February 2025

Oldest House Museum | St. Augustine.
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The Role Technology has on Public History

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Page from Virtual City Website, circa 2004. (Image courtesy of the author.)

ST. Louis " Old courthouse"

Page from Virtual City Website, circa 2004. (Image courtesy of the author.)

The Impact of Technology in Public Engagement

Technology plays a significant role in public history by expanding access to the public and interactive engagement and allowing historians to reach global audiences beyond their borders.

One of the most engaging uses of technology in public history is 3D reconstruction and social media. 3D reconstruction helps historians recreate historic buildings, artifacts, or lost sites, allowing people to experience them virtually. Andrew Hurley, in his chapter “Chasing the Frontiers of Digital Technology,” discusses how 3D technology has transformed communities’ impact on their environment by making it “more meaningful and compelling.”¹ As a result, 3D technology has influenced social media platforms and significantly impacted projects. This leads to the DICE project discussed by Rebeca Wingo, Jason A. Heppler, and Paul Schadewald in the chapter “Introduction to Digital Community Engagement.” The DICE project promotes community engagement through digital humanities and public humanities. The chapter connects both chapters, showing how they utilized technology and projects to engage with their surrounding communities. The quote states, “Community-engaged practice is closely aligned with the goals and methods of civic engagement and civic tech, or the creation of tools ‘to improve public life.’”² This technology is vital in expanding community engagement by making history more accessible, interactive, and immersive. Through projects like 3D reconstruction and digital humanities initiatives such as the DICE project, technology fosters more profound connections between communities and their histories, ensuring a more meaningful and participatory approach to public history.

Credit:

  1. Andrew Hurley, Chasing the Frontiers of Digital Technology (2016), 70.
  2. Rebeca Wingo, Jason A. Heppler, and Paul Schadewald, Introduction to Digital Community Engagement(2020).
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Politics and Public History: Balancing Engagement and Objectivity.

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Public history is inherently political. Whether interpreting historical narratives, curating museum exhibits, or preserving cultural heritage, public historians shape how societies understand the past. But how much political engagement is too much? Can public historians be activists while maintaining professional integrity? 🤔

History is not neutral. Decisions about which stories to tell, whose voices to amplify, and how to present historical evidence are deeply political. Public historians work in spaces where history meets the public, museums, archives, historic sites, and digital platforms”often navigating contentious topics like race, gender, slavery, or war. Avoiding politics entirely is neither realistic nor ethical.silence can itself be a political act that reinforces dominant narratives.

History is not neutral. Decisions about which stories to tell, whose voices to amplify, and how to present historical evidence are deeply political. Public historians work in spaces where history meets the public, museums, archives, historic sites, and digital platforms”often navigating contentious topics like race, gender, slavery, or war. Avoiding politics entirely is neither realistic nor ethical.silence can itself be a political act that reinforces dominant narratives.

Can History Be Neutral in Politics

History is not neutral. Decisions about which stories to tell, whose voices to amplify, and how to present historical evidence are deeply political. Public historians work in spaces where history meets the public, museums, archives, historic sites, and digital platforms”often navigating contentious topics like race, gender, slavery, or war. Avoiding politics entirely is neither realistic nor ethical.silence can itself be a political act that reinforces dominant narratives.

4 ways Historians can politically Engage

So, what is an appropriate level of political engagement in public history? That depends on context. Historians working in government institutions may have different constraints than those in independent museums or grassroots projects. The key is to engage by using historical evidence to inform public discourse rather than simply advancing personal opinions.

 

1. Acknowledge Bias Recognize that complete neutrality is impossible but strive for fairness and accuracy.

2. Encourage Critical Thinking  Foster discussions that allow audiences to draw their own informed conclusions.

3. Advocate for Historical Truth  Challenge misinformation and exclusionary narratives while respecting scholarly integrity.

4. Be Transparent About Roles Make it clear when acting as a historian versus as a private citizen engaging in political activism.

