The Future of Living History:
A Virtual History Space Discussion
Newport, RI (January 2021) – Join the Newport Historical Society for a discussion that explores the future of living history programs on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 5pm, virtually on Zoom.
Public historians from both the academic world and museum field are invited to attend, along with living historians, reenactors and the interested public.
In 2014, the Newport Historical Society began presenting a series of site-specific living history programs that recreate conflicts which helped spark the American Revolution. These programs, which are a central part of the NHS’ History Space initiative, include the Stamp Act Riots and naval impressments from the 1760’s, the harsh realities of life under military occupation in the late 1770s, and partnering with other museums to develop similar programs such as the 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre with Revolutionary Spaces.
Although these historical events were a core part of the conflicts that shaped the foundation of the United States and led to American democracy, they could also be framed as acts of terrorism.
All modern programs are presented for educational purposes, however, could this kind of event have negative connotations when presented in today’s world?
Themes discussed will include:
balancing sensitivities towards current events that may parallel historic events,
the use of weapons and violence at public history events,
weaving marginalized voices into programming narratives in an authentic way for a modern audience, and
managing visitor expectations: in a time where popular shows bend a historical theme to appeal to viewers, should museum programs bend historical accuracy to attract and maintain their audiences?
The Future of Living History: A Virtual History Space Discussion will occur on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 5 pm.
To RSVP to this event, contact Heather Rockwood at hrockwood@newporthistory.org
or 401-846-0813 x110.
About the Newport Historical Society
Since 1854, the Newport Historical Society has collected and preserved the artifacts, photographs, documents, publications, and genealogical records that relate to the history of Newport County, to make these materials readily available for both research and enjoyment, and to act as a resource center for the education of the public about the history of Newport County, so that knowledge of the past may contribute to a fuller understanding of the present.
For more information please visit