Meet Margaret E. Carlini, education supervisor at Henricus Historical Park

Q: Why is education an important part of the mission at Henricus Historical Park?

A: As a living history museum, Henricus Historical Park operates as an educational institution serving the community at large, including children and adults. Everything we do, from our SOL-aligned education programs to camps and general visitation emphasize age-appropriate, hands-on, team-building activities. Period-dressed interpreters make history come alive through demonstrations in the re-created 17th-century settlement.

Q: What types of groups typically participate in the education programs?

A: More than 18,000 children visit Henricus Historical Park each year. From more than 10 school districts, students in pre-kindergarten through high school, book programs at Henricus. Public, private and home schools, including day care centers and student and adult clubs and organizations visit the Park. Henricus is currently partnering with school districts and other museums to provide history training for educators statewide.

Q: How are you incorporating the site’s 400th anniversary into programming?

A: We’ve taken into account the diverse cultures living in the area and how they traded not only goods but ideas with each other. History programs feature the interactions and individual personalities of Pocahontas, Powhatan, Sir Thomas Dale and the Reverend Alexander Whitaker. The expanded Virginia Indian site and newly constructed Rocke Hall will be integral to new and existing programs. Henricus is partnering with the Virginia Indian community, other museums, colleges and organizations, to provide a rich depth of understanding about our programs.

Q: What are your favorite aspects about working at Henricus?

A: I really enjoy meeting a wide variety of people and participating in many different projects. Mornings may be spent teaching programs to second graders in the Virginia Indian site, while teacher institutes, grant writing sessions and lesson planning may occupy the afternoon. In all aspects, it is a fulfilling career. You are not only a part of the revisualization of the past, but making the past relevant to the future.

Q: What do you envision for the future of the Park?

A: I envision growing interest from the local community, state and nation in Virginia’s historical past and its important role in shaping our country. To meet this demand, we look forward to providing a wider range of services – historical research, videos, exhibits, archaeological surveys, environmental programs and more general public and school programs. We hope to encourage a broader interest in Henricus Historical Park for many years to come.