The title of this talk will be Paying History Forward: Engaging the Public in the History of Place. I will do my best to offer ideas on how incorporating emotion in our writing about history, we can create interest and connection with the public.
Discovering some 15 years ago that Trammel’s Trace crossed family land in Rusk County was life-altering knowledge for me. Hundreds of miles of back roads, thousands of original land surveys, and countless conversations with archaeologists, translators, geographers, and local landowners and historians resulted in a detailed mapping of the old route. As a result of That initial curiosity, I have been better able to interpret the history, landscape, and living conditions of the period for non-academic readers. My discovery created that emotional connection.
Dr. H.W. Brands, a UT historian, says he writes for his father who wanted something to read besides the Wall Street Journal. Brands describes him as an “interested generalist.” Pinkerton’s transition from “curious guy” to “interested generalist” to “independent researcher” will not be the path for every person with a general awareness of the history of East Texas but it can serve as a guide for professionals wanting to more fully involve the public in the stories they want to tell. Ideas about how to engage others in Caddo history will be broken down into topics for discussion. This will help professionals in looking toward the general public as partners, as researchers, and as protectors of the legacy of place in East Texas. The conference is in Tyler on February 28th and 29th.
For more information about the conference contact Tom Guderjan (tguderjan@uttyler.edu ) or go to: