Alicia - As a young student I attended many living museums; all had costumed in
terpretors.  Some of the museums played strictly their time period, the others
tried to stay as close to the real thing as possible.  The interpretors who rem
ained in character were frustrating.  They couldn't/wouldn't explain things (ac
tivities, items, etc.) in today's terms so people could better understand.  The
 interpretors who had the flexibility to step out of character were far more in
formative and enjoyable.  It wasn't like struggling with someone who doesn't sp
eak your native tongue.  Good luck with your project.  Robyn.