PVAMU student and National Park Service intern Ocean Dunbar stands next to the official sign of Ninety Six National Park in South Carolina

What is Public history? Sub Heading

Public History could be defined as the practice of historical research teaching, and interpretation, concentrated outside of academia. Unlike traditional academic history, which often focuses on research and teaching within classrooms, public history brings history to life in museums, monuments, archives, and media. Public history makes complex narratives understandable and relatable. It ensures that history isn’t just confined to textbooks but exists in the spaces where individuals live, work, and learn.

Influence of Public History

Public history plays a vital role in uncovering and preserving the stories that exist right in our own backyards. Local landmarks, community traditions, and even the streets we walk on every day. Early 20th century historian, Lucy Salmon, highlights the value of studying the ordinary—household items, local landscapes, and community practices—as a way to uncover the experiences of everyday people. Salmon’s approach calls for a democratization of history, encouraging historians to connect broader historical themes to the lived realities of individuals and communities.

Public history also fosters a sense of community. Monuments and memorials, for example, serve as gathering spaces for reflection and remembrance. Community-based projects, such as oral history interviews or local historical exhibits, allow people to connect with their roots and understand how their stories fit into the larger historical tapestry.

Perhaps the greatest strength of public history is its ability to inspire action. By engaging with history, people are better equipped to make informed decisions about the future. Understanding how events unfolded in the past helps us recognize patterns, avoid repeating mistakes, and celebrate the progress we’ve made.

In a world that often feels fast-paced and disconnected, public history reminds us of the enduring power of our shared humanity. It connects us to those who came before and challenges us to leave a meaningful legacy for those who will come after.

Robert Kelley, “Public History: Its Origins, Nature, and Prospects,” The Public Historian 1, no. 1 (1978): 16

Salmon, Lucy Maynard. “History in the Backyard.” In The Study of History, edited by Herman Ausubel, 45-56. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1966.