Alena Pirok, PhD Student, University of South Florida
Proposal Type: Panel
Abstract: For many historical sites, landscapes, and homes, the public’s understanding of the site’s historical narrative is in tension with the curated interpretation. In response to this contention, more and more sites are embracing and attempting to work with the publics’ conception of historicity and the past—to interesting ends. These sites embrace their folklore, mythic and legendary tales to speak more clearly and accessibly to their guests. This panel will explore how historical sites are integrating the public’s conception of the past into their professional interpretations.
Seeking: This panel will explore unique, different, and creative historical interpretations. Presenters will look at the ways in which popular concepts of the past, i.e. ghost stories, fables, legends, and rumors, are used to educate and inspire visitors at historical sites, landscapes and homes. Though historical sites often spur these interpretations thinking they are trite, when these local and national stories are recognized and applied thoughtfully they can function to bridge the academic-public divide. I am currently looking for presenters to join me in exploring this rich topic.
Related Topics: Museums/Exhibits, Memory, Place
If you have a direct offer of assistance, sensitive criticism, or wish to share contact information for other people the proposer should reach out to, please get in contact directly: Alena Pirok, apirok[at]mail.usf.edu
If you have general ideas or feedback to share please feel free to use the comments feature below.
This seems like a rich topic area, though it might be tricky finding other public historians or public history institutions dealing with tension between popular and curated interpretation. Maybe you have co-panelists already lined up. In any case, you might be able to connect your thinking to the ideas raised in the H@W post, “Pulling back the curtain and starting a conversation” at http://publichistorycommons.org/pulling-back-the-curtain/
Aloha Alena,
You may want to reach out to Susan Eleuterio from Goucher College if can. Her contributions from a folklorist’s perspective were extremely salient at Monterey in various different sessions.
Mahalo,
Justin Mattli