The history of Fort Lytton covers Queensland, Australian and World history from the 1870’s to the 1960’s. This fully participatory educational programme brings to life this ninety-year period of time; making the various eras and events that shaped them comprehensible to all students. Students learn about the defenders of the past in a fictional drama. Through encounters with actors in-role, they may well find themselves becoming “defenders of the past” as they address the question: “Why is history important?” Defenders of the Past is a half-day participatory programme for students of all year levels. It provides professional actors working in-role and an exploration of the fortifications in Fort Lytton National Park.