Living History in a Digital World
Bringing the Past into the Future
When the public thinks about heritage and historical reenactment, they instantly think of the past and antiquated things. Some may believe that is how the organizations themselves operate as well: in an old fashion way. The truth is much the opposite; the process of managing heritage and conducting living history programs often utilizes cutting-edge technologies. Currently, augmented reality and virtual reality technologies are being incorporated into heritage management. They can also be used to produce highly educational and engaging living history programs, forwarding the organization’s mission and increasing the visitor’s satisfaction.
In “Innovating,” Trunfio et al. (2021) indicate that museums are increasingly becoming market and service-oriented organizations. To keep up with market demand for new education methods and public engagement, heritage organizations must reach out and utilize new technology. When it comes to living history programs, a heavily visual technology will complement the already visual and sometimes hands-on programing.
An argument could be made that augmented and virtual realities have no place in living history programs. It would take away from living histories to show and educate the public on how certain aspects of various cultures and histories “actually” occurred. The counterargument would be that these technologies’ purpose would be to reveal different facets of what was already being interpreted. Challenor and Minhau (2019) noted that these kinds of technologies are becoming far more commonplace and user-friendly, both by heritage professionals and the public. They are quickly becoming a method through which we fundamentally perceive the world. To satisfy the visitor, we must educate in a method they will understand and internalize; otherwise, we have failed both the public and our mission. The same information is being interpreted, just in a different format.
The format that augmented and virtual realities take would not impede the “authenticity” of living history. It only has the possibility of changing how history is seen. Instead of viewing the history purely through the naked eye, there will be an interface such as a mobile screen or a headset. With augmented reality, the technology could be used to overlay small facets of the total experience simply. They could provide a more historically accurate background for a living historian, or it might give a 3D model of an extinct flora or fauna with which the interpreter can interact. Virtual reality can provide an almost equal experience to in-person living history with the bonus of increased access for the public. With a headset, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the past or a different culture, either in person or online. The level of immersion and the accuracy of the living history is still entirely dependent upon the heritage organization and their interpretations. Utilizing virtual reality technologies can also increase visitor services and satisfaction by providing increased access to site and educational opportunities for those who otherwise would be unable to participate.
