St. Mary’s City, Md. — So, guess what? Peter A. Friesen, Director of Education at Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC), just got elected Vice President of the Association for Living History, Farm, and Agricultural Museums (ALHFAM). ALHFAM is all about keeping rural and agricultural history alive through immersive experiences, and Friesen’s new role shows how he’s totally leading the way in living history. Plus, it’s shining a spotlight on HSMC’s rising national prominence.
ALHFAM supports museums and pros in nine regions in the U.S. and Canada, helping them collaborate and bring history to life in hands-on ways. Friesen wasted no time getting to work in his new gig, teaming up with museum pros in North America and Europe to boost professional development and support across the network.
John L. Seidel, PhD, Executive Director of Historic St. Mary’s City, is all about singing Friesen’s praises: “Peter’s election shows off his creative chops and leadership skills, and it’s a nod to the bigger role HSMC is playing on the national stage. He’s a pro at blending scholarship and storytelling to hook audiences and deepen their grasp of early American life. We’re psyched to have him representing us as we shape the future of the museum world.”
Ever since Friesen came on board as Director of Education in 2014, he’s been expanding the educational programs at HSMC to bring visitors closer to 17th-century Maryland. His teamwork approach has earned HSMC props on a regional and national level. The Maryland Historical Trust even gave the HSMC Education Department the Maryland Preservation Award for Excellence in Public Programming in 2019 for their “Adults Only Tour,” where they delved into mature themes from early Maryland. And in 2020, the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) recognized HSMC with its Award of Excellence for the same program, now known as “Sin and Scandal at St. Mary’s: An Adults Only Tour.” These awards show off the education team’s knack for serving up historically accurate and engaging content for all kinds of audiences, and Friesen’s leadership was key in making it happen.
Friesen also had a hand in building the new Maryland Dove, a replica ship at HSMC. He and retired Captain William Gates made sure the ship’s main deck was accessible for folks with disabilities, a rare feature in tall ships. This move underlines HSMC’s commitment to being inclusive and making history open to all visitors.
HSMC, based on the site of Maryland’s first capital, is a living history museum that gives folks a peek into 17th-century colonial life through immersive exhibits and programs. Friesen’s work has only boosted its rep as a public history education leader. His new role with ALHFAM is set to let HSMC make its mark on the wider world of living history museums.
During his time as VP, Friesen will focus on fostering teamwork and helping pros grow within ALHFAM’s network. This role builds on HSMC’s track record of bringing innovative programs and community involvement to the table, making sure living history stays a powerful tool for teaching. The museum’s recent awards and focus on accessible design show how it’s on a mission to keep early American history alive and kicking in a way that really matters.
