I first met many of the Historic Strolls actors while running a program called “Samantha at the Heurich House Museum ”. This show, begun in 1997 is no longer in existence but is remembered fondly by me as my first experience at interactive theater. I originated the character of the Victorian servant, Lena in the show and soon was playing both this immigrant “below-stairs” character and Samantha Parkington's suffragist aunt, “Aunt Cornelia”. Some days I would find myself gliding gracefully up a staircase instructing young girls to “hold their heads high” and other times I was tooting “beggin' yer pardon, miss, but the tea is ready”. It did get a bit schizophrenic after awhile and thus, the corps of Aunt Cornelias/ Lenas was formed. They came from all disciplines of theatre and they were an interesting crew. The first “Ghost Tour” ever produced by me featured former “Samantha” actors exclusively and many of the actors you see on the character page have experienced life as a Victorian.
It was fun, when it wasn't too hot in that un- air conditioned house and I certainly learned a lot about children from the hundreds and hundreds of girls (and some boys) who passed a bit of 1904 time in our care. And I will always remember one child in particular who squeezed my hand and said “time traveling is so much fun, isn't it?” Yes, my dear, yes it is….