Colonial House

Think colonial life was all about pious pilgrims, powdered wigs and freedom for all? Think again. Following in the footsteps of "Manor House" and "Frontier House," PBS's new eight-part "Colonial House" historical reality series tracks the firsthand experiences of modern-day colonists as they live in the year 1628 for four months on the misty Maine coast, with only the rustic tools and technology of the time at their disposal. Viewers witness the personal and communal challenges of the colonists' day-to-day lives, seeing both the expected -- backbreaking labor, bad weather and primitive living conditions -- as well as the unexpected -- religious conflicts, surprising confessions, devastating news from the outside world and even an AWOL colonist.

Show participant Dominic Muir and series producer Beth Hoppe were online Monday, May 24 at 1 p.m. ET, to discuss the four-month journey through time on "Colonial House." (Note: Paul Hunt was originally scheduled to take part in this discussion but will be unable to participate.)

"Colonial House" airs on PBS Mondays and Tuesdays, May 17-18 and 24-25 at 8 p.m. ET. (Check local listings).

Bios:
Beth Hoppe
Executive Producer, Thirteen/WNET New York
Director of Science Programs at Thirteen/WNET New York
Hoppe joined New York's leading public television station in 1998 as director of science programs. She has executive produced all of Thirteen's "hands-on history" programs, including "Frontier House" (2002), and the Peabody Award-winning "The 1900 House" (2000).

Dominic Muir
Freeman/Quartermaster
2004: Dominic (26) is a private tutor from England.
1628: He is the Colony's quartermaster, responsible for rationing out supplies from the food store, such as dried peas, salted pigs' feet, and, most importantly to some, alcoholic refreshments. He lives with the Colony's two other single freemen, Danny Tisdale and Don Wood.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

________________________________________________

Woolwich, Maine: I live in Maine. Is it possible to visit the site where the series was filmed or was it taken down?

Beth Hoppe: In an interesting echo of history, the land where the colony was created was leased from the Pasamaquoddy tribe. It is in Machiasport, Maine. The area has been restored to how it was before filming. But Plimoth Plantation, builders of the houses and advisors to the project, have reconstructed two of the houses at their living history museum in Massachussetts.

_______________________

Arvada, Colo.: I was living in Maine at the time of the filming and worked as security for the project. It was not the best of summers for Maine and I'm glad to see that the people in the project made it to the end.

Beth Hoppe: So are we! The colonists gave us their all, and the producers truly appreciate it.

_______________________

Springfield, Mo.: This is probably a question for Beth... I was just wondering how the women handled menstruation on the show and in 1628. We learned about this issue on the other "House" shows, but it hasn't yet been mentioned on this one.

Beth Hoppe: Women were encouraged to deal with menstruation as our experts surmise women at the time did (not much is written about this), which was basically to do nothing, and perhaps clean up with a cloth. Some of the women were not comfortable with this, and modern supplies were provided on request.

_______________________

Nova Scotia, Canada: Since the production has ended, what's happened to the houses, the animals, the wares (beds, cooking pots etc...)?

And after everyone sales back to "reality," how do you help them decompress or get back into their lives? Thanks.

Beth Hoppe: The houses were dismantled, and two are being reconstructed for an exhibit at Plimoth Plantation in Massachussetts. Many of the tools of daily life will be part of this exhibit as well. The animals were returned to their owners.
The colonists all were given the opportunity to talk with our project psychologist as they were readjusting to modern life. Several of them have told me that adjustment was tougher than going back to 1628!

_______________________

Boston, Mass.: For Beth Hoppe:
It seems much of the tension and conflict in the project arose because different people had different ideas about their personal commitment to living in conformity with 17th century beliefs. Did the producers foresee this tension? Did the producers discuss with participants their attitudes about subjecting themselves to 17th century mores? Did the producers deliberately remain silent on this subject or leave it vague, perhaps hoping that this might emerge as a dramatic issue for the participants to confront and resolve during the course of the project?

Beth Hoppe: We are aware on all of these House project that much of the tension comes from modern people with modern ideas trying to put themselves in a time in history when things were very different. We were looking for a diverse group of modern Americans to journey back to 1628 and explore not only the tools and technology of the time, but also the society.

