I served time at the Brown County jail: Performing the past and forming the future in a small town museum

This dissertation explores the development of historical and non-historical performances inside the old Brown County Jail in Brownwood, Texas. The professional problem being addressed is how to create performance events that stimulate interest in the cultural history of Brown County and in the Brown County Museum of History. The document delves into a definition of historical reenactment in order to orient it as a heuristic tool rather than a teaching tool. The process of creating both historical and non-historical performances is discussed, including the initial planning phases, funding, research, script & character writing, performances, and community responses to the performances.