Living History Vignette Program

The Clayton House Victorian museum often presents unique, educational living history vignettes at our events. Now, the Clayton House Living History Vignette Program can thrill and teach your students right in the classroom. These insightful vignettes, written by Fort Smith history buff Dave Ross, span Fort Smith history from the Trail of Tears to the advent of the electric streetcar to Elvis’ appearance at Fort Chaffee. The vignettes last approximately 15 minutes and place audiences “right in the moment” … the best place to learn.

Actors from Southside High School’s Rebel Theatre provide wonderful performances to the thrill of young students. Other volunteers with a flair for the theatrical are invited to sign up as Troupe members.

All vignettes are based on historical facts, but some characters are fictional composites of people of the times. Others are real, although their dialogue may be simulated to advance the historical outcome of the actual event. Every effort has been made to make the flavor of the vignette as accurate as possible – according to available research. A special “epilogue” ties each vignette forward to its place in history.

To book a vignette performance for your classroom, call the Clayton House at 479-783-3000, or email [email protected]. Remaining dates for the 2012-13 school year include February 5 and April 9.