Session: #396

Content:

Many museums today, while thoughtfully seeking after expanding the diversity and inclusivity of their interpretation, are often limited as object-dependent institutions with wonderful artifacts demonstrated in static displays. Instead of brooding over the lack of material culture to inform comprehensive interpretation, a people-centered approach can help to offer a more diverse exploration of the past. Giving a literal voice to historical events, rather than seeing only the museum items as things from a distant time is a strength of the living history approach from which museums of all kinds can learn.
Living history is an effective way to engage the public audience, while allowing for an interactive education which intrigues the minds of the audience both young and old. The interpretation of the past is not as simple as “emotional journeying” or “illusion”. In fact it is embroiled in issues that museums and the wider field of archaeology also face — those of authenticity, authority, and reflexivity. Because historical reenactors are largely outside of the academic sphere, however, their responses to these issues provide a unique perspective. For most practitioners, there are two essential elements to living history: the pursuit of what is referred to as authenticity and the claim to make history accessible.
The historical reenactors and interpreters of historic sites receive the most mindful understanding of the past. They provide hands-on experiences and are also responsible for answering the public’s questions, which at times can be very challenging. The professional field and reenactors have a lot to learn from one another, which contributes to reaching out the broader public with our cultural heritage and values of a higher standard.

Session: #396

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