public history

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Is Digital Media Our Downfall?

Digital Media

Digital Media has been very controversial in history. Digital media is a way public historians can display/animate their research/findings. The information is accessible through technology, so it can be accessible and preserve history.

Digital media

This is a picture showing how the digital media process works/was developed .This image shows how history/information is digitized.Image from SGL Rotec

Problems of Digital Media

Digital media is a good tool to have around, but at the same time, it can cause errors and issues. Digital media can’t always be reliable and be around. Technology crashes and information in a public database can always change. Also, information/Digital media might not be accessible to all so defeats the purpose of digital media. According to the reading by Andrew Hurley, he said “Low rates of computer usage and Internet connectivity among low-income populations and the elderly gave cultural institutions and mass constituency organizations pause about adopting aggressive digital communication strategies.”(Hurley, Andrew, Pg 71)He goes on to say this because even tho Digital media is a useful tool there are flaws in the cracks. Lower-income people might not have the same opportunities as someone higher class, the lower-class research would be limited due to information being online. Also, a lot of people are still trying to become tech savvy so they might not have all the knowledge to navigate the digital media.

Benefits 

Digital Media has allowed information to be accessible to our fingertips. Digital media holds a vault for History. History is added in this format to relate more to people through illustrations/animations and also share history with all ethnic groups and everyone all over the world. Andrew says “The uncensored, open-access realm of cyberspace has been touted as an exemplary venue for democratic civic engagement, making it a tantalizing locus of historical.”(Hurley, Andrew, Pg 71)He is saying that with the expansion of digital media, there is much engagement within the Community and allowing history to spread properly The article goes on to talk about two historians who used Digital media and started the growth of digital media. “Two historians and an architect at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) launched the Virtual City Project (http://vcities.ite-stl.org) in 1999 Speedier microprocessors continued to improve personal computer graphic displays, heightening consumer expectations for visual splendor and realism.”(Hurley, Andrew, Pg73)

Overall useage

Digital media in my opinion is a great tool to help us further learn, preserve history, and become engaged. I feel with anything there are going to be issues but you have to look at the overall good that Digital Media brings. In 2025 almost everything will be virtual and having digital media will help generations to easily learn their history. These public history figures have a way of displaying their findings to the public and being heard. So, Digital media isn’t our downfall it’s building our communities, knowledge, and history.

Credits 

 Hurley,Andrew. “Chasing the frontiers of Digital Technology.”
Searching The Library
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Echoes of the Past, Digital Voices: Public History in the Technological Era

University of Pennsylvania students locate books on the stacks at the new Charles Patterson Van Pelt Library in 1962.

University of Pennsylvania students locate books on the stacks at the new Charles Patterson Van Pelt Library in 1962. (Photo by Authenticated News/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

University of Pennsylvania students locate books on the stacks at the new Charles Patterson Van Pelt Library in 1962.

What is the role of technology in the production of public history?   

What is the most engaging use of technology in public history? 

Technology plays a multifaceted role in the production of public history, enabling broader accessibility and interactive engagement.

The most engaging use of technology in public history lies in its capacity to foster immersive and participatory experiences.

Technology in Public History:

Technology dramatically changes how we create and share history. Online tools let us digitize archives, build virtual exhibits, and create interactive maps, making history accessible to everyone. This also allows communities to contribute their own stories, creating a more complete picture of the past. For example, during debates about historical monuments, digital tools can provide context and diverse viewpoints, encouraging informed discussions.

Engaging with History:

The most impactful use of technology is creating immersive experiences. AR and VR can transport people to historical moments, building emotional connections. Virtual tours, especially during the pandemic, brought historical sites to people’s homes. This addresses the “digital divide” (Hurley, 2016) by reaching wider audiences. Digital platforms also foster community dialogue (Kelland, 2016), which is crucial for understanding complex historical issues today.

The digital age has fundamentally reshaped public history, offering both transformative opportunities and persistent challenges. Platforms like online archives and virtual exhibits democratize access to historical narratives, extending their reach beyond traditional museum walls. This allows for broader community engagement, fostering a more inclusive and representative understanding of the past.

Lara Kelland, “Digital Community Engagement across the Divides,” National Council on Public History(blog), 20 April 2016

Andrew Hurley, “Chasing the Frontiers of Digital Technology: Public History Meets the Digital Divide,” The Public Historian 38:1 (February 2016): 69–88. 

Two people on a computer
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Technology in MY HISTORY????

Business people using computer in office - Stock Photo - Dissolve

The role of technology in the production of public history is accessibility. A big question in any research is how to disseminate it to others. One of the things the field of history tries to do is, “the attempt to leverage knowledge on behalf of social change”[1]. How would you enact social change without any community outreach? The answer is you won’t be able to. What technology allows for is that connection to people all over the world to educate themselves on the issue at hand. Professional public historians place their specialized knowledge onto the web and people can learn more easily via the graphics and other engaging material placed on the website.

Using technology is more malleable than a static location. As long as the historians understand how to use the technology, which takes time, skill, and money to figure out. With continual updates and backups saved, a website can be live for however long the internet will exist for. One example that I’d like to highlight is the International Commission to Combat Religious Racism’s Brazil section on their website. It provides a 56-page report about religious intolerance in Brazil, 500 cases of religious, and 2 interactive maps that show where, when, and what types of intolerance that occurred. It is very user friendly and is updated annually. Making this type of information public and accessible in this way allows for an American, like me, to get a clearer picture of what’s going on in Brazil and why it may be that way.