_______________________

Boston, Mass.: As you planned for this experience, what did you expect to be the hardest adjustment(s) for you to make personally? During the course of the project, what in fact proved to be the toughest change for you to accept? Were there any adjustments that proved to be surprisingly easy for you? Is there some aspect of 21st century life that you joyfully embrace now?

Dominic Muir: My biggest fear was how I might deal with lack of personal space. Despite having been to boarding school I was dreading the idea of living in a small space with people I didn't know. Sleeping at the foot of a married couple's bed was terrifying!

During the course of the project sleeping space, etc., was not a problem! The toughest part initially was lack of food and hunger -- to the point of having to have sleeps before lunch owing to exhaustion. Then homesickness kicked in, and that was debilitating as well. It sounds weird but it really ran deep. It hit the stomach, moods, appetite...

Easy -- going to the bathroom! After a couple of goes not only was this not difficult but actually enjoyable -- what with the view, nature, etc.!

Twenty-first century life that I joyfully embrace would be prayer, time alone walking, lack of media contact. Good questions, thanks!

_______________________

Port Townsend, Wash.: Why were there absolutely no Native Americans in your program?

Beth Hoppe: There were Native Americans participating in the project helping create realistic interactions, as well as serving as advisors. The local Passamoquoddy were part of last weeks broadcast, and will continue to interact with the colonists. A group from the Wampanoag Tribal Nation will pay a visit to the colony on the program being broadcast tomorrow night. Stay tuned.
Also, John Vorhees is part Native American.

_______________________

Boston, Mass.: For Dominic Muir:
As you reflect on your participation in this project, what do you think will be a lasting source of pride?

Do you have any words of warning, or thoughts for sober contemplation, for anyone who might be considering participating in a similar "House" project?

Dominic Muir: Lasting pride: Finishing it having created some good friendships and not lost my temper too badly or spun out too bad generally. It was pretty mad at times and I felt close to the edge at times. I am proud that with the help of God I was able to keep perspective and remain at peace...

No. Go for it with these projects! I think they are wonderful opportunities to take time out and see life in a different and fascinating way.thanks, Dom.

_______________________

Salem, Mass.: I have enjoyed watching Colonial House, and thank you for working on the project.

I recently read a local newspaper interview with the Voorhies, and Michelle mentioned that everyone smelled at first, but after a few weeks of whole foods, everyone smelled better. Strangely enough, it made me wonder about the scientific aspects of colonial house, specifically health and nutrition.

I am wondering if there was careful monitoring of everyone's health, blood pressure, calories burned, steps taken, etc.

Beth Hoppe: We had emergency medical treatment available to all the colonists. Luckily, they were only called in a few times. Early on, when diarrhea nearly brought the project to a halt, rice was introduced into the diet, even though it wasn't historically accurate.

_______________________

Richmond, Va.: Did you notice a real difference in how people addressed you as a freeman as opposed to how they addressed someone like Paul or Julia as servants?

Dominic Muir: As soon as I was made freeman, I got a surprising sense of self importance! I did also notice a slight change in how a few people addressed me. For a start I was automatically in on a lot more decision making for the colony and that brought with it more attention and I think generally more consideration for my opinion on all manner of things. Paul and Julia were quite rightly sneered at most of the time and reminded that there there were always pigs to feed and washing to be done.

Joking apart, I don't think you ever fully lose the impact of status irrespective of the circumstances. Thanks.

_______________________

Los Angeles, Calif.: What happened to the dog Henry? Did someone take him home with them?

Dominic Muir: Henry belongs to Don Wood and is currently bounding about in Queens, N.Y. He has put on a lot of weight apparently but I'm sure is a sweet as ever! Thanks.

_______________________

Madison, Wis.: Hello,
Love the program!
Question for Beth: On a "behind the scenes" of Colonial House shown on PBS, they mentioned you visited with the colonists every week. Why did you feel this was important? I would think this would continue to remind the colonists they were only pretending to be living back in the 1600s while protected by the modern world rather than allowing them to experience complete immersion in that time.

