Infusing popular culture into the museum experience via historic dress: Visitor perceptions of Titanic’s Rose as a living history interpreter/character

Abstract

<p>The historical event of Titanic has been commodified in order to allow tourists and enthusiasts to relive the tragedy and its historical significance via many popular culture outlets (Biel, 1996), such as the 1997 Titanic film and Titanic Museum Attractions (TMAs) in Branson, Missouri and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The hallmark of these venues is an interactive experience, including the integration of the fictional character Rose via displays of historic dress artifacts and interpreters wearing film costume to bring the narrative of the historical event to life. The use of a Rose living history interpreter (LHI) is an applied example of living history.</p>