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Public History & Politics in the Classroom

In the classroom our assigned public history readings. we are primarily African-American, in the class, that derives from various backgrounds which includes  our thinking, beliefs, morals, which plays part into political political policy. Sometimes I see both sides and I’m glad we can branch and relate our experiences to the reading and we talk political views and history just influence that as well.  We tend to have some peers with “radical” thoughts and sometimes a word. It’s always nice to hear a peers view especially when you relate their background.

Public history provides us with conversation, and political views on societal issues. It also allows us to engage and learn from history.

The reality behind African American Musemems’ 

The article that explains what you need to know.

Lets take a deep dive….

INTO HISTORY!!!!!

A photo representing contributions of civil rights leader clothes to preserve our history

According to the article, African American Museums have been around since the nineteenth century. However, unlike childrens museums, science and traditional historical museums; African American Museums’ has different fun cultural ways of representing the past along with more communal contributions. With this information it is vital to understand that in the past from the 1920’s-40’s it was around but very little contribution and activity but as the years progressed it has been given a new light especially during and after the civil rights movement. Families and communities contributed towards museums with articles, family heirlooms, furniture, clothes, etc. But, to fully understand why we should do more for museums such as this, we should take a look into major issues within the AAM. 

Example of resources needed for African American museums that aren't being provided.
Example of resources needed for African American museums that aren’t being provided.

Major Issues Within African American Museums

  1. Not enough government and community contributions

  2. Financial Support

  3. Lack of Resources

According to the article, it states, ” Funding is the biggest issue facing African American Museums, according museums directors surveyed, and these museums “have several operational challenges in virtually every aspect of their existence.” If AAM were to receive more funding from the government/public, all AAM’s would probably be able to have more opportunities available for kids like traditional museums with programs and workers. Also, due to lack of the government putting in to help these museums prosper with archiving African American history, there are major inside issues of maintaining our history and upkeep of our archives across the United States in total. 

facing African American museums, according to the museum directors surveyed,and these museums ‘‘have severe operational challenges in virtually every aspect oftheir existence.’’ 1

Representation and Key Take Aways These photos are clear representations that we need to stand up and fight to maintain African American History in our Museums.

Politics In Public History!

This picture represents people protesting about something their passionate about with the help of public history.

The role of politics in public history.

Public Historians play a huge role in our society because they engage in all topics by giving historical interpretations that are beneficial to all audiences. Public historians engage with their work by challenging political narratives. Politics plays a deep role in public history because it can influence how a story is told and the ways the story will be remembered. Historians engaging in politics have the responsibility to make sure they critically think and analyze while they navigate the complexities of the political
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Engaging in Political Activism

Public Historians can engage in politics but also keep a professional standpoint on their research. Public historians must be able to navigate the balance between professionalism and being optimistic. Activism in political engagement includes historical projects, supporting the community, while also challenging misinformation. However, how much you are engaging in politics depends on the level of context. Some public historians may be working in such places as museums and government institutions that comes with strict rules which does not allow the historians to be as open as they would like. Nevertheless, historians should always use their platform to remain grounded in their research.

Appropriate level of engagement

Going about the professional way of handling political engagement is by being transparent while also still having respect for other opinions. Being transparent allows others to see how vulnerable you are about your topic. Engaging in politics also means that you have to have your research done correctly so that your statements are backed up by facts. Overall engaging in politics can be a difficult thing to balance as a historian without getting personal feelings involved but it all comes with balance of transparency and fact-based information.

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Navigating Politics in Public History Practice

United States National Museum Photographic Laboratory

United States National Museum Photographic Laboratory, Library Stacks, Lower Main Hall, Smithsonian Institution Building, or Castle, Circa 1912-1913, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Smithsonian Institution. CC0.

United States National Museum Photographic Laboratory

United States National Museum Photographic Laboratory, Library Stacks, Lower Main Hall, Smithsonian Institution Building, or Castle, Circa 1912-1913, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Smithsonian Institution. CC0.

The intersection of public history and politics is strikingly evident in current events. Recent debates surrounding Confederate monuments, for instance, highlight how historical memory is contested terrain, mirroring the struggles for representation discussed by Hayward and Larouche in the context of African American museums. 