Beth Hoppe: Sallie Clement, the series producer, was actually the one who visited every week. The camera crew was in 3-5 days per week, and Sallie was the leader of the production team. Her role when visiting was to really check on how the colonists were doing physically and emotionally. She did not bring in news from the outside.
I only went in a few times, as I did feel visits from the modern world could be disruptive to the rhythm of daily life.

_______________________

Silver Spring, Md.: How much influence did you or the production team had over initiating new story lines into the show, such as the implementation of the punishments for profanity, or in Dominic's decision to explore? Did the ideas come completely from the production crew, the colonist or a collaboration between the two?

Dominic Muir: I decided entirely off my own back to explore. I was overworked and claustrophobic at the time and felt that I was not getting a real enough taster of the new world and what it would feel like to arrive in new lands. So against my better judgment that warned me to just behave I thought what the heck I'm outta here...

And it was one of the best decisions I made. It felt unbelievably exciting to just treck into the unknown with no wallet, ID anything!

Production did not implement story lines apart from the obvious new arrivals, etc. They did however gently remind us of the odd thing (laws, practice, etc. custom to 1628) as and when they felt a bit of coaxing might help. But it was our prerogative and things happened organically. Thanks.

_______________________

Great Falls, Mont.: I'm sure there is a lot in the way of interviews and video diaries that hasn't appeared on the show. Is this going to be seen on the DVD?

Beth Hoppe: There will be original material on the DVD that isn't in the broadcast series, including the tapes colonists sent us during the application process. Also, visit the web site at pbs.org for some additional diary camera material.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Dominic -- my friends and I thought you were really HOT! Are you single? Dating anyone? Any romance with the gals during the taping?

Dominic Muir: Thanks! My favorite question so far. I hope I am STILL hot. I can say that I am single, not dating and sadly there was no real romance -- with me anyway. Thanks.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Beth -- why such a huge concentration on the religious issues in this series. It would seem that overshadowed everything I've seen so far, with the loss of other possibly interesting scenes/storylines. Amy-Kristina and Jonathon mentioned similar feelings in their discussion last week. Was the religion focus -- and the corresponding focus on the Wyers -- a conscious decision?

Beth Hoppe: We asked colonists to try to live by the rules of the time, when religion was important, and Sabbath attendance was required. The religion issues caused a lot of friction in the colony, and we followed the story. Jeff Wyers takes matters into his own hands to try to put an end to the problems. Watch tonight as things change and other issues come to light.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Dom - do you feel that the sections of your diaries and interactions with others that were aired accurately reflect what actually occurred during your months in Maine?

I know that editing and such on reality shows can affect how one is portrayed.

Dominic Muir: Pretty much. There are obviously a few bits that could be elaborated upon. I think it would be fair to say that I moaned a lot more than perhaps the programs have suggested. For example, there was a time at the beginning when I was consistently starving. We had not really sorted out the cooking (women!) and we simply were not eating enough or at the right times. I was weak, losing weight and gave the odd diary cam and interview about this. Also, I was very homesick at one time and felt really cut off from anything I had ever known. Perspective would go and it would play with your mind. But I think generally the production company have done very well in presenting the essence of all of our experiences. Like a very good film trailer. That may sound like a rip off for you guys, but five months carries a lot of stories. Thanks.

_______________________

Wheaton, Md.: First, I would like to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the program segments that have aired thus far. It is nice to have a "reality" program that tries to educate as opposed to merely shock the senses.

My question is probably more for Beth. What type of research was done in preparation for the series? Did you work closely with any one historian or were you able to gather input from a variety of sources for the different aspects of life (i.e. native american perspective as well as the colonist perspective)? Thank you!

Beth Hoppe: We put together a terrific group of advisors. Some came were historians and some were living history experts. We worked with Charles Hambrick Stowe, of the Pittsburg Theological Seminary, for advice on religion. We had Native American advisors from the Passamaquoddy and Wampanoag tribal nations. Our buildings, props, and training were developed working closely with Plimoth Plantation.
Thanks for watching!

_______________________

Alexandria, Va.: Is anybody gonna get any of them old-fashioned diseases like dropsy or catarh or have an attack of the vapors?

