'When' Are We?... Interpreting History

Historic Interpretations is made up of dedicated volunteers that take on a persona in order to teach history -- and there is no better way to learn history then to hear REAL stories and participate in hands-on activities. This spring Historic Interpretations has been busy, interpreting Medieval Ireland, the European Renaissance and Colonial America, all amazing times with histories that are just too good to be true... but it IS TRUE!

Lafayette Villages' Irish Festival
Did you know Irish legend credits St Patrick with the Celtic Cross? It is believed he combined the pagan sun god (the circle) with a traditional Christian cross to create a Celtic cross. Did you know Ireland was credited with creating one of the oldest existing books -- The Book of Kells, written in 800AD?  Did you know that one of the most fierce pirates to sail the seas was Irish... and her name was Grace O'Malley? 

These are just the few things you could have learned through hands-on interaction and fun at this year's Celtic heritage festival sponsored by Lafayette Village in Raleigh. 

Historic Interpretations interpreted characters from both Celtic Mythology and real people from many different walks of life. You could have had a conversation with St. Patrick himself if you wanted to! There were games, songs and dances, treasure hunts, and we even had over 200 families create their own unique celtic letters inspired by Illumination and Calligraphy. It was a beautiful, fun-filled day. 

George Washington's Southern Tour
On April 20th and 21st, 1791, President George Washington visited New Bern, North Carolina as part of his "Southern Tour". His goals for the tour were to personally observe the condition of the three Southern states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, and assure himself of the strength of the newly formed United States of America in this region. 

Washington kept a diary during the tour, and was "exceedingly" pleased with his reception in New Bern. The town received him with cannon fire, 

speeches, a grand dinner and ball at Tryon Palace, and with great respect and admiration for his leadership and sacrifices during the War of Independence. 

On April 15th, 2015, Historic Interpretations was honored to be part of this amazing event, recreating Washington's historic visit and all the festivities therein. We demonstrated Colonial dances, taught patrons songs of revolution, and even invited patrons to play colonial games in our Oak Tavern. We cannot wait to return to North Carolina's original capital to what is going to be an annual event. 

The NC Art Museum Family Renaissance Faire
Truly one of the most FUN events Historic Interpretations has the pleasure of participating in, the North Carolina Art Museum's Family Renaissance Faire offers crafts, music, food, and countless demonstrations of skill and artistry. Our interpreters donned our very best garb and taught over 1500 patrons about the origins of Heraldry. 

Over 900 years ago the heraldic device was developed and mainly used so that knights could be spotted in battle, something that their full suit of armor often stopped from happening. For a knight, recognition by the King was vital, especially since the knight’s worth would be measured by his valor on the battlefield. Once a heraldic device was given to a knight or lord, it became family property and would be passed from father to son, thus protecting the family’s reputation for many generations to come.

Over 780 unique and beautiful coat-of-arms were created by all ages and we had a wonderful, albeit exhausting, time learning and teaching with everyone at the faire. 

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What's Coming Up?
2015 is not over yet, and we have many events planed -- AND even more exciting events scheduled for 2016!
Interested in joining us? We have everything you need to get started, all you have to do is give us a call. CONTACT US