Synopses & Reviews
First-person interpretationthe portrayal of historical characters through interactive dramatization or roleplayingis an effective, albeit controversial, method used to bring history to life at museums, historic sites, and other public venues. Stacy Roth examines the techniques of first-person interpretation to identify those that have been most effective with audiences while allowing interpreters to maintain historical fidelity.
Past into Present focuses on first-person interpretation's most challenging form: the unscripted, spontaneous, conversational approach employed in "living history" environments such as Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts, Conner Prairie in Indiana, and Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. While acknowledging that a wide range of methods can touch audiences effectively, Roth identifies a core set of practices that combine positive communication techniques, classic interpretive philosophy, and time-tested learning theories to promote audience enjoyment, provoke thought and inquiry, convey important messages and themes, and relate to individual visitor interests. She offers numerous examples of conversation and demonstration strategies, visitor behavior profiles, and suggestions for depicting conflict and controversy, and she provides useful character development guidelines, interpretive training advice, and recommendations for adapting first-person interpretation for diverse audiences.
Review
[I]dentifies a core set of practices that will not only promote audience enjoyment, but provoke thought and convey important messages.
Colonial Chronicle
Review
[H]er book is an instant classic in the field and should be a valued source for years to come.
Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums Bulletin
Review
There's something in
Past into Present for all interpreters, docents, and volunteers who strive to bring history to life for our students and visitors.
History News
Review
This is a very useful book, both for living history practitioners and for the larger audience of readers [interested in history].
John C. Kemp, Director of Colonial Interpretation, Plimoth Plantation
Review
Past into Present is both a spirited defense of a controversial interpretive technique and a handbook for its successful use.
John D. Krugler, Marquette University
Synopsis
Presents effective techniques of first-person interpretation, the portrayal of historical characters through interactive dramatization or roleplaying that is used to bring history to life at museums and historic sites.
Synopsis
[I]dentifies a core set of practices that will not only promote audience enjoyment, but provoke thought and convey important messages.
Colonial Chronicle [H]er book is an instant classic in the field and should be a valued source for years to come.
Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums Bulletin There's something in Past into Present for all interpreters, docents, and volunteers who strive to bring history to life for our students and visitors.
History News This is a very useful book, both for living history practitioners and for the larger audience of readers [interested in history].
John C. Kemp, Director of Colonial Interpretation, Plimoth Plantation Past into Present is both a spirited defense of a controversial interpretive technique and a handbook for its successful use.
John D. Krugler, Marquette University
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 225-244) and index.
About the Author
Stacy F. Roth is codirector of History on the Hoof, a company that creates, organizes, and performs a variety of interpretive presentations on historical themes.
Table of Contents
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I. New Approaches to History: An Overview
Chapter 1. The Terminology of Living History and First-Person Interpretation
Chapter 2. Goals, Benefits, and Drawbacks
Chapter 3. Development of First-Person Interpretation
Part II. Foundations for Historical Roleplaying
Chapter 4. Before Interpretation Starts: Planning, Research, and Development
Chapter 5. Is First-Person Interpretation Theater?
Chapter 6. Developing a Character
Part III. Interaction across the Centuries
Chapter 7. Communication Challenges
Chapter 8. The Role of the Visitor
Chapter 9. Breaking the Ice and Encouraging Interaction
Chapter 10. The Art of Conversation
Chapter 11. Body Language and Tone of Voice
Part IV. Roleplay and Relevance: Shaping Interpretation for Different Audiences
Chapter 12. Interpreting to Adults, Families, Seniors, and Foreign Visitors
Chapter 13. Interpreting to Children
Chapter 14. Interpreting to Audiences with Special Needs
Chapter 15. Interpreting Special Situations: Conflict, Controversy, and Heightened Emotion
Conclusion
Appendix 1. Glossary
Appendix 2. The Ultimate Character Development List
Appendix 3. Participants
Appendix 4. Selected Sites Featuring First-Person Interpretation
Notes
Bibliography
Index