Dominic Muir: Homesickness or "nostalgia" (a 17th century ailment originally) was pretty rife in the colony and manifested the same symptoms in most of us. Apart from that bathroom issues, comprising too many "visits" (in Paul Hunt up to seven times a day) were the major problems. Too many peas and oats caused that so I guess that is pretty indicative of life in 1628! Thanks for that question, it always makes me laugh when I am reminded of how Paul would complain about his ar*e problem!

_______________________

Virginia: Dom,

After seeing the episodes (i am assuming you have seen all the episodes, unlike the poor teeming masses out here) were there any "story lines" you were surprised didn't make it into the final cut? Anything happen at the colony you felt was significant but never made it onto the show?

Dominic Muir: Hi Virginia, no I think the one thing that shows have got down pretty well is the story lines. Although on second thoughts, if I'm honest, I can personally say that I had a couple of blazing fights with Don Wood, one with Danny Tisdale and a few with Paul. My worst were with Don, despite our close friendship, and the cameras did not catch these. They would not have happened had the cameras been around. I guess we both disagreed on a couple of really profound issues to do with colony life (particularly creativity versus labor) and unfortunately living in such close quarters would bring these out in fairly hot-tempered clashes -- perhaps a good thing. Thanks and hope you enjoy the rest, Dom.

_______________________

Durham, N.C.: I don't know who first dreamed up this type of historic "reality" program, but each one has been a real eye-opener. As a parent, watching the squabbling between different colonists over what was "fair" really resonated with me. A consultant once told my work team that people in a group go through "forming, storming & norming" before they can truly come together to work problems out. Did you feel any of this during the filming?

Beth Hoppe: The 1900 House was the first of what we like to call the "hands-on history" genre. It was developed for Channel 4 in the UK by Wall to Wall Television. I travelled to that house back in 1999, and immediately wanted to do an American version. But it was important to take on a different time period, and a more ambitious premise. I was reading the Little House books to my daughter at the time, and that was how we came up with the idea for Frontier House. That was successful, but there were some areas where it only touched on some possible themes, such as community and leadership. We know those were areas we wanted to explore with the next house. We also wanted a period of history that we believed to be somewhat misunderstood by most Americans, so we could do some myth busting. That was how we came up with Colonial House.
Now that you mention it, last Monday was forming, Tuesday was storming... stay tuned tonight as storming continues...I don't want to give away the end, but norming is an interesting thought!

_______________________

Palo Alto, Calif.: I was surprised that the colonists seemed to pick and choose what rules and customs of the period they would follow, especially in regards to religion. It would be one thing to have someone say "as a 21st century person I find these long Sunday sermons boring and insensitive to my beliefs" while still attending the services. But instead a few colonists felt free to skip them and go swimming, and others didn't bother to show. It seems part of agreeing to live in a certain period is a willingness to follow the customs both good and bad (from a contemporary perspective).

In other "reality" shows on TV they seem to relish conflict and upheaval. Did the producers deliberately pick people they knew wouldn't follow the customs in order to generate some "excitement" in the series?

Dominic Muir: I think it was a pity that Sabbath wasn't embraced by all the colonists since we were having to eat and sleep as if it was 1628.

Beth Hoppe: We picked a diverse group of modern Americans and asked them to step back in time to a period when the social and religious freedoms we know today were not the norm. We did expect that would generate some interesting perspectives and dynamics. That said, we did not pick our participants looking for fireworks, we picked people who really wanted to go to 1628. Like those that came before them, they had many different reasons for wanting to take the journey.
We also thought it was important to convey that although religion was a huge part of peoples lives in 1628, the colonies were not all about religious freedom. They were all economic ventures, and were peopled by diverse groups at the time.

_______________________

Bethesda, Md.: Beth, what's next for you?

Beth Hoppe: We don't want to give it away yet, but we're looking at a couple of ideas. Think southwestern U.S. And check the Web site at pbs.org. We'll post it there when we're looking for participants.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: For Dom: When you ran off, did you expect to come back? Or did you think you really had reached the limit? Was that free beer someone bought you the best thing you've ever tasted?

