ABSTRACT
First-person interpretation—the interpretive technique in which the interpreter portrays a person of the past as if the interpreter was actually that person—remains one of the most debated interpretive techniques at living history museums. This chapter examines first-person interpretation from several perspectives and offers an examination of how it can be a powerful method of learning about the past from a personal perspective or a barrier to effective understanding of that past. For most people, visiting a park, zoo, nature center or historic home is an enjoyable way to spend leisure time—one involving family or friends on weekends, vacations or free time during the week. Some come in small groups, individually or others arrive as part of an organized group participating in a pre-planned visit. To better understand how first-person interpretation fits into a visitor-centered perspective on learning, it is important to be aware of notions being formulated about how people think and learn.