[1] Hurley, Andrew. “Chasing the Frontiers of Digital Technology.”  The Public Historian, no.1, (2016): pg.70

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

Screenshot
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.

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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.
Two women sit at a table in the library
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Lets explore the archives

Archival Assistants Hannah Harden & Noah Jackson examine a map of the city of Prairie View from the 1980s
(Photo: T. DeWayne Moore, 2022)

Archivists play an important role in history. They help preserve, record, categorize, and digitize key historical moments or artifacts. Without them most of history would be lost as technology advances and time progresses. As Thomas Cauvin points out in his writing, ”Archivists examine how the document connects to people, how it reflects the values of its historical context, and how its meaning may have changed over time. In other words, archivists determine to what extent the document enriches the general knowledge of the period.” Items like slave ledgers could be lost and descendants would have no way of searching their family history or discovering whomever they could be related to. Cauvin presents the importance of archiving the past and why it is so important to so important to future generations in his writing. There is an all too familiar saying “Those that do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it,” this epithet holds to today’s society. For instance, the current political climate is reminiscent of mid-1930s Germany and how certain actions led to a war that claimed millions upon millions of lives. Because of the work of archivists, we know approximately how many lives were subjected to death in extermination camps and the many atrocities that were committed during that time. We as people should take a step back and thoroughly examine history not repeat actions as such and not modify history to make ourselves feel at ease with what was done to others.

A woman reaches out her hand in an archives towards a stack of books
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Archivist Performing, perserving, and producing history!

This picture represents an archivist placing history in libraries that will be accessible to students. (University of Warwick, Melissa Prior)

What is an archivist?

An archivist is a qualified professional who is responsible for managing and organizing records and materials based on historical, cultural, and institutional values.(Ashikuzzaman, 2024). They ensure that historical information is stored properly so they are accessible to generations to come. Information includes artifacts arranging and cataloging collections and ensuring each item is documented properly. With the help of archivists, historians are able to properly receive information that will be able to benefit their research. Normally a bachelor of science degree in history library science and archival studies can start a career of being an archivist,

Preserving History

Archivists preserve history by maintaining documents, photos oral history, and digital materials. The way archivists preserve history is by ensuring these materials are properly documented by holding conversations and making sure they have proper storage conditions to keep materials for future generations. Archivists communicate with institutions, organizations, and different individuals. The decision process that determines what should be archived is very crucial and tedious because it will determine the legacy and the history that will be preserved for future generations to come. They began observing the item’s cultural, historical research, and administrative value. Then they began observing whether or not the it has a historical significance or cultural significance.

Performing History

Performing history allows these historical sites to be displayed. Archivists host public programs, and exhibits, and help guide researchers’ narratives as they continue to discover history. With the help of performing history, allows history to come to life with the help of the things that have been archived. Things like museums and documentaries allow history to be publicized in multiple different ways.

Producing History.

Although archivists do not write history they continue to further the growth of history for historians and researchers. Archivists play a major role in the production process because they have to go through what should be kept. They also have to make sure to categorize the materials to make sure they will be available for research by historians. All of their background work helps further the research and knowledge so public historians can help execute their plans for their research that will continue to benefit the world of history.

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The Impact of Shared Authority

Preface 

Shared Authority refers to the practice of distributing decisions making power and the right to interpret information across multiple individuals or groups rather than solely relying on a single person or authority figure. Shared authority is seen as an important step forward for public historians and the process of their work. Shared authority allows historians to create an interactive space with a public audience. [1]

Learn more
A group of Prairie View students posing together for a picture during a community service commute .

This picture displays a group of students engaging in a real world scenario displaying  shared authority . [Photograph Rylo’s Mom , 2025]

Main Body 

Shared authority refers to a collaborative approach to historical research and interpretation in which the perspectives of multiple individuals, including scholars, community members, and other resources are acknowledged and integrated into the process. Another approach rather than using the traditional methods where authority relies solely on academic experts or institutions, shared authority emphasizes the inclusion of diverse voices, especially those historically marginalized or excluded from dominant narratives. Here we notice the impact that shared authority can have on historical events and how its discretion is seen as irrelevant in certain situations. In a historical context, shared authority allows for a more in-depth and inclusive understanding of the past. Researchers work alongside community members, historians, activists, and local experts incorporating personal experiences. Within scholarship, shared authority redefines the power dynamics between academic researchers and other knowledge holders. This may involve partnerships with local communities, cultural groups, or grassroots organizations. These partnerships are seen as reciprocal and emphasize mutual respect, with each party contributing their own insights. This approach can lead to new methods  and theoretical frameworks, encouraging interdisciplinary work that challenges the dominant narratives typically shaped by institutions of power. The influence of shared authority has prompted many of my colleague peers to add their own knowledge , here are soon of their blog post below . 

Is Digital Media Our Downfall?

The Digital Revolution into Public History!

Searching The Library

Echoes of the Past, Digital Voices: Public History in the Technological Era

Two people on a computer

Technology in MY HISTORY????

Oldest House Museum | St. Augustine.

The Role Technology has on Public History

Politics and Public History: Balancing Engagement and Objectivity.

Politics In Public History!

Library

Navigating Politics in Public History Practice

Power Of Politics!

NOTES

[1] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236813682_Sharing_Authority_An_Introduction?utm_source=chatgpt.com

[2]

https://www.ohs.org.uk/scripts/journal-search.php?parameter=issue&searchkey=109

 

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