History comes to life in Stratford upon Avon

Gone are the days when 'interactive' meant pushing a button or lifting a lid. In fact technology is the last thing a history museum needs to encourage guests to engage with it.

The Falstaff Experiene Tudor in Stratford upon Avon has taken history into the future by creating a long list of historical and fictional characters for guests to meet. The Tudor history museum housed in a genuine 16th Century building has a progressive approach to education and museum visiting in general. A member of the Kids In Museums Manifesto, the Falstaff Experience is constantly trying to find new ways to engage people of all ages with the museum. Of course being Stratford guests also have the opportunity to meet some of Shakespeare characters including Hamlet and the loved Sir John Falstaff himself. Guests can meet the characters, learn about their history and even watch shows featuring the characters. School groups are able to book characters in advance to further tailor their visit to the needs of their curriculum.

This unique approach means school groups can create their own bespoke experience that will inspire pupils when they return to the classroom. A full list of characters can be found on the museum's website falstaffexperience.co.uk. To further enhance learning outside the classroom visitors to the website can email their questions to the historical figures and fictional characters. They will then receive a personalised email response. This unique idea is to aid pupils with their studies.

Creative Director Janet Ford said: " We want people to view our museum as a learning resource. We have these characters and therefore we have useful information. It is exciting that a pupil studying Henry VIII will be able to email a question and receive a response from Henry himself. This simple free service will prove helpful across the curriculum using I.T. English and History.