One of my goals for the new year is to feature more guest posts along with my own here on the blog. Today, the multi-talented Diana Leagh Matthews shares about something that is high on my list of things to do “someday”: Historical Reenacting!
From a young age, I’ve always been intrigued by history and the lessons we can learn from the past. Yet, I never imagined how this infatuation would define my personal, professional, and writing life.
After a nasty divorce, in my early twenties, I began to trace my family history. This was in the early 1990s, long before the days of genealogy websites. Yet, I learned so much from the history of ancestors about life in the past, the decisions they’d made, our similarities and differences, and how it’s all had an impact on my own life.
One of my discoveries that fed my love of history and genealogy was our connection with David Crockett (his 2nd wife is my 4x great-aunt.) I devoured history and biographies, the way I consume dark chocolate.
So, when I worked in a nursing home as an activity director, I strove to find a way to bring history to life and making it interesting for my residents. It’s one thing to stand up and read about an event but another to engage the residents and create a three-dimensional person or event for them.
So, as David Crockett’s birthday came around, I decided to tell them about his life from the viewpoint of his wife. I wrote her story, created a costume, and memorized the manuscript. Then I performed a monologue for them in character. The residents were enamored, and it really brought the individual to life for them.
From then on, about twice a year, I’d perform a monologue of historical events. This began with my ancestors and family history, such as one of the women who came over on the Mayflower. Then I branched out to other topics such as surviving the Titanic sinking, being married to King Henry VIII, and witnessing the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
These subjects were chosen because they were of interest to both myself and my residents. We even had a sampling of the meals served on the Titanic and Lincoln’s last meal.
From there other monologues developed, such as a first-hand account of living with Alzheimer’s and numerous Biblical monologues.
While it is rewarding to perform a monologue, it is also an intensive process. Beginning with the research and writing. Then as the memorization and practice takes place, the character really comes alive as I find her nuances and personality. During this time, I’m also figuring out her costume and what she’d wear. Finally, it’s time for a performance, and I always try to give it my all, whether it’s a nursing home, senior center, church, or historical society.
The process is much like writing a book, in that it takes time and there are many various aspects that go into the development of the book from idea to finished project.
Presenting monologues has also helped me to find unique ways to bring my main characters to life in my mind and put skin on the bones. The characters come alive the same way living history brings the past to life.
There is much we can learn from the past, especially if we don’t want to repeat the same mistakes of others. Psalm 107:43 says “Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord.” (NLT)
What lessons have you learned from the past?
Thank you, Leagh! I’m curious to know as well: what is a lesson you have learned from your study of history or perhaps your own ancestors? Feel free to leave your comments below, and connect with Leagh online!
About the Author:
Diana Leagh Matthews shares God’s love through her story from rebel to redeemed. Her day job is as a volunteer coordinator, but at night she writes and hunts genealogy. She gives programs as a speaker, teacher, vocalist, and presents historical monologues. Leagh (pronounced Lee) is the author of Carol of the Rooms, History Made Real, 90 Breath Prayers for the Caregiver, and others in the Breath Prayers series. She also writes the history behind hymns at DianaLeaghMatthews.com. While there you can sign up for her monthly newsletter where she shares all her news first.
Terri Neely is propelled by greed and ambition.
She refuses to let anyone—except for her beloved Gramps—
past her hard exterior.
Long ago, her faith waivered, and her love of music turned to hate.
That is until an accident forces her to view the soundtrack of her life
as she visits her past, present, and future.
Can the songs in Terri’s life change her heart
and restore her faith before it’s too late?
Connect with Diana Leagh Matthews:
What’s coming up on the blog? I will be sharing a new post in my Book and Film Reviews series, and welcoming author Chevron Ross! Be sure to subscribe below to stay in the loop!
Aubrey Taylor Books 
I love Diana’s hands-on approach to learning about history. I learned from my ancestors that the Depression was grim, but people are creative and resourceful. Carol of the Rooms sounds good!
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