By Staff Writer Dave Domezik
MONTEVALLOFor two eighth-graders at Berry Middle School, this summer has been anything but typical. As Junior Interpreters at American Village in Montevallo, Mae Margaret Carden of Hoover and Maggie Harrelson of Riverchase have been traveling back in time during their break, helping guests experience the 18th century.
Students who are passionate about history and performance, aged 13 to 18, are invited to audition for the American Village Junior Interpreter program each year. Those chosen undergo professional training and help the site’s educational interpreters introduce visitors to colonial American customs, culture, and viewpoints.
According to Rebecca Evans, co-director of the program, we are seeking students who are driven, flexible, mature, and able to manage a range of duties. Junior interpreters typically help backstage, engage in various historical vignettes, and instruct guests in colonial activities.
For Carden, the position is the realization of a lifelong ambition.
“I always wanted to be a part of the Junior Interpreter program when I went to American Village as a young child,” she added. Working on our scenes and connecting with the guests is my favorite aspect.
While studying American history in school, Harrelson learned about the program from a friend and was instantly captivated by it.
“Getting to meet new juniors every year and make new friends who share my interests is my favorite part,” she said.
In addition to the enjoyment of acting and dressing up, both students reported that the experience helped them better comprehend the formation of the United States.
“American Village has helped me understand both the colonists’ and King George’s perspectives on the founding of America,” Carden stated.
According to Harrelson, the event has also opened her eyes.
I now have a better understanding of what people went through and how they handled the Revolutionary War thanks to this experience,” Harrelson remarked.
Carden portrayed a spy in the Young Patriot Spies vignette during the July 4 Independence Day celebration, and Harrelson gave a speech as the fictional character Elizabeth Greene.
During the evening event at American Village’s annual Fourth of July celebration, the 2024 class of Junior Interpreters received recognition. It was a fitting graduation for students who worked all summer to bring history to life.
Visit Americanvillage.org to learn more about the American Village.
