Historic Interpretations, Inc.

Historic Interpretations, Inc. Real People + Real History = Real Life In 2002, Historic Interpretations, Inc. was formed as The Guilde of St. Historic Interpretations, Inc.

Andrew of North Carolina to provide the court of Mary, Queen of Scots at the Mountain Renaissance Adventure Faire in Asheville, NC. The members of the cast had so much fun portraying the Scottish Royal Court that they were not ready for the story to end. An invitation to return as the Scottish Court at the 2003, Mountain Renaissance Adventure Faire provided the group with further opportunity. Soon

, other performances up and down the East coast followed, as far afield as Florida and Illinois. Today we have over 250 volunteers and portray the courts of Queen Elizabeth of England and Mary Queen of Scotland, the households of the Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Leycester, created an entire American Colonial Village and personas of the Regency Period. Since our humble beginning, we’ve expanded our operation to include credited individuals skilled in costuming, cooking, brewing, arms and armor, dancing, and even performing religious ceremonies of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Historic Interpretations can provide living history programs, theatrical performances, special events, classes and workshops. Contact us to learn how you can have a custom program designed for your school, library, event, or venue or become a volunteer. And be sure to check out our public events offering a range of entertainments and opportunities for all ages. is s a non-profit 501c3 organization.

Way back in April we had a good time doing the Revolutionary War Day in Historic Hillsborough. It was a great and busy t...
08/07/2026

Way back in April we had a good time doing the Revolutionary War Day in Historic Hillsborough. It was a great and busy turnout of the public. So much so we couldn't sneak a camera around to get some pictures, so here are a few of the earlier time before many had shown up.

The  #1 question every guest asks:“Aren’t you hot?”
07/10/2026

The #1 question every guest asks:
“Aren’t you hot?”

Aren't you hot? The recent heat wave has sparked a lively discussion of how people coped with the summer heat in colonial Massachusetts. Naturally, they would try to make themselves more comfortable, while still maintaining a decent appearance, by wearing garments made from lighter fabrics like worsted wool, linen and cotton.

Some garments were made to be more comfortable and practical for physical work. Farmers working in the field might replace their coat with a lighter, oversized linen shirt called a smock. Women working around the house or yard might wear a loose-fitting "bedgown" which is much more comfortable than a fitted gown.

When working in warm weather they often enjoyed a drink called "switchel" made from water, apple cider vinegar and molasses. It's a refreshing drink (Yes! We've tried it!) that will help you rehydrate and replace essential electrolytes.

Soldiers in war, of course, suffered terribly in hot weather. For example, at the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778 the heat killed nearly as many soldiers as the enemy. It is safe to say that our 18th century forebears well understood the dangers of excessive heat. So, as we remember them during our 250th celebrations, be safe and stay cool!

Image description: A living history impression of a woman wearing a bedgown while doing work in the house.
Image credit: Ladies Association of Revolutionary America

They fed us and I used our fresh made mustard. It really is good.
07/03/2026

They fed us and I used our fresh made mustard. It really is good.

At The Cambridge in Raleigh for America’s 250th
07/03/2026

At The Cambridge in Raleigh for America’s 250th

06/11/2026

Today in History - June 6th
1509 – Henry VIII of England marries his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. The marriage would last for 24 years. They had 6 children, only one of whom, Mary, would live more than a few hours.
Henry had been infatuated with Anne Boleyn since 1926, but it didn't marry her (in secret) for 6 more years. A year later, in 1933, Catherine's marriage to Henry was declared invalid. by Henry's new Anglican church. Catherine lived 3 more years dying in 1936, most likely from cancer.

06/08/2026

We have some wonderful events coming up. We'd love to see you there, or even join us as volunteers in creating the atmosphere.

For America's 250th:
Brier Creek, July 3rd for a senior center (55+) This is indoors!
Roxboro, September 12th
UNC Chapel Hill, October 19th

05/21/2026

Today in History - May 21st
1554 – Queen Mary I grants a royal charter to Derby School, as a grammar school for boys in Derby, England.

Derby School was a school in Derby in the English Midlands from 1160 to 1989. It had an almost continuous history of education of over eight-hundred years. For most of that time it was a grammar school for boys. The school became co-educational and comprehensive in 1972 and was closed in 1989.

Send a message to learn more

New event! Early America Living History FairHI is looking for volunteers to join our experts at a new event for America'...
05/21/2026

New event! Early America Living History Fair

HI is looking for volunteers to join our experts at a new event for America's 250th anniversary. We'll be portraying colonial life in Roxboro NC and need costumed performers to fill out our group. We can help you with clothing and training on how to play games in our tavern tent, talk about the history of the area from an 18th century point of view, or help with our foodways demonstrations as well as many other facets of historical life.

Contact us through a direct message on Facebook, or email us at [email protected]

Me, heading to Hillsborough tomorrow:
04/10/2026

Me, heading to Hillsborough tomorrow:

Address

Raleigh, NC
27661

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