Historians, observes Cary Carson, should not center their interpretation on the object as an archaeologist might, but instead should determine how the object is integral to their historical inquiry, supporting, reflecting, even refuting, doctrines evident in the primary and secondary evidence. This should guide research for living history programs. The process of living history poses challenges, and many interpreters realize the need to continually improve presentations. Articles and books attest to the interest. The solutions depend on translating credible research into accurate and engaging presentations which educate without aggrandizing or romanticizing.
Research holds the key.
The general public remains largely uninformed about how to judge what they see and hear. Visitors assume that the information they receive at living history museums is accurate. Many do not have the tools to distinguish the accurate from the inaccurate. The visual stimulation, watching interpreters milk cows or cook in the fireplace, enhances the experience for visitors. They choose to enjoy themselves rather than analyze the situation.