Come for the History, Tolerate the Weather

One of the reasons I wished to pursue an internship with Crowley was because of the museum's focus on living history and experiential learning. I am of the belief that experiential learning and living history programs help make history education more accessible. For example, several visitors I have encountered during my time at Crowley have spoken little, if any, English and the museum does not yet have bilingual interpretive signage. All of these visitors, however, have still reported having an enjoyable experience. In my previous experience volunteering with other museums, I have found that living history makes museums more accessible and engaging for guests regardless of ability, age, or even a general interest in history. This week's shift was a reminder that a living history approach to museum education is not without its own set of potential hazards.

Like many of the other living history museums I have been fortunate enough to visit, much of the visitor experience at Crowley - especially the "nature center" elements - is located outside. While this may be quite pleasant in the late fall and into the winter months, the summer heat in Florida can make this somewhat taxing, if not dangerous for the ill-prepared guest. During this week's shift at the welcome center, I finished my shift at Crowley later than usual. A woman and her elderly father had chosen to spend the afternoon observing wildlife from the boardwalk trail. Despite their caution in taking along cold water and wearing loose, light clothing, they still found themselves exhausted by the heat on their way back down the trail. I was able to bring them more water and after a few technical issues during my first foray at the helm of a 4x4 outdoor vehicle, and a little patience, we were able to safely return to the welcome center - and blessed air conditioning!

The other pitfall of living history programs is the potential for issues with any animals cared for on the property. This week's particular episode once again featured a herd of cattle eschewing their typical home on the flood plain as the land was too damp for their bovine sensibilities. Unlike the last time such an incident occurred, and the herd congregated near the learning center, this time the cattle had opted for a new locale - the main driveway immediately in front of the main gate. I immediately alerted the chief executive officer who was not on site that day and was informed that the cattle at Crowley are not aggressive and did not pose a threat to guest safety. Moving slowly, and at times unmoving altogether, so as to not provoke or startle any of the cows, I was able to get an excellent view of this year's calves and lay eyes on an expectant cow. Eventually the cattle migrated on their own away from the gate and visitors heeded warnings to avoid the cattle.