I didn’t have a
family into history. So I know how hard it is. I couldn’t participate in events
until I was in college. I didn’t have the money or the means to get to events,
but I did know what I was missing. In Middle School, a homeschool family was
nice enough to take me to a living history museum with their daughter. They knew that I liked history and it was
such a kind offer.
It’s hard to imagine, but families not into history don’t
really know what’s out there. My family knew I liked history but they didn’t
really know there was history stuff available. Unfortunately, once we found out
stuff was available, most things were only open to children, if their parents
participated and were there to watch them.
My parents both worked so history events went on the backburner until
college.
So what can be done to encourage the new generation? For
starters, if you have the means to bring young people along with you, please
do. That can mean a lot to a child or teen that loves history. If you can’t
bring someone to far away events, try local events or town history days.
One of my fondest memories from Middle School was that my
friend invited me over to make costumes for a trip to the Renaissance
fair. We went to the fabric store and
found a pattern that we liked and we bought broadcloth. We spent a whole day
laughing and sewing and ended up with some badly sewn but wearable dresses. On
the day of the trip, we felt like the belles of the ball.
If you don’t have the means to take others with you, try to
make your materials available to them.
Lend out the historical fiction that is probably collecting dust most of
the year. See if your local library has good books you could suggest to a teen.
Really any little thing could keep that passion going.
If you are a young person into history but have no way of
participating in any history events, spend this time feeding your interest. If
you go to school, use the library to read books on the subjects you like.
Listen to history related podcasts and watch videos. Don’t let your passion die. When people find
out that I am a reenactor they generally tell me that they used to love history
but their interest waned in their teen years when many other things seemed more
important.
Utilize what you do have at your disposal. Ask the librarian
for books on the subject you are interested in. Ask your teachers at school for
information on a topic you find interesting. Use the internet to find
information. The important thing is to keep feeding your interest.
Resources for teens who love history:
Podcasts:
Books:
Historical Fiction:
- The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
- Number the Stars
by Lois Lowry
-The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane (Free Online Ebook.)
-Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Nonfiction:
-To Be a Slave by Julius Lester
-The Civil War Chronicle by William C. Davis
-The Reenactor’s Handbook by
- Hardtack and Coffee by John D. Billings (Free
Online Ebook.) This one was written by a Civil War veteran about army life.
It has great images.
-Johnny Reb and Billy Yank by Alexander Hunter. This
is a long but entertaining read written by a Civil War veteran. (Free
Online Ebook.)
What are your suggestions? How can the history field do to make it more beginner friendly or what can be done to encourage people who can't participate?
You and I must be kindred spirits for we think an awful lot a like!
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent posting that needs to be read (I am posting it to my facebook page).
I grew up similar to you except there were virtually no reenactors or reenacting anywhere near where I was while growing up, and it was unfortunate that I didn't get the chance to go to historical places very often until after I became an adult. Before driving age it was a whole lot of reading.
Great post - thanks!
Thanks Ken! It's something I am seeing while teaching. There are kids who are really interested in history but don't really have any ways of perusing it further.
ReplyDeleteI'm not really a re-enactor myself (so far...), so I don't have a good idea... but I think small, local events are a good way. It just depends on whether there are any around! The event in my hometown only started the year I graduated from Grammar school.
ReplyDeleteI also think things are much easier now with the internet and so many people posting on blogs and events having their webpages and such. You can kind of participate even though you do not really participate. Case in point: me.
I think you are right. It's much easier today than when I was in school. The internet is much more extensive and helpful now.
DeleteI found your blog a few months ago and have found it quite interesting! I have an award for you on my blog!
ReplyDeletehttp://teacupsamongthefabric.blogspot.com/2012/10/versatile-blogger-award.html
Laurie
Thanks, Laurie! I'll check out your blog too!
DeleteI agree that people need to learn more about history, especially the younger generation. I admit my own knowledge of history could be better - although I love learning about election history...adore it! I remain optimistic that youth are appreciating and learning about history more.
ReplyDeleteI haven't met you in person Stephanie - and live far away from you - but I can assure you that I do appreciate the interest and work you put into history! :)