Politics is woven into the very fabric of public history. It is impossible to separate them completely. Public history is not just about dusty archives and forgotten facts; it is about how we tell stories about the past, and who gets to tell those stories. And those choices are inherently political. Think about it: who decides what gets commemorated, what stories are told in museums, what historical narratives are presented in textbooks? Often, it is those in power, and their perspectives inevitably shape the way the past is presented. So, even if public historians try to be objective, the very act of choosing what to highlight and how to frame it can be a political act.

What role does politics play in public history?

Politics is deeply intertwined with public history, influencing how we understand and present the past. Because public history involves interpreting and sharing historical narratives with the public, it’s inherently susceptible to political agendas. Those in power often shape which stories are told, which figures are celebrated, and how events are framed, reflecting specific values and interests. History itself isn’t a neutral ground; different groups hold varying interpretations of the past, often tied to current political and social debates. Public historians must navigate these contested narratives, striving for balance and acknowledging diverse perspectives.

Moreover, public history plays a key role in shaping collective memory and national identity, which political actors frequently leverage to legitimize actions and promote particular visions. Even funding for public history institutions can be politically charged, impacting the projects undertaken and the interpretations presented. Ultimately, public historians face ethical challenges in balancing accuracy and objectivity with the potential political impact of their work, especially when dealing with sensitive or controversial topics.

Can public historians engage in political activism, yet maintain professional objectivity and remain committed to ethical practice?

The question of public historians engaging in political activism while remaining objective and ethical is a complex one. While some argue that complete neutrality is impossible and that historians have a responsibility to inform public discourse, others caution against the potential for bias and loss of credibility. Arguments for engagement often highlight the importance of historical context, advocating for history itself, and amplifying marginalized voices. Conversely, concerns arise about maintaining scholarly rigor, avoiding biased interpretations, and the potential conflict between the roles of historian and activist. Ultimately, ethical engagement hinges on transparency about personal perspectives, rigorous adherence to historical methodology, respect for diverse interpretations, and a clear distinction between interpreting the past and advocating for present-day agendas. It’s a delicate balancing act requiring careful consideration and constant self-reflection.

What is an appropriate level of political engagement in public history?

The “appropriate” level of political engagement in public history is a complex and contested issue with no easy answer. It’s a balancing act, and what’s considered appropriate can vary depending on the context, the historian’s role, and the specific historical issue at hand. Hayward and Larouche suggest that activism focused on historical preservation, interpretation, and representation can be a legitimate and valuable form of public history practice. Murphy and Owens-Murphy suggest that in the face of politically motivated attacks on historical truth, public historians may need to be more assertive in challenging misinformation and advocating for inclusive and accurate historical narratives

Jeff Hayward and Christine Larouche, “The Emergence of the Field of African American Museums,” The Public Historian 40:3 (August 2018): 163-172.

Brian Murphy and Katie Owens-Murphy, “Public History in the Age of Insurrection Confronting White Rage in Red States,” The Public Historian44, 3 (August 2022): 139–63.

 

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Power Of Politics!

Politics in the community 

Politics plays many roles in the foundation of black history and brings the community together.Politicians/public historians use politics to uncover and spread history.

Public Historian

These are some black historians/activist who are protection on the behalf of two black lawmakers wrongfully losing their job in Tennessee.This is a positive example of how proper activism works .(Washingtonpost.com)

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Politics role in public history 

The impact politics has on history is always going to be there because history falls back to morals and peoples viewpoints. Public history goes against regular norms.These people research the information that matters that white supremacy  shuts down. According to the article, as “pro-Trump insurgents overtook the United States Capitol Building in an attempt to overturn the results of a presidential election”(Murphy&Owens,pg139) this is politics, but it’s important because the effects of these political actions can cause effects that will last through generations impacting/creating history. The result could be good or bad but public history explores those theories/figures out what happens in history.

