Photo courtesy Nathan Adams, Flickr

Instant Living History: 10 Tips for Costumed Interpretation at Historic Sites

Developing an in-depth character is not necessary for costumed interpretation to work. Just seeing someone engaged in activities which are no longer commonplace -- such as cooking over a fire, writing with a quill pen, or sweeping with a handmade broom -- will grab visitors’ interest.

1. Think about action, not acting.

Photo courtesy Patrick Q, Flickr

By putting the emphasis on day-to-day tasks and not on a complex historical backstory, you can eliminate two common problems: the awkwardness of docents tripping over scripted information or running on while guests’ eyes glaze over.

2. Focus on everyday activities.

Photo courtesy Baker County Tourism, Flickr

When talking to visitors, encourage volunteers to use the third person (“Mr. Benjamin Franklin used this printing press”) or second person (“You would use this to light a fire”) so they’re focused on skills and information, and not on being a character.

3. Avoid the first person.

Photo courtesy Smart Destinations, Flickr

Ask children to help with drying dishes or other easy activities to draw them in and allow them to “experience” the past. Find any small task that can be done with common (and safe) props.

4. Get visitors involved.

Photo courtesy National Trust for Historic Preservation

When you’re interviewing potential volunteers, learn about their hobbies and passions, as they might have contemporary interests such as sewing, knitting, and cooking that easily translate into historic activities.

5. Use your volunteers’ existing skills.

Photo courtesy Wigwam Jones, Flickr

If you’ve assigned an interpreter a skill they’re not already familiar with, allow them enough time to become comfortable with it before they take it public. Evaluate their progress and make adjustments as needed during this time.

6. Allow time for practice.

Photo courtesy Konrad Summers, Flickr

It is important to match your volunteers’ abilities and personalities to the themes, physical space, and costuming available at your historic site. Consider whether your site needs upper-, middle-, and lower-status roles interpreted. If so, determine which volunteers would be most convincing in those roles, or if they can take on more than one part.

7. Match volunteers to existing needs.

Photo courtesy NoWin, Flickr

To make your interpretation appear authentic, you will need appropriate-looking replica items for your volunteers to use, such as sewing kits, period cleaning supplies, tea sets, or children’s toys. The type of site, period you’re working in, and activities being done will determine what you need to have on hand.

8. Assemble the objects you need.

Photo courtesy Jim Bullard Photogoraphy, Flickr

Set the bar for costuming as high as you can within the budget you have available. Emphasize the importance of avoiding anachronisms such as modern jewelry, wristwatches, and glasses.

9. Dress for success.

Photo courtesy National Trust for Historic Preservation

As your volunteers become comfortable with the basics of interpretation, chances are they will want to learn more about many aspects of their work. It can be helpful to provide a list of on- and offline resources that share more information about the general historic period as well as background on that era’s clothing, cooking, and other elements.

10. Provide resources.

Photo courtesy Judy Baxter, Flickr

Ten on Tuesday features ten preservation tips each week. For more tips, visit blog.PreservationNation.org.