Past into Present: Effective Techniques for First-Person Historical Interpretation

by Stacy F. Roth

First-person interpretation--the portrayal of historical
characters through interactive dramatization or roleplaying--is
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 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.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 1998

Reviews

[Ethan Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended for those who practice living history or employees at museums that involve first-person interpretation.

[Mickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book isn't bad, but I found myself skimming quite a bit just to get to the practical advice. As a hobby interpreter, I'm really not interested in the academic study of whether interpretation is theater or the discussion of the pros and cons of 1st person although that is very interesting.

[Brock Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent look into first-person interpretation. Well researched and immensely readable, a must read for aspiring or current interpreters.