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Engaging in activism 

 Politicians engage in activism just in a more professional setting. All politicians fight for what they believe in; it’s just a different type of fight. Politicians still have a reputation to uphold.The article says “African American park ranger Donel Singleton has suggested that “white organizations need to publicly apologize to African Americans as a form of repara-tions for the ways that historical sites embraced white supremacy in the past.”(Murphy&Owens,pg146) This is politicians getting involved.They Can’t riot and protest, but they use their power and their voice to make a change within the community and the ones who started the problem. If politicians/public historians act out uncivilly, they will most likely lose their authority with many groups of people.To retain information they have to be neutral/recognizable to gain history/information.

 

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Levels of Political engagement 

In public history there really isn’t a certain amount/level you should Be engaged.You should just actively be persistent in  coming up with new ideas or seeking information.The job of a public historian is never over. Public history is involved in the community/ and their politics.As the public historian you need to consider the political context of what happening so you can relay your message thoroughly and find information more accessible.The article says “The task of the historian in (difficult) situations may be more to create safe spaces for local dialogue about history and for the collection of memories, and to ensure that various voices are heard in those spaces.”(Murphy & Owens,pg141) So, without any engagement with politics you won’t be an effective public historian.

Citation

Murphy, Brian, and Owens, Katie.Public History in the Age of Insurrection, confronting White Rage in Red States.Aug 2022.

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A group of students with shovels stand with a NPS officer
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The Role Politics Play in Public History

Framing History Through Politics: The Suppression and Upliftment of Black Cultural Narratives

One can frame historical narratives through political groups, often shaping how history is presented or supported. Fath Davis Ruffins, in her writing about “Building Homes for Block History,” discusses the suppression of the cultural impact that black people have and how efforts were made to conceal the culture of black history. This led to the creation of the “Negro canon” to uplift the art and history of African American culture. A direct quote from the reading states, “black museum pioneers viewed art and music as valuable weapons to help fight social oppression and the internalized belief that black people were intellectually inferior, with no significant history or culture.”¹

A group of students with shovels stand with a NPS officer

The Intersection of Politics and Public History: Controversy, Debate, and Representation

Another way politics play a role in public history is through controversial discussions. Public history is often approached with debates over how to present specific issues. Political debates influence which particular histories are highlighted, revised, or erased, causing division. Michele M. Schlehofer, Kathryn Wagne, and Emily Bramande discuss, in “‘Things Will Get Worse Before They Get Better’: LGBTQ+ People’s Reactions to the 2020 US Presidential Election,” the laws set for the LGBTQ+ community. The direct quote states, “Trans youth have been particularly targeted with discriminatory legislation in recent years. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU, 2022) reports an exponential rise in state-level bills that seek to curtail the rights of trans people, and particularly trans youth, in areas as wide-ranging as access to public bathrooms, healthcare, and participation in youth sports.”² This becomes a problem for historians because public history aims to reveal the truth about history. This sets tension between historians advocating for specific groups and accusations of bias. That’s why it is essential to have balance when engaging with political activism while maintaining professional objectivity. History is always connected to politics because people decide what to keep, share, or remember. However, with public history, historians must stay true to facts and include diversity within communities and their voices.

Credtis 

  1. Fath Davis Ruffins, Building Homes for Block History (1915), 14.
  2. Michele M. Schlehofer, Kathryn Wagne, and Emily Bramande, “‘Things Will Get Worse Before They Get Better’: LGBTQ+ People’s Reactions to the 2020 US Presidential Election” (2023), 1379.
an old photo of George Washington's plantation Mount Vernon
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The Historical Preservation of Mount Vernon

What is Mount Vernon: 

A “mount shrine,” is referred to as a “ commemorative site that elevates and mythologizes historical figures, often emphasizing their virtues while minimizing more complex or controversial aspects of their legacy . In the context of George Washington, such shrines present him as an almost “sacred figure” , Scott E Casper’s literature relatively celebrates Washington for his leadership, patriotism, and role as the “Father of the Nation,” while simultaneously downplaying its relationship to slavery, political conflicts, and the imperfections of his era. Primarily , the article by author Scott E. Casper’s Sarah Johnson “ Mount  Vernon: The Forgotten History of an American Shrine” , focuses mainly on George Washington’s plantation home which was known as Mount Vernon . Casper’s literature defines Mount Vern as not just Washington’s plantation home but “ significant and influential historical landmark throughout American History. His evidence to support this claim are personal narratives of those who preserved and interpreted it-particularly those of The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (MVLA).

