About 25 years ago the Children's Museum in Charleston, W.Va. had
a special project for all 8th grade students studying W.Va. history.
It was called the "W.Va. Heritage Trunk Project" consisting of reproductions
of objects and artifacts depicting W. Va. history of approximately 1863 to
the 1890's. The basis was role playing of families that would have been
existing at that time...teacher/preacher, riverboat captain, merchant, etc.
These articles, with instructions on how to use them (a teacher's guide),
included, clothing, a quilt (to make), a dulcimer with instructions on
how to play it, puppets to dramatize, art of the time, mountain toys,
and many other things I can't remember right now. They were all
contained in authentic camelback trunks, and traveled throughout the
state by the state dept. of education. Teachers were trained by museum
staff on how to best use the trunks which they had in the classroom
for approximately 2 weeks. It was indeed participatory, hands-on, and
experiential. Activities include spelling bees, a barn raising, soap
making, and local elections. They were very very well-received. The W.Va.
Arts and Humanities Council subsidized them. About six years later the
trunks were given to the State Museum, and they replicated them so
that each of the 55 counties in the state could have its own. Videotapes
were produced as well.  I don't know the current status of the project,
but you might write to the State Museum or to Dolly Sherwood, 1419
Dogwood Rd., Charleston, W.VA. 25314.  Hope this is "interpretive"
enough. Good luck!   Jane Glaser (I wasdirector of the museum when we
produced the trunks, and Dolly Sherwood was coordinator of the project).