Public History: A Textbook of Practice – eBook

Description

Public History: A Textbook of Practice (PDF) serves as an invaluable resource that addresses the multitude of challenges historians encounter in the fields of learning, teaching, and practicing public history. With an emphasis on the significant role historians play in enhancing public comprehension of our collective past, this comprehensive guide is essential for professionals engaged in historic preservation, museum work, archival management, government services, consulting, oral history, and crowdsourcing initiatives. The textbook adeptly bridges the gap between theory and practical application, equipping students and practitioners with essential skills for navigating public history in diverse contexts. Throughout, it delves into pivotal topics such as public engagement, digital media tools, and the globalization of public history.

**Part I** is dedicated to public history sources and provides a thorough exploration of how to create, manage, collect, and preserve various historical materials. This includes archives, material culture collections, oral histories, and digital assets. Specific chapters delve into critical institutions like archival repositories and museums, as well as the process of preserving historic buildings, artifacts, and landscapes. Readers will benefit from insights on collection management, preservation strategies (covering everything from artifacts to moving images), oral history techniques, and genealogy practices.

**Part II** dives into the methodologies available for public historians to craft historical narratives through various media formats. Whether it’s through exhibitions, written works, film, or innovative digital tools, this section highlights the creative pathways for communicating history to the public. The final segment of the book confronts the challenges and ethical dilemmas public historians may face while collaborating with diverse communities and institutions.

A vital resource for both public history methods courses and seasoned practitioners, this ebook lays the foundation for fostering impactful connections between historical sources and contemporary audiences.

Reviews

“This is the ebook we have all been waiting for: an engagingly written, single-authored introduction to Public History from an experienced teacher and practitioner. Thomas Cauvin offers readers a comprehensive overview of the field through a series of well-chosen thematic chapters, drawing on examples from across the globe.” — David Dean, co-editor of History, Memory, Performance

“Are you asking yourself what ‘public history’ means? For the first time, Thomas Cauvin describes the complex architecture of the field. This excellent textbook anticipates where the field is going internationally. All current debates are dealt with: people’s history, media, cultural heritage, digital public history, the past exhibited, the uses of the past, civic engagement, teaching, and more. The practice of history in public is now illuminated by the author’s capacity to jump from field to theory and back.” — Serge Noiret, President, International Federation for Public History, European University Institute

This insightful ebook is not just a guide; it is a roadmap designed to empower the next generation of historians tackling the challenges of public engagement, making it a must-have for anyone invested in the future of history.