DATE: Thursday, February 27, 1997           TAG: 9702250090

SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS         PAGE: 14   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY SHIRLEY BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER

                                            LENGTH:   92 lines

TOUR GUIDE SHARES STORIES BEHIND THE HISTORICAL FACTS

Deborah Canty takes visitors on a stroll through 18th century life in Colonial Williamsburg, presenting history with a decidedly different slant.

Intimately acquainted with the daily activities of that period, Canty, 25, as a historical interpreter, tells little-known personal stories behind the well-known facts.

A native of Norfolk, Canty is employed by the Williamsburg Foundation's School and Group Services and participates in African-American Interpretations and Presentations.

``It's so important that children, especially, see all sides of every story,'' she said. ``I have them only three to six hours, and I want them to imagine the presence of all the people who worked and lived here.''

Canty points to the shop of the town shoemaker, noting that he is a free black and the wealthiest man in town. She talks about a slave wedding that was held recently and is excited that George Washington will visit the town in May.

Last year's theme, ``Choosing Revolution,'' challenged the listener to experience the emotions of the gentry who were grappling with the dilemma of an approaching revolt against England.

``Can you imagine the feelings of the gentry? If a man chooses to be a patriot, what happens if the patriots are defeated? He will lose everything . returns to England, he will also lose his house and land.''

In 1994, Canty read an article in the newspaper about the re-enactment of a slave auction being held in Colonial Williamsburg.

Canty said she was not offended by the emotionally painful but accurate portrayal.In fact, it was her overwhelming approval of the event that caused her to contact the Foundation and ask for a job interview.

``I thought it was the neatest thing,'' she said. ``I read so many negative things about some who were upset with that. But there are parts of our history that are painful.

``To see a man separated from his wife and child and treated as a `piece of goods' is powerful.

``This new outlook on our history sometimes scares both whites and blacks. Some were offended that we would present that, but our series of educational objectives is to try to improve the quality of history taught in Williamsburg and to give a fuller view of the people who lived and died there.''

A resident of Grafton, Canty says the majority of her large, extended family resides in Norfolk, Portsmouth and Chesapeake. During her childhood, the family lived for a while in Germany, while her father served in the Air Force. ``I learned enough German to ride the train and order food,'' she said, laughing. ``I came back to the United States as a big girl. I weighed 200 pounds and had very little self-esteem.''

After high school graduation, Canty attended Christopher Newport University and worked as an area hostess at Busch Gardens during the summer months.

``My job at Busch Gardens and now in Williamsburg requires miles of walking,'' Canty said, explaining how she shed her excess weight. She has now become accustomed to the stays and tightly laced bodices that are part of her 18th century costumes.

Beginning March 8, Canty will periodically assume the role of ``Miss Manderley,'' who conducts the Felicity Tour, a copyrighted program of the Pleasant Co., for children over 5, on Saturdays and Sundays.

During the tour, the group has tea and a lesson on the social graces with Miss Manderley at Christiana Campbell's Tavern.

Felicity Merriman is a fictitious young girl of the 1700s who is brought to life through a doll and a series of storybooks. The educational tour will be conducted daily from July 15 through Aug. 31.

``Grandmothers bring their Felicity dolls and join the tour,'' Canty said. ``Once, a family of eight walked with us. I also had a 23-year-old from California who came to Williamsburg especially for the Felicity Tour.''

Although she is cast in various roles, Canty said her favorite is that of Rachel, the laundress at the Powell House.

``I get to do 18th century things for eight hours,'' she said. ``Every day, we serve dinner at 2 p.m. and visitors watch and ask questions. I also do sewing and gardening there.''

Canty's newest and most demanding role is that of a slave in an evening performance, ``Affairs of the Heart.''

``I play the part of a slave who has had a relationship with her master and has a son. As a slave, I know my limitations, but I'm angry because he is getting married. It's mature subject matter, but it's a good role and it takes a lot out of me. The play is a compilation of several stories from Williamsburg's history.''

In her spare time, Canty teaches and sings in the choir at the Providence United Methodist Church in Grafton. She is also busy planning her wedding in August.

``I want to go back to school to get a teaching degree,'' she said, ``but I love my job too much. Kids ask me questions and write me letters.

``Other teachers have to bring props into a limited area, but I can walk down Duke of Gloucester Street and have a living, breathing classroom.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II

Deborah Canty wears the costume she will use to lead the Felicity

Tour.

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