What I Learned at The Maryland Room

History is often viewed as something for dry academics and classrooms but increasingly history has been thrust in the public sphere. As history grows into an increasingly public battleground when the actions of the past are debated, the need for Public Historians increases dramatically. A key component of Public History is of course the public, an unpredictable and sometimes emotional group that will test the will of any historian. To be an effective historian in this new era requires interaction with people that may hold deeply entrenched beliefs on the past or historical figures and thus requires strong interpersonal skills that can only be gained through immersion. The Maryland Room is a public resource, a place for locals and travelers to come and do research on history or genealogy. As such I met a great variety of people, a British couple that lived in Dubai, Kentuckians chasing their roots and Californians trying to substantiate the Revolutionary era roots of their family. These people were nice enough but encountering information that seems to disprove their family stories or challenged their beliefs on the past led to awkward conversations.

Being able to navigate the realities of history and maintain a positive public relationship is key to Public History. Public History functions more like a business than academic history, customer service techniques and public speaking are infinitely more important when operating in the public arena. The take away for me from this experience has been simply that history is not mine, yours or anyone’s but that doesn’t stop people from emotionally investing in the past in a way that makes researching for a client either immensely gratifying or potentially awkward. Remembering that Public History is by and large an exchange that occurs in the public space is incredibly important, never change the facts or obscure the truth but instead perhaps utilize interpersonal techniques to deliver the news with a softer touch. I learned therefore to remember that what are dull facts to me, are the pride and joy of a family which if proved wrong requires tact to approach.