National Council on Public History

Heather Heckler

Proposal Type: Roundtable

Abstract: This roundtable discussion seeks to bring together historians working on the “fringe” (whether outside of an institution, outside of the traditional historical narrative, or literally on the streets as “guerilla” historians) to share ideas, techniques, and approaches to practicing public history independently, without boundaries or institutional support.

Seeking: For varied reasons, many trained public historians find themselves practicing history outside of museums, archives, historical sites and other traditional institutions. As they pursue their interests independently, or on the “fringe,” of the public history field—whether they are employees of historical institutions who are pursuing independent work on their own time or those working in non-history-related fields who maintain their connection to public history via private projects—these historians face new opportunities and challenges by going out on their own. Working on shoestring budgets, using practices from fields such as art and anthropology, and connecting with communities in new and different ways, independent historians bring a dose of creative hustle to their history practice.

I am seeking participants who—like myself—are pursuing their interest in public history outside of the traditional history establishment. Participants might include consultants, archivists, curators, educators, filmmakers, oral historians, preservationists, or anyone practicing public history outside of an institutional or work setting. I am interested in a conversation exploring the complexities and benefits of this kind of work and in thinking about ways in which independent historians might support each other. Questions and issues to be explored include:

−       What techniques, approaches, or tools are independent public historians using in their practice?
−       Do/can independent historians bring new ideas, perspectives, and practices to the wider public history community?
−       Do independent historians have more space to be innovative than historians working in institutions? Can they try new approaches that may not work in more formal settings?
−       Can independent historians be more provocative when addressing questions and/or engaging the public, and what are the potential pitfalls of this?
−       Is public history a form of art when taken into the street or other non-traditional sites? How do art practices inform “guerilla history” techniques?
−       How do independent historians deal with questions of authority?
−       How can independent historians engage community organizations or groups as partners?
−       How do independent historians maintain a high level of scholarship while working independently?
−       Is there a need for peer review of independent public history projects?
−       Does practicing history on the “fringe” inherently mean you are out there on your own or is there a way for independent historians to provide mutual support, assistance, or even mentorship? What would that look like?
−       Are there specific “best practices” for independent historians?
−       What are possible creative solutions for practicing public history with few resources (e.g. little money)?

The roundtable discussion will include three or four participants who will briefly present on their individual projects. This will be followed by a (hopefully) lively, (hopefully) constructive discussion of the above topics. I am looking for two or three additional participants and a moderator to help guide the conversation. I am open to any suggestions for how the roundtable can be revised or streamlined to be more interesting/successful.

Related Topics: Independent History

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: Heather Heckler, hlheckler[at]gmail.com

If you have general ideas or feedback to share please feel free to use the comments feature below.

Discussion