What’s in a Name?

When I was first designing the concept of this website, probably the biggest question I had was “What will I call it?”

There are so many history blogs and websites out there. Some are very academic and some are not. Some deal with a wide range of historical topics while some deal more with political current affairs. While all of them have their merits for sure, I wanted to do something a little bit different.

The one thing that I have personally noticed in the last two to three years is how many people I have come across who have an interest in history and heritage in general. In that time, whether I was in England or Canada, people’s eyes would light up and their faces would smile when I talked about my PhD topic. From the middle aged, part-time clerk at Sainsbury’s in Leeds to the seasoned military officer from CFB Petawawa, these people all have something in common: they are curious about their community’s history. For the most part these people are not academics, which proves you don’t have to be one to have a thirst for historical knowledge. You just need a little bit of curiosity to seek out that knowledge no matter where you live or what your socio-economic situation may be.

The study of history is not just the traditional academic history found in university lecture halls, academic libraries or international conference settings. History is also found in your local museum or national/provincial historic site, the story-telling of your elders, your local historical or heritage society and the visual medium such as the History Channel, the BBC and CBC, and Paramount Pictures. It is the world of “Public History”. Whether we live in Toronto, Haida Gwaii, or Conception Harbour, many of us are curious about our community’s history.

Public History can be broadly defined as the study and interpretation of history for the mass public outside of the university environment. It generally does not involve scholarly books written primarily for a university level history course. Rather, they tend to be books that are still professionally researched and investigated, but the difference is in the language used. They are the best sellers by Pierre Berton, Simon Schama, and David Starkey that are written for everyone, young and old, with an interest in history. Public History is also the Canadian film “Passchendaele” or the BBC’s “My Boy Jack” because both tell a great and tragic story about life and loss in the Great War. Public History is also your local museum staff who creatively interpret history through static, interactive and digital displays for everyone to enjoy year round. And also, Public History includes government departments and agencies such as Parks Canada and Ontario Heritage Trust, just to name two, who work diligently to preserve the built, cultural and environmental heritage in Canada for future generations to enjoy.

I understand that there is still a lot of debate about what Public History really is. Some argue that it is not academic enough and takes into account too much artistic license in its interpretation of history, particularly when it comes to film and television. Yet, others argue that Public History reaches the people that the academics forget about: those who neither have the means or desire to enter the academic sphere, but who still possess that thirst for historical knowledge. However, the purpose of this website is not to debate this issue. It is just simply a way to get out little tidbits and stories about history to the people in a fun, clear and understandable way. People, by nature, are curious about the world around them. Whether people are 5 or 95, and whether they live in Canada’s largest metropolis or Canada’s smallest village, there will be those who will be curious about their heritage. The main goal is for people to feel inspired and impassioned by what they see or read to perhaps further their own personal research into a topic. I think when that happens, no matter the medium, a heritage professional feels they have done their job in reaching their audience.

So kick back, relax and enjoy a beverage of choice while you take a trip down Canadian History Lane. I hope you enjoy your visit and will return often.

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