The American Village Citizenship Trust is a collection of purpose-built, repro 18th century buildings: “A nationally-pioneering classroom and American history and civics education center that engages and inspires 35,000-40,000 students annually from Alabama and Southeastern states in experience-based academic programs related to American history, civics and government.” Mission & Goals
A noble effort, but a bit of a giggle to anyone from the Northeast. I don’t mean to swan about their campus in a condescending fashion, but I’ve sheltered from the rain inside the Capitol Building in DC, walked the Freedom Trail in Boston, and gotten lost looking for the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. American Village is, what’s the word I’m looking for? Hmm, cute.
Spotted at the Concord Old North Bridge.
On a more philosophical note, what is the difference between the thing itself and faithful replica? Why does it matter? At least for broad educational or entertainment purposes? If we can’t distinguish a real 18th century tavern from a rebuild, why travel all the way to Colonial Williamsburg for dinner? Is there an experiencial difference or is it magical thinking? Of course, I come down on the side of the authentic, but is this a reasonable attitude or historical snobbery?
(Did you catch the BBT reference?)
Colonial Williamsburg posts
Foto Friday: Horses of Colonial Williamsburg
What Price Authenticity?
Why Bother? Worthy Cause I (WC II was not related to Wburg)
I’d go back in a heartbeat. Loved the place.
Photo by Karen Smith.
Update: experiencial difference – a difference in experiencing a thing. Been listening to Bryson’s book on Shakespeare. Decided to delve into neologisms. Instead managed to create a new spelling for experiential.
Virtual Brush Box 
BBT?
Click on link for explanation.
I get it! Blue is link. Thank you.
I’m new at this so please have patience.
And it switches to red it you have been there recently. At least, my screen does.