Living History Museums

Undoing History through Performance

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Performing Arts, Theatre, History & Criticism
Cover of the book Living History Museums by Scott Magelssen, Scarecrow Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Scott Magelssen ISBN: 9781461669401
Publisher: Scarecrow Press Publication: February 1, 2007
Imprint: Scarecrow Press Language: English
Author: Scott Magelssen
ISBN: 9781461669401
Publisher: Scarecrow Press
Publication: February 1, 2007
Imprint: Scarecrow Press
Language: English

Living history museums are cultural institutions that merge historical exhibits with live costumed performance. While unique and vitally important, they often compromise historical accuracy and authenticity for the sake of tourism and entertainment value. Many also pursue methods of performance and historiography that are becoming increasingly outdated. Living History Museums: Undoing History Through Performance examines the performance practices used by institutions such as Plimoth Plantation and Colonial Williamsburg, and offers a new genealogy of living history museum performance in the U.S. and Europe.

Currently, existing scholarship on living history museums addresses the subject from a museum-studies or anthropology perspective. Author Scott Magelssen, however, approaches the material from a background in theatre history and theory, analyzing living history museums using postmodern methodology. Considering performance as a method for the study of history and exploring emergent non-traditional theatrical practices, the book offers suggestions for performance in an increasingly postmodern landscape. Concluding with an international listing of living history institutions and a complete list of sources, Living History Museums is a valuable resource for students and teachers of theatre and performance studies, cultural studies, folklore, popular culture, American studies, and museum studies.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Living history museums are cultural institutions that merge historical exhibits with live costumed performance. While unique and vitally important, they often compromise historical accuracy and authenticity for the sake of tourism and entertainment value. Many also pursue methods of performance and historiography that are becoming increasingly outdated. Living History Museums: Undoing History Through Performance examines the performance practices used by institutions such as Plimoth Plantation and Colonial Williamsburg, and offers a new genealogy of living history museum performance in the U.S. and Europe.

Currently, existing scholarship on living history museums addresses the subject from a museum-studies or anthropology perspective. Author Scott Magelssen, however, approaches the material from a background in theatre history and theory, analyzing living history museums using postmodern methodology. Considering performance as a method for the study of history and exploring emergent non-traditional theatrical practices, the book offers suggestions for performance in an increasingly postmodern landscape. Concluding with an international listing of living history institutions and a complete list of sources, Living History Museums is a valuable resource for students and teachers of theatre and performance studies, cultural studies, folklore, popular culture, American studies, and museum studies.

More books from Scarecrow Press

Cover of the book The History of Public Library Access for African Americans in the South by Scott Magelssen
Cover of the book The A to Z of U.S. Diplomacy from the Civil War to World War I by Scott Magelssen
Cover of the book Corresponding with Carlos by Scott Magelssen
Cover of the book The Developing World by Scott Magelssen
Cover of the book Children's Books from Other Countries by Scott Magelssen
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Anglo-American Relations by Scott Magelssen
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of World War II by Scott Magelssen
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Mormonism by Scott Magelssen
Cover of the book Revival and Reconciliation by Scott Magelssen
Cover of the book 21st-Century Gothic by Scott Magelssen
Cover of the book New York Philharmonic by Scott Magelssen
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Chinese Cinema by Scott Magelssen
Cover of the book The A to Z of Jehovah's Witnesses by Scott Magelssen
Cover of the book Singing by Scott Magelssen
Cover of the book The Mélodies of Francis Poulenc by Scott Magelssen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy