Introduction
This libguide intends to orient students to the world of public history and to start thinking about how students can create their own public history projects. Featured on this homepage are two projects I worked on. The libguide also features resources available at UNCG, in the triangle, and on the internet in general.
I worked on this project in 2016 with the assistant director of the Kluge Center at the Library of Congress. She wanted to educate high school students on the history of World War I through cartoons that were published in newspapers then. The video linked here is the culminated effort of our work.
I worked on this project in 2018 with the Center for the Study of the American South. They wanted to investigate the role of healthcare in everyday life and how a person's background shaped their attitudes towards health. Check out some of the oral histories linked here!
This page will provide a small sample of the books out there relating to public history. To find more books like these, use the "Step 3" tab and navigate those websites for some more rich recommendations.
From storefront to monument : tracing the public history of the Black museum movement by Considering the vast amount of civil rights history there is within the triangle, this book is a wonderful introduction to thinking about how to contextualize this history within a museum. Burns uses four case studies of specific museums to demonstrate the value and importance of making African American history public.
The Oral History Reader by If you are interested in doing oral history work like the example I provided on the front page, this book is a great resource to get you started. The book's in-depth coverage of both the theory and practical uses of oral history make this a must read for anyone wanting to do more of this kind of work.
A Companion to Public History by This book features 34 essays, written by leading figures in the public history field. Its recent publication date emphasizes an awareness of doing public history in the current moment. Students will find this read an eye-opener and a great help in thinking about what seasoned professionals are doing in the field of public history.
What are other students doing in the field of public history? This repository features work from UNC Chapel Hill students. If you are located in the triangle, think about possibly reaching out to one of them if you are interested in their work! Networking is fundamental in finding people to work with you on your public history project.
If you're coming from the previous section on books and read the oral history guide, this place is your next step. The Center for the Study of the American South conducts oral histories within the Chapel Hill area and is dedicated to preserving the local stories and voices. Check out some of the oral history projects and possibly even submit one of your own!
The Chapel Hill Historical Society is heavily involved in doing community history within Chapel Hill. They constantly think about incorporating African American, and LGBTQIA+ voices into the larger voice of Chapel HIll history. If you are thinking about doing a project, this society knows the people to point you towards and the resources to get you started.
The Chapel Hill Public Library launched a taskforce a few years ago to do Chapel Hill Community History. This taskforce is dedicated primarily to Civil Rights and African American history. They have a podcast, a timeline, and other great projects you should check out!
Pauli Murray is an important figure in studying the intersection of religion, LGBQIA+, gender issues, and African American topics - particularly the civil rights movement. This center's significance in recognizing the value of Murray's contributions are fundamental. Consider visiting this center to get a better idea of how we can use our current time to elevate voices previously ignored by history.
Open Durham is a repository for community history. It features a rich history of "places" in Durham. Featuring over 2000 places, this website demonstrates how blogs can be used to draw out the history of the local area.
The Museum of Durham History rotating exhibits draws out the varied and rich past of Durham. Two of the current exhibits relate to MLK and women's history. This museum is a great place for students to consider how exhibits and museums can be used to elevate public history.
Preservation Durham is an advocacy group dedicated to educating local officials on the value of preserving places in Durham, that emphasize its history. This group would be a great place for a student to understand and learn the value of advocacy efforts in allowing public history projects to continue smoothly.
The North Carolina State University Public History program features award-winning professors doing cutting edge work in the public history world. You may even consider looking into attending this program for an MA/PhD! Their faculty and students would be another good place for students to network with public history officials. Some of them are already doing public history work in the triangle area and might even be looking for assistance!
The Wake County Historical Society is dedicated to celebrating and studying Wake County historical landmarks. Some of their past projects have involved fundraising for local landmarks. Consider working with the society to study these landmarks and advocate for their preservation!
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources features an archive of both local and state documents. Working directly with primary source material is one of the best ways to elevate your public history work. Consider doing a visit with the department and checking out some of the primary source material first-hand!
The North Carolina Museum of History is dedicated to creating both rotating and permanent exhibits that connect visitors to North Carolina history. This museum is more geared towards the broader state's history rather than local history. However, this institution would be a wonderful place for a student to connect with museum professionals and learn how to do some of the work that goes into museums and curation.
The Digital Public History Directory is a repository for individuals to submit their public history project. Consider using this resource to both get some ideas and to eventually submit your own project!
Digital Humanities is a rapidly evolving world, marching in sync with the rapidly evolving technology of our everyday lives. Use this organization to stay up to date with the latest technologies. If you are thinking of incorporating virtual reality, artificial intelligence, or any sort of tech into your public history project, consider using the Digital Humanities website!
The National Council on Public History (NCPH) is the premier organization in doing public history work. Consider becoming a member so you have access to the Public Historian, the NCPH's journal dedicated to publishing up-to-date work on public history. As a member you also have access to the conferences and to network with other public history professionals!
The North Carolina Museums Council is a local organization, and a great place to think about how the state you live in can be used to elevate your public history work. Use this website and organization to see how others are tapping into North Carolina's rich history!
The Oral History Association (OHA) is another wonderful association doing public history work, in the realm of oral history. Use this resource to be up-to-date on oral history methods and theory! The OHA also features membership with access to its journal, the Oral History Review and conferences. If you're interested in oral history, this is the go-to spot on the internet.
The International Society for Landscape, Place, & Material Culture is an organization featured on the material culture aspect of public history. I did not cover that topic much in this guide so if you are unaware of what it is and want to know more, use this organization to find some great readings!