Frequently Asked Questions

What's up with that arrow in your logo?
The Hands-on History logo makes use of the English Broad Arrow Cipher. This symbol was first used during the reign of King Richard II, and is used to mark crown property. During the Revolutionary War, the Broad Arrow was often accompanied by the initials G.R. (Georgius Rex, Latin for King George). The Broad Arrow is still in use, but it is currently accompanied by the initials E.R. (Elizabeth Regina).
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How do I get you to come to my school?
Use the form here on the website or call me at 810.938.3269 to begin the process.
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How much advance notice do you need?
Two weeks, but it's safer to contact me early in the school year as the dates tend to fill up.
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What do you need to do a presentation for us?
First of all, I need a signed contract. I'll send you one for you to sign. Second, I'll need a note from your Principal on school letterhead giving me permission to bring my musket onto school grounds. Send this along with the signed contract. Third, I'll need space in which to do the presentation. Best case, your students will come to your library and I'll deliver the presentation there, but your classroom will be fine as well.
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How should we pay you?
A check from your school district or PTA made out to Hands-on History will be perfect.
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Do you have prep material so I can get my class ready for your presentation?
Yes. When you book me, I'll send you a packet with some useful prep material.
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I teach in [Kalamazoo/Traverse City/Ohio...]. Will you come to my school?
Hands-on History is based in Oakland County, Michigan. If you are located in Oakland County or any county that touches it (Wayne, Macomb, Lapeer, Genesse, Livingston, and Washtenaw Counties), there will be no mileage charge. If you are located outside this area, there will be an additional charge of $.30/mile. (I use MapQuest to determine mileage from my base to your school.) If an overnight stay is required, lodging and food expenses will apply.
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What if I have 63 students?
As a matter of policy, 61 students require two lectures, but I am not unreasonable. Contact me and we'll talk.
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You portray a soldier. Does that mean you'll be bringing a gun to my school?
Yes and no. Under the Firearms Act, a reproduction flintlock musket is considered to be not a firearm but an antique (see Part I, Section 5845, Paragraph g). Therefore, it's quite legal to bring it to school. Even so, to avoid unpleasant misunderstandings, I'll need a signed note from your principal on school letterhead that says: "Jeff Berndt has my permission to bring a flintlock musket to _____ School for the purposes of a historical presentation."
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Do you fire the musket in your presentation?
Not usually, no. If you want a (blank!) firing demonstration to be part of the lecture, the lecture must take place outdoors in fair weather, and you must notify local residents and police. Send me a copy of the notification letter. I also reserve the right to decide whether the demonstration area is safe. If it is not safe to fire a musket in the demonstration area, I will not fire, so please don't promise a firing demonstration to your students, even if I've fired at your school in the past.
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Do you offer topics other than the British army in North America?
Not yet, but I will be developing other presentations about other time periods based on teacher feedback.
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Will you come and speak at my library/scout meeting/historical society/sewing circle/book club, etc.?
Sure. Contact me and we'll make arrangements.
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Last revised: September 20, 2006