Sandra:

Old World Wisconsin, operated by the State Historical Society at Eagle,
Wis., is a large gathering of original farm and village buildings from
across the state representing the diverse ethnic background (mostly
European) of its  settlers.  Costumed interpreters assume the identity of
the real people who lived in these buildings and go about the daily
business of living as that person did, from planting and harvesting crops
using mid-19th century methods, cooking up a pot of soup on a wood-burning
stove, or conducting business in the village general store.  This
role-playing is very authentic and goes well beyond the costumed
interpretation at many other sites.

On a more theatrical note, the Heritage Ensemble uses song primarily to
relate history.  I saw them about 15 years ago at a Wisconsin State Park
performance when they did a program on the history of the railroading in
the U.S. , and I know that they have also done a Civil War program.  I am
not certain whether they are still performing.  The director of the group
was David Peterson at the University of Wisconsin back in the mid-1980s,
and I think the group may have been composed mostly of university students.
They were very good and produced several recordings of their programs,
which are sold at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin gift shop in
Madison.  The Historical Society may know whether they are still around and
whom to contact.

Hope this helps,
Joanne

Dr. Joanne Kluessendorf
Department of Geology
University of Illinois
1301 W. Green Street
Urbana, Illinois 61801
phone (217) 367-5916
FAX (217) 244-4996
e-mail: [log in to unmask]