A roleplayer is a costumed interpreter who portrays a real person who lived in the Puddle Dock Neighborhood in the past. They remain in character as if they are living in the time period they portray, while encouraging connections with modern visitors that spark curiosity and help them to empathize with people in the past.

Roleplayers tell the story of Strawbery Banke by portraying a snapshot of life in their historical period. They discuss what is going on in their characters’ world and can answer questions about their daily lives, families, events, and the Puddle Dock neighborhood during their lifetime. While roleplayers stay in character and are not aware of events after the year they portray, their conversations encourage visitors to identify with the topics they discuss. Talk to a roleplayer to get an in-depth look at a specific time and place in American history.

Strawbery Banke's Education Department researches all historical characters and time periods using primary sources like letters, diaries, newspapers, and material artifacts. This information is collected both from our own collections and from places like public libraries and government archives. Many of our roleplayers also conduct their own research, which can be incorporated into the roleplaying program after being approved by the Education Department.

On a given day, visitors might encounter merchants, immigrants, mariners, homemakers, business owners, tradespeople, or politicians going about their daily lives. Their various stories and perspectives allow visitors to view history in both diverse and unifying ways.

Strawbery Banke roleplayers wear accurate reproductions of clothing from eras that are based on garments in the Museum collections, paintings, drawings, photographs, and on research conducted by the Museum. Clothing is made using historically appropriate materials and techniques, which vary from era to era. Some roleplayers make their own clothing, but most often it is sewn by a professional seamstress or costumer