Interview with Laurie Siblock (Part Three)

Laurie Siblock
Special Events & Community Liasion
Lang Pioneer Village Museum

To get THE INSIDE SCOOP, I really wanted to understand why “living history” was important? Laurie tells me that “an important aspect of “living history” is that it helps preserve the knowledge of how objects of the past were used. If an artifact, say a rope-making machine, is only on static display and no one is operating it then it won’t be long before the knowledge of how the artifact was used and the skills to use it are lost. In museum terms, the artifact is tangible heritage and the knowledge of how to use it and its cultural significance is intangible heritage. Living history helps preserve both tangible and intangible heritage for future generations.” I asked Laurie, again, why this was important … I really wanted to understand and get SCOOP! Laurie seemed to be very reflective when she replied … “part of understanding history is to help us not repeat the mistakes of the past. It helps us gain appreciation for what we have today”. Laurie says it is important to get into the mindset and understand the personalities of the people before us! Laurie herself states she is just intrinsically interested in “living history”. Our ancestors paved the way for us and she appreciates what we have. Laurie mentioned the fact that it would have taken three days to journey, of about 55 kilometers (about an hours drive today). The richness in the past can inform you and help you understand the present. An example of the past influencing our future today is the weavers “loom” at Lang Pioneer Village. It is similar to our modern computer, with Laurie saying that it’s amazing that the origin of computer technology (in part) came from the textile industry.
(To be continued)