The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association has owned and operated Mount Vernon since its acquisition in the late 1850s. The Ladies have been fierce defenders of Washington's home ever since. In the historic image, fifteen vice-regents of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association pose on the piazza of the Mansion in 1884. [Copyright © Luke C. Dillon 1884]

Mount Vernon : Washington’s Plantation Home in the 1850’s

The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association has owned and operated Mount Vernon since its acquisition in the late 1850s. The Ladies have been fierce defenders of Washington’s home ever since. In the historic image, fifteen vice-regents of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association pose on the piazza of the Mansion in 1884. [Copyright © Luke C. Dillon 1884]

The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association has owned and operated Mount Vernon since its acquisition in the late 1850s. The Ladies have been fierce defenders of Washington’s home ever since. In the historic image, fifteen vice-regents of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association pose on the piazza of the Mansion in 1884. [Copyright © Luke C. Dillon 1884]

Why Is This Important: 

While many white historians often praise the works of the “ great for-founders “ of america we often forget how america was founded and journey that  paved the way to get  where we are today . Ideally , those of many of the “enslaved peoples “ who are often overlooked are the same individuals who were put in fields to produce products that were profited to support the economic system that our “ great country “has today . To downplay thier historical influence is completely unacceptable and downright disgusting. Especially knowing that America’s Founding Father’s knew how essential African Slaves were to the new world .Their forced involved enslavement remained deeply embedded in the economic and social fabric of the nation. From the early colonial period through the 19th century, enslaved Africans were the backbone of the American economy. They worked on their hands and knees, toiling in fields, building infrastructure, and generating immense wealth that allowed the U.S. to rise as a global power. To call this monumental impact a “ shrine “ , is diminishing the physical, verbal, and psychological trauma an entire race of individuals have endured  .

It’s Vaule In Historical Preservation : 

Oral history helps uncover the nuances of daily life, resistance, and survival that might otherwise go unrecorded. In the case of Mount Vernon, African American workers shared memories that challenged the sanitized version of history presented to tourists. Their stories reveal the persistence of racial hierarchies even in the post-emancipation era and highlight their efforts to assert dignity and independence in a space that continued to define them through the lens of servitude.Despite the presence of factual errors, embellishment, and misremembering, oral history remains invaluable to historic preservation, particularly when it comes to understanding the lives of marginalized groups like the enslaved laborers at Mount Vernon.Casper’s incorporates oral testimonies to reconstruct the lived experiences of African Americans who worked at the site after emancipation. These personal narratives fill in the gaps left by traditional archives, which often prioritize the voices of elite white figures.

Notes (1)https://washington.org/find-dc-listings/george-washingtons-mount-vernon

Notes (2)https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/slavery/daily-life

Notes (3): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Samat_National_Shrine?utm_source=chatgpt.com

 

A landscape image of the main house at Mt. Vernon, VA.
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Histroic Preservation

Mount vernon also known as the shrine highlights George Washington’s work.

Language shaping:

George Washington unwittingly wrote the biography of Mount Vernon’s enslaved community in the records and correspondence he left behind. We can use his words, combined with archaeology and oral history with descendants, to piece together the stories of Mount Vernon’s enslaved community (Researching Slavery, N.D). Language shape has influenced and reinforced. The term shrine was used to help interpret George Washington’s legacy which means it suggests a high place of reverence and suggests hero. Which was centered around George Washington as a figure rather than what he actually was which was an enslaver. Mount Vernon is still used as a national symbol that highlights the work George Washington has done.

Values on Historic Preservation:

Historic preservation has evolved over the years. In the early years, people have seen Mount Vernon as a monument that was surrounded strictly by politics. As history has evolved it now focuses on archival research archaeological findings and also descendants that are now able to vocalize the experiences that enslaved people had to endure. That steps into why oral history is so important, it provides different outlooks that certain parts of history might skip over. Such as written archives that were based on plantations. Many of those archives were created by people who were in power such as the slave masters which makes it seem like what they did was justified. Oral history should be cherished and valued because it opens a door for the emotional truth of others to be heard. Oral history provides the struggles of what people had to endure while also highlighting the beauty they made from the struggle. Such as traditions that are carried on in our culture and family ties.