Dominic Muir: Hi - when I ran off I had intended to go for a couple of nights and then return Monday morning in time for colony work. I didn't ever think that I had reached the limit but I did genuinely feel I deserved a "vacation/taste of new world exploration" (!). The free beer was not as nice as that from our barrels. But the taste of freedom and the unknown was definitely the best thing I had tasted. Under the guise of a "walker" I met some fascinating people. I had no wallet, no identification, no agenda, nowhere to stay. Strangely, re-entering the colony was a sweet feeling -- in a way that was what capped it off -- I was returning to my home, to my "wallet, identification, agenda and place to stay." Thanks.

_______________________

Falls Church, Va.: Beth, you've produced a few of these series now. Are you ever envious of the participants? Ever think about joining the "cast" yourself?

Beth Hoppe: Live without my computer? My TP?
No way!

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Is Colonial House being shown in the U.K.?

I notice that you've got a couple of Brits. If so, how is it being received?

Beth Hoppe: The program will be going out in the UK in the near future on Channel 4.

_______________________

Danbury, Conn.: For Dom -- Could you talk about the difficulty or ease with which you returned to modern life after the show ended?

Dominic Muir: Hi -- it was difficult to get used to the pace of life. Things felt hectic, too busy and cluttered. Particularly with "stuff." Paper, messages, e-mails, appointments. I have also been surprisingly lax with my washing and I think my concern for cleanliness has suffered a little.

On the positive side I have found it easy and really beneficial to watch less even next to no television. I read a lot more and fill my time with stuff that I really want to do -- and that includes seeing friends. I no longer feel as though I always need to have something planned or something to do. I have a greater peace by myself and with the simplicity that comes with that. Thanks.

_______________________

McLean, Va.: It's clear that many parts of the project have been cut out. For example, there's not much about what folk did for day-to-day work (Dominic, we never found out much about you until you went walking). Any plans for an extended version, perhaps for video?

Beth Hoppe: We had 26 participants and shot material that covered nearly 5 months of their lives. We had to cut those experiences into an 8 hour TV program. Naturally, some things ended up on the cutting room floor. That said, tonight and tomorrow you'll see our colonists building a house, going through a change in leadership, interacting with visiting Native Americans, and many other things that haven't been shown yet. So please tune in.
There is additional material on the Web site at pbs.org, and in the DVD.

_______________________

Santa Barbara, Calif.: Hi Beth - Dom and Paul (and I think another colonist) are British. Was there a conscious effort to have cast members from England to bring a different perspective to the show (as the original 17th century colonists were actually from Britain)?

Beth Hoppe: The honest answer to that is that our UK co-producers asked for British participants, and they pointed out, like you do, that the colonists whose journey they were recreating would have been from Britain. I wasn't sure how it would work out, and whether they would be main characters in the US program, but in the end I think Dom, Paul, and Clare added some interesting perspectives.
And Paul kept us all laughing in the edit room!

_______________________

Richmond, Va.: I saw that Oprah Winfrey and her friend came by for a visit. How was it meeting her and was there any warning of her coming, or was it a complete surprise?

Beth Hoppe: The colonists were not told Oprah and Gayle were coming. We were near the end of the project, and they knew only that we had planned one press day. They were completely surprised by who actually showed up.

Dominic Muir: It was very exciting to meet her and flattering that she came. I was impressed by her sensitivity to our situation and her enthusiastic involvement in 17th century life.

_______________________

Boston, Mass.: Question for Dom,

Not only were you adjusting to a different time culture but also a different country's cultures (British vs. USA) -- what was more surprising?

Also, how did you individually transition back to the 21st century?

Dominic Muir: Hi. The time culture was definitely more extreme and profound, but I guess not surprising. I was surprised by a few cultural issues. I found the American work ethic surprising. I was particularly struck by what I felt was a particularly proud and slightly macho competitiveness in the American men. It meant that a lot got accomplished and I guess that impressed me but I also felt that "extra-curricula" activities (chatting, walking you name it) suffered somewhat as a result, and I think that's a pity. Life, to me, cannot be just about achieving and I think this is the danger in any truly competitive and successful culture. It can become obsessive and selfish too easily I think and the real point of life being about loving gets lost. Thanks.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Ms. Hoppe, both "Colonial House" and "Frontier House" contain a good deal of narration, giving background about the life and times of the era depicted. As a former Montanan, I really appreciated this on "Frontier House." But I see a great deal less of this on "Colonial House." Why is that?

