Living history changes the presentation of materials and information from a typical “static” exhibit that a visitor would view from a distance (think roped-off paintings at an art museum, or artifacts displayed in a glass exhibit case) to a live experience, where the visitor talks with a costumed character of the past who is speaking in the vernacular of the day. Often the visitor interacts not only with the interpreter but also his surroundings. For example, a visitor to the 1861 Farmstead at Dallas Heritage Village will be greeted by “Mrs. Kennedy,” and can sit in her parlor, play checkers, help her with chores and talk with her about the Civil War, her gardens, animals, etc. Living history tends to be multi-sensory, providing sights, sounds, smells and textures.
The costumed interpreters you will encounter portray fictional characters based
on the social demographics of North Texas during the mid-19th and
early 20th centuries. These composite characters are developed to
represent the complex social, political, ethnic, and religious backgrounds of
many of the area’s residents.
Remember that for the First Person Interpreters it is always today’s day and
month, but always their year in the past. They have no knowledge of anything
more recent than their year. Careful questioning can help you learn about our
history and daily life in the past!
The 1860s Living Farmstead
The Clementine Freight & Delivery Service
1901 Blum Household, Traditional Judaism in the Early 20th Century
Authenticity Guidelines for Reenactors