FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2008

CONTACT: Sebastian D’Elia, 908-527-4419
Tom Plante, 908-527-4746

Workshop at Liberty Hall Museum Explains Historical Interpretation, Oct. 22

UNION, NJ – Whether you’re a staff member, volunteer or regular visitor of an historic house, a storyteller, an amateur historical interpreter, a member of a local historical society, or an actor, you should attend the special workshop, “Historical Interpretation: Providing Memorable Experiences at a Storied Place.”The workshop will take place on Wednesday, October 22, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University, 1003 Morris Avenue, Union.

Kevin Wright, an Historic Interpretive Planning Specialist, and Alicia Washington, an Historical Interpreter, are the featured guest presenters. Mr. Wright, a certified interpretive planner who has worked as an historic site manager and senior historic preservation specialist, will talk about the “ins and outs” of historic site interpretation. He’ll discuss a host of topics including how heritage interpretation employs the skills of storytelling; and how an historic interpreter can blend into the setting, recreating the clothing, language and skills of a past environment.

A special treat for participants will be historical interpreter Alicia Washington’s portrayal of
19th Century abolitionist and feminist Sojourner Truth. Dressed in period clothing similar to
that worn by the abolitionist, the professional actress and storyteller will deliver her powerful “Dialogue with Sojourner Truth.” Ms. Washington, a graduate of the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, produces workshops for Washington Productions, including “Fabulous Folktales in You.”

Pre-registration is required by Oct. 20 and seating is limited. The registration fee is $10.
To register or to request a workshop brochure, contact the Union County Office of Cultural
and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone (908) 558-2550;
Relay Users call 711; or E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

This public history workshop is presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Community Renewal. The program is funded in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.