Local History Merits Promotion
Art Olstead, 2018 Knowledge of local history develops a sense of place for individuals and pride for communities. The preservation of artifacts, documents and antidotes presented in proper context creates a fabric that leads to understanding and appreciation of those who preceded. The effort to preserve and present local history is worthy of public promotion. In the pantheon of historical dissertation and research local history is routinely shuttled to the back of the bus. Regional, national and international historians are generally regarded as more nuanced and better credentialed with superior access to resources. Records which have made the journey to major libraries and academia are animated by lettered historians. The stories and documents retained by local historical societies are no less important as witness to events that make up the recorded timeline. After all, history happens locally, grand events which effect the sweep of history...