AmRev360: Bringing Black History to Life with Marvin-Alonzo Greer

With tens of thousands of followers on TikTok and Instagram, Marvin-Alonzo Greer is not your typical historian. His popular, informational, and often irreverent posts explore everything from little-known stories from Black history to behind-the-scenes looks at costumed living history. Greer, whose portrayals range from the Revolutionary War and the 18th century to the Civil War and the 19th century, has an interpretive philosophy: “If history is not interesting and relevant, you’re not teaching it right.”

In this episode of AmRev360, Greer joins Museum President & CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson to talk about his creative use of social media to educate people on Black history topics, what drew him to living history interpretation, and how his interpretive philosophy came to be and how it informs his work.

Greer has served as an educator and museum professional at the Atlanta History Center, Colonial Williamsburg, and the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. He currently serves as the Lead Historic Interpretation & Community Engagement Officer for the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission. He has been involved with the Museum since before its opening and is a Member of our Diversify Living History Advisory Committee. You can follow his work on Instagram and TikTok.

HINT: On your next visit to the Museum, look closely at our short film about the tearing down of King George III's statue in New York City and at the Battlefield Theater. You might recognize Greer in those films!

AmRev360 features lively conversations on the American Revolution from all angles between Stephenson and a broad slate of dynamic guests, including authors, actors, community leaders, and more.