Since the School of the Renaissance Soldier is a research institute, it could be described as more of a historical reenactor's think tank rather than a society, club or guild.
The SRS has no governing board or members, as such, but rather is guided by two Directors, and its Research Associates.
The two Directors coordinate and guide the
research activities and event planning of the SRS. Also, as Principle
Investigators
they work on their own areas of research. The goal of the
Directors and the Research Associates is to arrive at
defensible, research based conclusions which make a significant contribution
to the military reenactment community.
The Directors are:
SRS Research Associates perform a similar role to that of the Directors, and work closely with them in coordinating their research activities. They focus on a particular SRS topic area. They use rigorous techniques, not just referring to the source of their findings, but rather performing analysis and cross referencing multiple sources. Although secondary sources are occasionally used, this is done sparingly. Primary sources are the most highly prized, and therefore, most SRS research constitutes original scholarship. Research Associates publish their findings (fully referenced) to the SRS and maintain a list of works cited. Their work constitutes the basis upon which the principle tenants of the SRS drill and methods exist.
Research Associates are:
Advisors play a crucial role in the SRS. They may be actively engaged in research which is compatible with the goals of the SRS, but do not necessarily coordinate their work with the Directors or publish their work with the SRS. They are often well known experts in a particular area of study or very experienced in a certain activity or area of history.
The Directors or Research Associates will consult with Advisors on a regular basis, but the work (or advice) of the Advisors does not necessarily drive SRS priorities, nor do Advisors have any authority or privilege to do so. That said, SRS staff do endeavor to use the advice and experience of its Advisors wherever it does not conflict with original research conducted by the SRS.
If an Advisor wishes to join the SRS faculty as a Research Associate, they must agree to collaborate with other faculty regarding research methods and priorities, and to publish their findings with the SRS.
Advisors are:
The highlight of the SRS calendar year will be signature events such as Actions of the Lowe Countries typically held in the early spring. SRS events give us the opportunity to validate our research by testing our findings in the field. See the Events section for details on SRS events.
Events will generally be coordinated by one of the Directors, but this function could be filled by someone approved by them. The Event Coordinator will serve during the planning process, as the director of the committee chairpersons and at the actual event.
Event Planners are committee chairpersons, responsible for aspects required to host a particular event. Chairpersonships (and the members of their committees) are not permanent positions, and are only focused on particular events. Chairpersons volunteer or are appointed by a Director. They take their direction from the Directors and perform their role in cooperation with them. Some Event Planners may become specialists in various aspects of event planning, and perform the role on a regular basis (with the continued support and approval of the Directors). Chairpersons may solicit volunteer members to assist them in the execution of their committee responsibilities. Examples of event committees may include: site procurement, insurance, advertising and promotion, printing, schedule development, and activity planning.
Event Positions will use period titles which will embody specific job requirements to be performed while an event is in progress. The Directors or the Event Coordinator will accept volunteers, or assign persons to these positions. Persons will be assigned to these positions based on their experience or willingness to serve. Once assigned, persons in event positions must perform their duty for the duration of the event, and may not pass it on without approval of the Event Coordinator. Some examples of Event Positions may include:
Provost: Security, Watch and Ward
Clerk: Registration, bookkeeping
Forage Master: Onsite facilities (firewood, privies, fire pits, etc.)
Maestro de Campo: Camp layout
Wagon Master: Transportation, traffic control
Reverend: Divine service
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