Caryl Harvey brings Molly Brown to life in living history program

    Caryl Harvey makes history come alive in her new living history program entitled “Katy and Molly: from the tenements to the Titanic.” Harvey portrays Molly Brown and her Irish maid Rosemary Cathleen as she speaks to the press upon returning to Denver after the Titanic tragedy.
    American history is one of Harvey’s avocations, so creating this living history program comes very naturally for her. “History is fascinating but can be boring for students in school. This brings fun to history.”
    In first-person interpretation, the costumed historian portrays a specific historical character, adopting speech patterns, mannerisms, worldviews and attitudes of their character, Harvey explained.
    Portraying both Brown and Katy, she utilizes the presentation to forge emotional and intellectual connections between the audience and the interesting life of Brown and all she did for Denver, as well as Colorado and the nation.
    Rosemary Cathleen (Katy) is a probable actual person, Harvey said, because Brown did have an Irish maid. However, Katy is Harvey’s own creation and the comic relief in the program.
    This is an open window in Brown’s life in May 1914, Harvey explains. The premise is, upon returning to Denver after her Titanic experience, Brown has invited the press to come to her house. She is running late because she is held up at a budget meeting with the orphanage commission, that she supports. She tells Katy to give her apologies and keep them entertained while they wait.
 

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