Historic Interpreter II, Historic Halifax State Historic Site
Kristal Chapman has worn many hats: mom, nonprofit director, corporate trainer, and now, colonial housekeeper. But her favorite role of all might just be the one that lets her share the stories of Historic Halifax.
Kristal grew up in Proctorville, Ohio, at the southernmost tip of the state, just across the river from Huntington, West Virginia, where she was born. She’s especially proud of her Appalachian roots as the granddaughter of a West Virginia coal miner. That strong sense of place and history guides her work today as a historic interpreter at Historic Halifax.
She first started working at the site years ago as a part-time interpreter while raising her three children, Allen, Alexis, and Aiden. Now, with her kids grown, Kristal is living her dream job full time, bringing history to life and uncovering the deeper stories of Halifax that often go untold.
“Halifax is known for the Halifax Resolves, but so much more happened here,” Kristal says. “There are stories that haven’t always been told, and I have a passion for researching and sharing those.”
With an associate degree in social sciences from Ohio University and additional studies at Marshall University, Kristal blends academic knowledge with a talent for connecting with visitors. Her favorite characters to portray are the women who were the backbone of the community, including the commanding household matriarch and the spirited tavern-keeper’s wife.
“I really enjoy stepping into the shoes of the ‘gossipy housekeeper,’” she laughs. “It’s fun, it gets people engaged, and it opens up conversations about real historical events.”
Kristal often gets comments about her accent, and one visitor once told her that with a voice like hers and a name like that, she should be singing country music. Guests are also curious about her gown, which she made herself. “Aren’t you hot in that?” is a question she hears more often than you might think.
Outside of storytelling and interpretation, Kristal has a deep interest in fiber arts. She enjoys dyeing and knitting and hopes to learn how to spin and demonstrate on a traditional spinning wheel in the future.
Whether she’s talking about untold women’s stories, cooking over a hearth, or helping visitors see the past in a new light, Kristal is making history feel personal, powerful, and full of heart.
Plan Your Visit to Historic Halifax
Experience history firsthand by visiting the Historic Halifax State Historic Site!
Located at 101 N. King Street, Halifax, NC 27839, the site offers self-guided walking tours of authentically restored buildings, including the 1838 Jail and the 1790 Eagle Tavern, and much more!