Intro to Public History (Spring 2025)

An older, white man sitting in his office
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what is public history

What Is Public History & My Thoughts on the Article.

The article, Public History: Its Origins, Nature, and Prospects by Robert Kelly, discusses what the field of Public History is, its prospects, and about a program of Public History that the author teaches to graduate and doctoral students. Upon completing the reading, it swayed me into seeing the importance of a public historian and the possible increase in the field as more public historians are needed in different spaces. 

Public history according to the article is, “In its simplest meaning, Public History refers to the employment of historians and the historical method outside of academia”[1]. A self-explanatory definition, but there is more to the field and how important it could be. Public historians will be working in those corporations, government offices, or communities to aid them in making better decisions for themselves.

 One thing I found most interesting about the article was the section about the Public Historical Studies Program. I like how the program allows them to work together and gain the skills they need through experience. They also come out of the program with a body of work that certifies their skills, and that is very attractive to future employers. The fact that the students after the program then all went off to do different things, but still using the skills from the field is something I like to see. 

Public history is the use of skills in the field of history applied to whatever context the historian works in. The professor of this course provided a good example of himself. He came to PV and started working in the cemetery. He had to speak to descendants of those buried, the heads of the university, and other collaborators to do the cemetery justice.

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

A picture taken of Robert Kelly, found on the website of the National Council of Public History

A picture of Robert Kelly

A picture taken of Robert Kelly, found on the website of the National Council of Public History
An old, brown colored map with a magnifying glass on top
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Public History in all its glory…

Public History: “Its origins, Natures, and Prospects”

Robert Kelly

 

What do we mean by public history? 

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Public history is the employment of historians and outside the field such as the government,private corporations, media, historical societies, meseums , and private practice. They, as well as public historians find an issue in society, create a policy and program to fix such issue in the public. 

The words "Public History" in black against a white background
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Mapping the world

Mapping the world

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A lady sitting in the street where there are public issues

A lady sitting in the street where there are public issues

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How does Public History Work?

 

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The article emphasizes the importance of historical context in analyzing contemporary issues. It argues that history is not merely an academic discipline but has practical applications in various sectors, including local governments, corporations, and public policy. Historically, the field of history has been predominantly academic, often perceived as irrelevant to immediate societal needs. However, the author emphasizes that historical analysis is essential for informed decision-making in governance and corporate strategies. The article highlights examples where historical insights clarified complex issues, suggesting a need for historians to be actively involved in public and practical contexts. The collaboration between historians and public agencies or corporations can enhance understanding and improve policy-making processes. Training programs in Public History are essential for equipping students with skills necessary for practical applications of historical research. The article reflects on a graduate program that integrates rigorous academic training with real-world internships, emphasizing teamwork, community-centered research, and adaptability to non-academic environments. In conclusion, the text advocates for a broader recognition of the value of historians in various sectors, highlighting the need for historians who are not just researchers but also effective communicators and problem solvers. The successful integration of historical methods into decision-making processes can contribute to more informed and humane policies in society. 

Girl standing infront of seneca rock reading about a homestead on the property
Photo taken by Lynn Richmond of the ACHP

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My History is Untold

Public History

Overview-Robert Kelly 

Robert-“PublicHistorrefers to the employment of historians and the historical method outside of academia: in the historical societies government, private corporations, media, and museums, even in private practice” 

The Relevance

Backstory of public history

Public history plays are playing a big role in our society. Like Robert was saying people who practice public history uncover so much more than what a textbook could bring. Doing the hard labor and going forth with a handful of questions ready to learn that’s more of what we need. Were so used to sheltered information. Public history allows us to broaden our knowledge outside what is provided to us. For example, events in time that have been overlooked by these historians who practice public history will uncover the secrets/information people were missing. I feel as if public history is the missing piece in some history we learn because the information isn’t broad, it is just enough to get your feet wet. 

