Rich Pawling, a natural entertainer and award-winning educator and interpret
er, is a master at captivating audiences of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. He is the owner and educational/ interpretive specialist of History Alive!SM –a firm founded in 1991 that provides living history and heritage music programs and training workshops to parks, museums and universities, as well as civic, professional and historical organizations.
224 Mail Route Road
Sinking Spring, PA 19608
610-777-6761
Contact us…
History is not merely a chronological record of events that took place in the past with no relevance to us today. History is People! History starts coming alive when you realize it is people that make history – not dry facts in a textbook. By looking at the past, we can learn more about both who we are in the present, and where we are going in the future.
– Rich Pawling
Living History Programs
A living history program experience is one of the most provocative
ways to learn about our past. Step back in time with one of sixteen historical characters from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Perfect for schools, museums, festivals and historical organization presentations.
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Civil War Program: The Core of the War
Supply Wagon Train Boss Mahlon “Muley” Tubbs
Contracted civilian wagon boss of a 25-wagon supply train. Interpreting the vital role of supplying the armies during the Civil War. Click for more information.
Photo by Willis Bretz.
“Finding Tilden” Video Podcast –
Rediscovering Our Interpretive Heritage
This series is a journey into the roots of the interpretive profession and the timeless principles of Freeman Tilden, author of the classic “Interpreting our Heritage.” Click to subscribe to this free of charge “Finding Tilden” channel and get alerts as new additions are posted. To view the episodes in chronological order, click on the Playlists tab and then on “View Full Playlist.”
What It’s All About…
Captures the perspectives that Rich Pawling gained from over 35 years of experience in the interpretive profession.
Includes advice about designing a living history persona and using this technique in the classroom. Order at amazon.com (Paperback or Kindle) or order from us directly at 610-777-6761.
Heritage Music Programs
Take a musical journey to the past. Hear songs and stories of wagoners, railroad gandy dancers, coal miners, canal workers, ironworkers, loggers, and cowboys in addition to early baseball, the church, western migration and the 
Civil War.
Muleskinner’s String Band
Contact us for more info...
Old-Time Baseball Programs
Baseball Mad: The Early Days
A one-man show that connects base ball past with baseball present as told by Asa “Count” Brainard, 1869 hurler for the Cincinnati Red Stockings.
The Boys of Base Ball
“The Boys” have appeared at minor and major league games and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. 
Training Workshops & Conference Keynotes
As a Certified Interpretive Trainer, Rich is available to share his experience and expertise in a training workshop for your site’s interpretive staff and/or docents or as speaker at a professional conference.
The range of topics include:
– The Conservation/Preservation Movement
– Interpretive Skills
– Living History Concepts / Techniques
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Movie – Trailer
Heartwood
Based on the novel by PJ Piccirillo, this full-length movie will focus on the late 1800s/early 1900s lumber industry in Pennsylvania. Stay tuned for updates – production remains on hold. Click and enjoy this special preview featuring a a 19th century “wood hick” (Rich Pawling of History Alive!).
Special Services
Call to discuss any of the services listed below:
– Character design (custom-designed programs)
– Video character casting (for ads, site videos, etc.)
– Audio voice overs (for exhibit audios)
– Interpretive program consulting/evaluation
– Heritage tour design (and guide)
for travel agencies
– Heritage event consulting / planning assistance