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.