Emily Richard

Candidate, M.A. Public History

Email Emily Richard

Current Program:

M.A. Public History (2026)

Degrees and Institution:

B.A. Honours in History (St. Francis Xavier University)

Supervisors:

Dr. David Dean

Academic Interests:
Public history, early modern Britain, history through performance (film, television, theatre, re-enactments), the English country house, women and gender history, social class.

Select Conference Contributions:
“Yet He Was Not Beloved: The Impact of Parental Love in King Lear,” Presentation at Annual Atlantic Undergraduate English Conference, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton NB, March 2025. “‘Keep A Little Of It’: How Anne With An E Challenges Anne of Green Gables’ Romance,” Presentation at Annual Atlantic Undergraduate English Conference, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, March 2024.

Select Conference Contributions:

“Yet He Was Not Beloved: The Impact of Parental Love in King Lear,” Presentation at Annual Atlantic Undergraduate English Conference, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton NB, March 2025.

“‘Keep A Little Of It’: How Anne With An E Challenges Anne of Green Gables’ Romance,” Presentation at Annual Atlantic Undergraduate English Conference, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, March 2024.

Teaching Experience:

Teaching Assistant in HIST2811A, Public History: Memory to Museums (J. Walsh), Fall 2026
Teaching Assistant in HIST3909A, History Through Comics (A. Wright), Fall 2026

Description of Research:
My research examines how performance media portrays the history of the English country house and, in doing so, shapes audience understanding and engagement with that history. My Master’s research focuses on the re-enactment program at Kentwell Hall, an innovative living-history program that lets visitors experience how the house functioned in the 16th century, including participating in the tasks that made up daily life. Taking a “behind-the-scenes approach, my work will uncover the creative processes behind such performances at country houses and how they influence their visitors’ recollection of this aspect of England’s past.

Description of Research:

My research examines how performance media portrays the history of the English country house and, in doing so, shapes audience understanding and engagement with that history. My Master’s research focuses on the re-enactment program at Kentwell Hall, an innovative living-history program that lets visitors experience how the house functioned in the 16th century, including participating in the tasks that made up daily life. Taking a “behind-the-scenes approach, my work will uncover the creative processes behind such performances at country houses and how they influence their visitors’ recollection of this aspect of England’s past.