Oral History Icon
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The Power of Oral History

Smithsonian Institution Archives

Pamela Henson conducting an interview with Horton Hobbs, in his laboratory in the Natural History Building, by Jeffrey Ploskonka. Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 371, Image no. 83-22-09A.

Smithsonian Institution Archives

Pamela Henson conducting an interview with Horton Hobbs, in his laboratory in the Natural History Building, by Jeffrey Ploskonka. Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 371, Image no. 83-22-09A.

Martha S. Jones, in her review of Scott E. Casper’s Sarah Johnson’s Mount Vernon, emphasizes a critical tension in how we comprehend and conserve historical monuments, particularly those associated with slavery. Her argument is around the language we use and the voices we prioritize.

Part 1: The “Shrine” Effect

Casper and others refer to Mount Vernon as a “shrine.” How does such language shape historic preservation and interpretation at the enslaved labor plantation of George Washington?

The language of “shrine,” frequently used to describe Mount Vernon, significantly shapes its historic preservation and interpretation. This designation fosters an environment of reverence, often leading to a sanitized portrayal of the plantation’s history. By emphasizing George Washington’s legacy and contributions, the “shrine” label can inadvertently downplay the brutal realities of slavery that underpinned Mount Vernon’s existence. It risks prioritizing the narrative of a national hero over the experiences of the enslaved individuals whose labor and lives were essential to the plantation’s operation.
This can result in preservation efforts that focus on the grand architecture and Washington family artifacts, while neglecting the quarters and burial grounds of enslaved people, further marginalizing their stories in the historical record. The “shrine” mentality can also limit the scope of historical interpretation, making it difficult to address the complexities and contradictions inherent in Washington’s legacy and the institution of slavery he upheld.

PART TWO: The Value of Oral History

Despite the prevalence of factual errors, misremembering, and embellishment in oral history, what value does it offer for historic preservation?

Even though memories can fade and stories might get a little mixed up over time, oral histories are incredibly valuable for preserving the past, especially for communities like the enslaved people of Mount Vernon, whose stories were often left out of the official record. These personal accounts can offer crucial glimpses into lives that were systematically silenced, giving a voice to those who were historically ignored.
Oral histories can also challenge the usual, often one-sided, stories we hear about the past, revealing the complexities and hidden details that written documents sometimes miss. They keep cultural traditions alive, passed down through families, and help us remember the struggles and triumphs of past generations. Most importantly, oral histories humanize the people we study. They give names and faces to those who were enslaved, reminding us that they weren’t just property, but individuals with rich inner lives and experiences. And when we include these stories in our understanding of history, we create space for descendant communities to share their own family histories and become active participants in telling the true story of their ancestors.

Connecting the Arguments:

The tension between the idealized image of Mount Vernon as a “shrine” and the necessity of incorporating the often-messy realities of oral history highlights a central challenge in historic preservation. As Martha S. Jones suggests, the reverence associated with the “shrine” label can create resistance to narratives that complicate or challenge the established heroic narrative surrounding George Washington and Mount Vernon.
However, oral histories, despite their imperfections, are essential for providing a more complete and truthful account of the plantation’s history, including the lived experiences of the enslaved. Reconciling these conflicting forces—the desire to honor a national icon with the imperative to acknowledge the injustices of the past—is crucial for creating a more inclusive and accurate historical interpretation at Mount Vernon. Oral histories are not meant to replace traditional historical documentation, but rather to complement and enrich it, offering a more nuanced and human-centered understanding of the past.

Martha S. Jones, review of Scott E. Casper, Sarah Johnson’s Mount Vernon: The Forgotten History of an American Shrine (New York, NY: Hill and Wang, 2008) The American Historical Review 114:5 (December 2009): 1462-1463.

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