According to Robert Kelly, public history isn’t just “formal schooling” history, it has more to do with the research put in and lies with the history behind the research. Public History and Academic History have always been around, but we tend to focus more on the academic side of history. Robert Kelly says that with academic history there’s only one way to learn and seek your information. Public History is the complete opposite. The historians acquire questions from others and provide them to anyone who wants the information. Robert Kelly says “He or she serves as a consultant, a professional, a member of the staff. “He’s saying that these historians are for the people and are committed to finding their research. Public history wasn’t fully recognized according to Robert Kelly, academic historians get the light, but public historians aren’t widely recognized for their practices. Later in 1975 Robert and his colleagues decided to train small groups and teach them the ways of Public and not academic history. And over time gradually they could expand and branch out to more of the public. Throughout time with these small groups, a lot of planning and work has been put in. They were beginning to start forming private companies to do environmental impact studies. The program is to get students and faculty to do community-centered research “Public History is an experiment with many risks. “There is a big growth in public history before it wasn’t valued, wasn’t understood. Now people can gather and learn about public history, and they can freely partake in the practices themselves. 

Refrences 

Kelly,Robert. “Public History:Its origins,Nature and prospects.”16-28.

Woman sitting in the middle of the street in Houston, Texas.
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How Public History Affects Our World

An unidentified woman in Freedman's Town, an African American community in Houston, Texas [ Photograph © 2023 ???]
An unidentified woman in Freedman’s Town, an African American community in Houston, Texas [ Photograph © 2023 ???]

What is Public History?

Public History is defined as the application of historical methods and expertise outside of academia. Historians have a mindset that “..we do not understand something until we dig out its origins…”(Kelley 1978, 1:16). 

Kelley gives an example in his writing regarding the levees and the alignment. Because of the disputes about the alignment, historians helped juries see the historical and generational context of why the levees were placed the way they were. With trial and error, the levees were placed strategically. 

The Local Affect of Public History

Freedmen’s Town, located in Houston’s Fourth Ward, not far from River Oaks, is a historical town built upon enslaved black people. It became a vital area for African Americans to build a community, building homes, churches, schools, and businesses to thrive. As seen today, Houston is facing a huge gentrification issue, and this is not new. With this new gentrification and expansion of Houston, Freedmen’s Town was neglected. Preservation is a major part of public history. Preservation helps ensure that marginalized communities do not face erasure. Kelley explains the role of preservation and preserving neighborhoods with historical and cultural significance. He explains that preservation is about more than just making sure buildings are still standing; it is about protecting the memories, contributions, and struggles.  

The city of Houston historically has roots in enslaved African Americans. The history of African Americans in Houston affects not only the culture but also the economic state of the city. Kelley states that urban preservation efforts are being made more often due to federal and state-level bills. He specifically named California’s Proposition, which drastically reduced the amount of spending that historians engage in urban planning. Today, efforts to preserve Freedmen’s Town from developers and urban planners. As these challenges continue to grow, public history efforts must not only document these stories but also actively advocate for their protection. Preserving Freedmen’s Town is a way to honor the legacy of those who built it up from the ground and continue the fight for equal recognition in public history. 

“Houston Freedmens Town.” 2021. Houstonfreedmenstown.org. 2021. https://houstonfreedmenstown.org/.

Kelley, Robert. 1978. Public History: Its Origins, Nature, and Prospects. Vol. 1. The Public Historian.

The words "Public History" in black against a white background
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Public History

Robert Kelley’s “Public History: Its Origins, Nature, and Prospects.”

“Public History: Its Origins, Nature, and Prospects,”

“Public History: Its Origins, Nature, and Prospects,” argues that public history is more than just communicating historical knowledge to the general public.It involves actively engaging with the public, addressing contemporary social issues, and collaborating with diverse communities.

The words "Public History" in black against a white background

Who is the “public”?

Kelley moves beyond the simplistic notion of a single, homogenous “public.” He argues that public history must acknowledge and address the diverse interests, backgrounds, and needs of different audiences. This necessitates a nuanced understanding of the “public” that considers factors such as age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and accessibility needs.

 

What is public history?

Public history is the practice of sharing history with the broader public in accessible and engaging ways.It goes beyond traditional academic research and focuses on making historical knowledge relevant and meaningful to diverse audiences.

According to Robert Kelley’s “Public History: It’s Origins, Nature, and Prospects,” “public history” refers to the practice of using historical methods and expertise outside of traditional academic settings.

Kelley, public history is essentially a vibrant and diverse discipline that aims to close the knowledge gap between the general public and academics, make history applicable to modern society, and develop more knowledgeable and involved citizens.

Robert Kelley, “Public History: Its Origins, Nature, and Prospects,” The Public Historian 1:1 (Autumn, 1978), 16-28.

Intern, Ocean Dunbar standing next to Ninety Six National Park, in South Carolina. 2023
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The Power of Public History

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