The Hidden Dangers of Living History: How Colonial Williamsburg and Plimoth Patuxet Perpetuate the Patriot Myth
When we think of living history, images of costumed interpreters, immersive reenactments, and picturesque recreations of the past often come to mind. Places like Colonial Williamsburg and Plimoth Patuxet have long been heralded as educational experiences where visitors can "step back in time" and witness history firsthand. But as a public historian committed to "honest history," I argue that these living history sites, while popular and engaging, can be inherently harmful in their representation of the past—especially for younger audiences.
The Sanitization and Myth-Making of History
Living history presentations at places like Colonial Williamsburg often sanitize the complexities and harsh realities of the past. These sites are designed to evoke nostalgia and pride, showcasing a version of colonial life that emphasizes industriousness, civility, and the fight for independence. However, this idealized portrayal glosses over the brutal realities of slavery, the systemic oppression of Indigenous peoples, and the deep divisions that characterized colonial society.
At Plimoth Patuxet, the story of the Pilgrims is often presented through the lens of harmony and religious freedom, culminating in the iconic image of the first Thanksgiving. This narrative, while comforting, oversimplifies the history of colonization and downplays the severe impact on the Wampanoag people and other Indigenous communities. The emphasis on cooperation between Pilgrims and Native Americans romanticizes a history that was, in reality, marked by conflict, dispossession, and the near-eradication of Indigenous cultures.
Exclusion of Marginalized Voices
One of the most significant issues with living history sites is their tendency to marginalize the voices of those who do not fit into the dominant narrative. At Colonial Williamsburg, efforts have been made to include the stories of enslaved people, but these narratives often remain secondary to the broader story of the American Revolution. The focus is still largely on the achievements and experiences of white colonists, reinforcing the Patriot Myth and the exclusion of African Americans, women, and Indigenous peoples.
Similarly, at Plimoth Patuxet, the presentation of history centers on the Pilgrims, with Indigenous perspectives treated as an adjunct rather than a central part of the story. This reinforces a skewed version of history that privileges the experiences of European settlers while minimizing the devastation wrought upon Native communities. By failing to fully integrate these voices, living history sites perpetuate a narrow understanding of the past.
Reinforcement of Historical Myths
Living history often reinforces the very myths that many of us in the field of public history seek to dismantle. Colonial Williamsburg, for instance, presents a narrative of a unified colonial society fighting for liberty and independence. This version of history overlooks the significant internal divisions, class struggles, and conflicting interests that were present during the Revolutionary era. By focusing on the grandeur of the Revolution and the heroism of the Founding Fathers, these sites help entrench the Patriot Myth, making it harder for visitors—especially younger ones—to grasp the complexities and contradictions of the period.
At Plimoth Patuxet, the portrayal of the Pilgrims as religious refugees seeking freedom is another example of myth-making. This narrative obscures the colonial motivations and violent consequences of their settlement, perpetuating the idea of American exceptionalism. The story of Thanksgiving, in particular, is often presented as a simple, feel-good tale, when in fact it is part of a much larger and more troubling history of colonization and conflict.
Commercialization and Historical Accuracy
The commercial imperatives of living history sites like Colonial Williamsburg and Plimoth Patuxet also contribute to a distorted portrayal of the past. As major tourist attractions, these sites are driven by the need to attract visitors, which often leads to a presentation of history that prioritizes entertainment over accuracy. Controversial or uncomfortable topics are frequently downplayed or avoided altogether to maintain broad appeal. This can dilute the educational value of these sites, particularly for younger visitors who may leave with a romanticized and inaccurate understanding of history.
Misleading Authenticity
Despite the efforts to create an authentic experience, living history is inherently anachronistic. Costumed interpreters, no matter how well trained, are modern individuals who inevitably bring contemporary perspectives to their portrayals. This can lead to a misleading sense of authenticity, where visitors believe they are experiencing history as it was, rather than as it is being reenacted. This false sense of understanding is particularly problematic for young audiences, who may take these experiences at face value and miss the complexities of the actual historical events.
Undermining Critical Historical Education
The focus on performance and entertainment at living history sites often undermines the potential for critical historical education. Instead of challenging visitors to think deeply about the past, these sites can encourage passive consumption of history as a series of feel-good stories. For younger audiences, this can be particularly harmful, as it may set the stage for a lifetime of uncritical engagement with history.
To foster a more informed and engaged public, especially among young people, we must move beyond the sanitized, mythologized versions of history presented at places like Colonial Williamsburg and Plimoth Patuxet. Instead, we should embrace a more honest and critical approach that confronts the full scope of the past, including its injustices and moral failures.
Conclusion: The Need for Honest History
While living history sites have educational value and can make history accessible and engaging, they also contribute to the perpetuation of the Patriot Myth and other historical distortions. By emphasizing entertainment, simplifying complex histories, and excluding marginalized voices, these sites often present a skewed understanding of the past. To truly educate and inform, we must challenge these narratives and strive for a more honest, inclusive, and critical representation of history. Only then can we help young audiences—and all visitors, onsite and online—develop a deeper, more accurate understanding of the past and its implications for the present and future.
