Thinking about Local History

Public historian Carol Kammen writes, “Local history is the memory of place.” (Kammen, On Doing Local History). Yesterday’s talk from Titus Swann at the Hacker’s Creek Pioneer Descendents HCPD focused on developing the stories of those who lived, were treated, and in some many - died - at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. With a robust turn-out, the session confirmed that Lewis County’s residents are highly engaged in their local history. While the preservation of local history tends to be overlooked by practicing academic historians, the practice is well-recognized by public historians as a way to tap into the consciousness of a community. It falls to those in the community to seek out and preserve the stories that are important to the history of people and place - even when those histories are difficult. I encourage you to think about the ways in which your own community preserves and protects its history. Swann’s presentation reminded the Lewis County community that people with mental health challenges often became lost in the narrative of our hometown. Please support those in the field of history who are taking steps to preserve under-represented voices and look for ways to become part of the practice of history where you live.