories about her visit in the park with her Aunt Eleanor


The cast