History Alive! is a program that brings historical characters to life through portrayals by presenters who have conducted scholarly research on their character. It provides a passport to the past for student and adult audiences in West Virginia. Presenters are available to non-profit groups across the state such as libraries, schools, museums, historical societies, and civic organizations.
The West Virginia Humanities Council created the History Alive! program as a means of exploring history by interacting directly with noteworthy historical characters. These presentations are not one-person plays. They are intended to actively engage audiences in a dialogue with the character.
Historical characterization is the vehicle for this program. History Alive! presenters have conducted thorough research on the characters they portray. After studying primary sources such as autobiographies, journals, letters, and diaries our presenters have extensive insight into their character. Whenever possible they use their character's own words in their presentations. They develop their presentation based on scholarship and analysis of the character rather than by memorizing a script.
Audiences, both young and old, take notice when Robert E. Lee or "Mad" Anne Bailey or Harriet Tubman takes the floor dressed of the period to tell about their life. People are given the opportunity to travel across time, listen and ask questions about the issues of another time and place.
The Format
Each History Alive! presentation has three parts:
1. A Monologue: The character introduces the historical, social, and political issues that represent the era. (15-25 minutes)
2. Discussion with the Character: The character initiates a discussion with the audience, allowing an opportunity to ask questions, debate, and disagree with the character. (10-15 minutes)
3. Discussion with the Presenter: The presenter "breaks character" to answer questions and continue the discussion as a researcher rather than as the character. (5-10 minutes)
How to Host a Presentation
1. You contact the presenter directly and determine a date well in advance.
2. The presenter submits a booking form to the Council for approval.
3. The Council sends you promotional information and you use it.
4. You pay the presenter mileage and hotel, if possible.
5. The Council pays the presenter his or her presentation fee.
6. You submit to the Council the evaluation sheet.The West Virginia Humanities Council provides the program to interested non-profit groups in West Virginia. The presenter's fees are paid directly by the Council. We do ask that, if possible, the host groups pay for travel and lodging when needed. This allows for more presentations to be made around the state. A school or group is eligible to host no more than two Council funded History Alive! programs between November 1 and October 31. Additional presentations may be arranged with presenters but without Council funding.
If you want to host a presentation, contact the presenter directly. Click on the character's name below for a brief biographical sketch, photo, and presenter contact information. When you contact the presenter he/she will submit your request to the Council. You will receive promotional materials from the Council to adequately promote the program. Council also requests that each host group complete and return a one-page program evaluation form after the presentation.
These programs are intended to be made available to the public at no cost. Admission should not be charged for History Alive! presentations.
Tips
› A History Alive! presentation is NOT a play. The audience should be willing to enter into discussion with the character.
› Be sure to contact a character well in advance to book him or her. Funds are limited. Booking requests from the presenters are due in the Council office no later than the 20th of the month BEFORE the month of the presentation.
› Take time to prepare your audience or students for the presentation.
› Keep in touch with the presenter and inform them of the audience size, schedule changes, directions, and other important information.
› Make sure that the program is on your school or organization calendar to avoid any schedule mix-ups. Understand that when you arrange to host a presentation you are making a commitment to the presenter. If you need to cancel or reschedule you must give notice to the presenter well in advance as they are often traveling.
› The West Virginia Humanities Council must be recognized as the sponsor of the event in any publicity for the presentation. These materials will be provided by the Council.
› This program is not intended for large, school assembly-type audiences nor individual classrooms.
Click on a character's name to go to a description with photo
The Characters
History Alive!
Publicity Requirements
Read more in our press release section.Presenters may print copies of forms here.
