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 all contain interesting, if obscure, local stories.
Dr. Victor Hicken, Distinguished Professor, Western Illinois University wrote ”…local history is to significant and so vastly important that almost every literate American must give something of himself to its study.” He went on to write, “The local historian…must continue to promote the local historical societies to which he may belong…Local and university libraries must continue their efforts to preserve the documents and records of the present so that historians may continue to understand the pattern of history.” 1
A community that has a functioning history museum is fortunate indeed. That institution preserves the past and connects to the present. Local history mostly depends on inspired local talent for accurate recording, research and communication. Records, hidden in archives; unheralded remain useless; exposed, enrich those to whom they are revealed. Displaying objects and documents is the first and most expensive step in revelation. Public interest in the display must follow in order to develop traffic and support for the enterprise.
The effective delivery of historic information depends on achieving the favorable interest and attention of the intended audience. Short vignettes capture attention and develop interest. Presence on the internet offers the opportunity for targeted messaging. A communications program, designed to promote community interest and pride, is important to the success of local historical preservation efforts.
Reference:
1. The Continuing Significance of Local History, Victor Hicken 1964, pp 162-163
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 all contain interesting, if obscure, local stories.
Dr. Victor Hicken, Distinguished Professor, Western Illinois University wrote ”…local history is to significant and so vastly important that almost every literate American must give something of himself to its study.” He went on to write, “The local historian…must continue to promote the local historical societies to which he may belong…Local and university libraries must continue their efforts to preserve the documents and records of the present so that historians may continue to understand the pattern of history.” 1
A community that has a functioning history museum is fortunate indeed. That institution preserves the past and connects to the present. Local history mostly depends on inspired local talent for accurate recording, research and communication. Records, hidden in archives; unheralded remain useless; exposed, enrich those to whom they are revealed. Displaying objects and documents is the first and most expensive step in revelation. Public interest in the display must follow in order to develop traffic and support for the enterprise.
The effective delivery of historic information depends on achieving the favorable interest and attention of the intended audience. Short vignettes capture attention and develop interest. Presence on the internet offers the opportunity for targeted messaging. A communications program, designed to promote community interest and pride, is important to the success of local historical preservation efforts.
Reference:
1. The Continuing Significance of Local History, Victor Hicken 1964, pp 162-163
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