What is History?

We’ve discussed the question “What is History?” in previous classes, but Frederick Jackson Turner’s quote, “Each age tries to form its own conception of the past. Each age writes the history of the past anew with reference to the conditions uppermost in its own time” applies to this specific question, as well.  I used to think history was simply events that occurred in the past, but through education and personal experience, I have come to understand it is much more complicated than that.  As Dr. Stith stated in class, it’s more than names and dates.  The stories in history are so much more interesting than the names and dates.  Even with architecture, which is a primary interest of mine, it is more than just the appearance of the structure that calls to me.  It is the story of what occurred in the structure, who built it and why.  History is a combination of culture, religion, architecture, politics, economics, and so much more.

I’ve recently been entrenched in Western Reserve history at Hale Farm and Village through my internship with the site manager.  While the focus of the internship was on conservation methods, the experience has reinforced the importance of learning about everyday life.  The interpreters at Hale Farm teach about the daily activities of the residents in 18^th century northeast Ohio, including farming, broom making, candle making, blacksmithing, and weaving.  These lessons teach us about the culture of the time and help us understand the strength of our ancestors.  

My hometown of Tallmadge, Ohio is an example of a history based on religion.  As Puritans were persecuted in New England, they began moving west, looking for religious freedom.  A Puritan minister negotiated with land owner Col. Benjamin Tallmadge of Connecticut to sell parcels of land to selected people as a land agent.  So, Tallmadge became a religious community surrounding the historic First Congregational Church in the town center.  Although it is no longer solely a Puritan community, the town continues to have a largely religious population and is said to have the highest number of churches per capita in the state. I don’t know that it’s true but there are a lot of churches for such a small town.  Knowing the origins of the community help us to understand it today.

Significant events do not create history alone.  It is a combination of the significant and the ordinary that create the stories of our past.  It is a combination of culture, philosophy, religion, people and places.  Reading about history can be interesting and enlightening.  Immersing yourself in it in museum settings like Hale Farm and Village can be amazing.  Either way, we need to learn about all the facets of our history to understand it and make educated decisions for our future.