Please note that the interpreters at Carter's Grove are not part-time or
volunteer reenactors, but full time historic interpreters.  Indeed, some of
the staff would not be pleased to be called "reenactors," a noble enough
term but one which is often associated with amateur rather than paid
professional.  Additionally, during some programs they do in fact offer
interpretations where first person characters are enacting the roll of
slaves.  A good contact is Christy Matthews who not only directs the
African American programming but also researches and interprets in the
first person at various events.


>I believe that a plantation could be interpreted without the actual
>working of the "slave".  As it has been done at Middleton in South
>Carolina and at Carter's Grove Plantation in Williamsburg.  You may
>want to contact Carter's Grove as they have a very active black
>participation in their re-enactments.  They re-enact and tell the
>stories of people past at their living quarters.  It is well done and
>an enjoyable experience.  The re-enactors of Carter's Grove are
>excellent presenters.
>     Middleton has re-enactors (actual artists) to do their baskets,
>metal working; etc.  Both of these plantations would be a good source
>to see how they have accomplished the interpretation of the
>African-American component of the plantation.
>        Debra Westerman
>        [log in to unmask]


****************************************
Christopher D. Geist, Professor              Phone:  419-372-7860
Department of Popular Culture                FAX:    419-372-2577
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH  43403