Beth Hoppe: I believe we have about the same balance of narration and actuality in Colonial House and Frontier House. There are many interesting historical facts we want to fit in, but in keeping with the genre, we don't want to overpower what is going on in the colony with historic information. We've tried hard to strike a good balance.
Keep watching for lots more about the early colonies.

_______________________

Ann Arbor, Mich.: For Beth: Do you discourage participants from doing individual research on the time period before filming? If so, why?

For Dominic: What have you not seen on the show that you wished the producers/directors had included?

Thanks, and I'm enjoying the show.

Beth Hoppe: Although we actively sought out people who were genuinely interested in the history, we didn't want anyone to emerge as too much of an 'expert' on the time period as it could upset the balance.

_______________________

Montreal, Canada: Why do you think the producers picked you as one of the colonists?

Dominic Muir: Hi -- Very difficult and slightly awkward to answer. But since you are from that beautiful city I will list a few things.
1.Devastatingly handsome.
2.Extremely intelligent.
3.Emminently watchable.
4.Timelessly charming.
I hope that helps. It's difficult to be objective. Thanks.

_______________________

Vineland, N.J.: For Beth Hoppe:
What's the most difficult part of making one of these "hands-on" series?

Beth Hoppe: Trying to keep an emotional distance during the filming of these projects is enormously difficult. When things get tough for the colonists, it is hard to step back and not interfere. But it is really important to the project that the production team lets the participants have a genuine experience, complete with the ups and downs that come with it. We try very hard to only get involved in real emergencies.

_______________________

Green Bay, Wis.: Was anyone attacked by wild animals?

Beth Hoppe: Thankfully, no! The worst tangle was between one of the dogs on the colony and a porcupine.

_______________________

Anacostia, Washington, D.C.: So many people came to "Colonial House" for different reasons. Did the colonists ever "step out of character" to try to come to a meeting of the minds about their goals (like how far they would obey certain laws)? If not, why not?

Beth Hoppe: People came to the original colonies for different reasons, too! This was one of the ideas we were hoping to get across.

_______________________

Toms River, N.J.: For Dominic...
I read in Fashion Wire Daily that you and Don Wood were at odds because of the work load. He felt you were working less than others. Did you?

Dominic Muir: Hi Tom(s), I think it's fair to say that I did work a little less than some of the others, particularly Don Wood who practically had to be dragged from the woods every night and regularly slept with his saw. But it does hurt to be singled out as a "slacker," not that you are suggesting that, but many have. I worked harder than I have ever worked in my life last summer, physically that is, and would go to bed at 7:30/8 p.m. most nights, often before most others, exhausted! Like everything, it's relative, and I like to think that I did my bit.

The other thing, and this is important to mention, is that Don Wood disagreed with my stance on schooling and any creative "work" done in what he saw as "colony time." But this is all coming up so I won't ruin the surprise. Yours industriously, Dom.

P.S. Paul Hunt was easily the laziest...

P.P.S. I am off now to buy a doughnut and ride the subway in my last week in the states. thanks for all your questions, I hope I have answered them and sorry not to get to those others. Very strange but fun to do a "live chat." Quite the contrast from penning with quill and ink!

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: We saw two people fall in love on "Manor House," a marriage fall apart on "Frontier House," and a woman almost have a nervous breakdown from the back-breaking labor on "1900 House." Did anyone fall in love on "Colonial House?" Did anyone make a new best friend? Any back-stage romances we weren't shown?

Beth Hoppe: This is the last question I have time to answer. Thanks for all the interest.
Most of the colonists are now part of a daily chat group on email. Interesting that it is modern technology that keeps our 1628 group together. There were definitely many close friends made during this production. I understand there is one romance going on now, but it didn't start until much later.
Please keep watching as Colonial House continues tonight and tomorrow from 8-10pm on PBS.

_______________________