Public/Applied History

Understanding Public and Applied History

Public history, often synonymous with applied history, bridges the gap between academic historical scholarship and the general public. It emphasizes making historical knowledge accessible, relevant, and useful for contemporary society. This field moves beyond traditional research and publication to engage directly with communities and their needs.

Key Concepts

Several core ideas underpin public history:

• Accessibility: Presenting history in formats understandable and engaging for non-specialists.
• Relevance: Demonstrating the connection between past events and present-day issues.
• Community Engagement: Collaborating with diverse groups to interpret and preserve their histories.
• Preservation: Protecting historical sites, artifacts, and stories for future generations.

Deep Dive into Practice

Public historians utilize a wide array of methodologies and platforms:

Common Methods:

• Oral history interviews
• Archival research and management
• Exhibition development for museums
• Documentary filmmaking
• Historical consulting
• Digital history projects (websites, databases)

Applications in the Real World

The impact of public history is far-reaching:

• Museums and Archives: Curating exhibits and managing collections.
• Historic Preservation: Identifying, protecting, and interpreting historic sites and landscapes.
• Government and Policy: Informing policy decisions with historical context.
• Media and Entertainment: Contributing historical accuracy to films, television, and literature.
• Community Projects: Documenting local histories and heritage.

Challenges and Misconceptions

Public history faces unique challenges:

• Ensuring historical accuracy while making content accessible.
• Navigating diverse interpretations and potential conflicts.
• Securing funding and resources for projects.
• Countering the misconception that history is solely an academic pursuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between public history and applied history?

Often used interchangeably, public history broadly focuses on engaging the public with history, while applied history specifically emphasizes using historical knowledge to solve present problems or inform current decisions.

Who are public historians?

Public historians work in museums, historical societies, government agencies, corporations, non-profits, and as independent consultants.