I think that it is quite obvious that I love history, from my biography, social media, post topics, and quite frankly, my blog name. However, I am often told by friends, acquaintances, and readers that history just isn’t that interesting. I will freely admit that there are areas of history that bore me to tears, and historians, teachers, and professors that suck the life out of it. There are also those historians and writers that keep me enthralled with the past, though, and there are some areas of history that I will turn to again and again. There is a lot happening in the field of history, and a lot of creative work is being done. So, how are we making history fun?
What I love about history is that there truly is something for everyone! Yes, there are people like me that genuinely love the past for being the past, but most people have interests and passions. And guess what? Those interests and passions tend to have a history of their own! And I find more often than not, knowing the history behind what you do can make it all the more enjoyable.
Historians Are Accessible Now
Almost all of my favourite historians are making themselves easily accessible, rather than hiding away in academic ivory towers. They are chatting with people on Twitter, they are responding to comments on Instagram, they are running their own Facebook pages. Because history documentaries are only becoming more and more popular, historians are reaching more people. And although I’m sure that means that there is an extra workload on top of the regular research, writing, publishing, and teaching that they already do, many historians are more than willing to talk across all social media. You also get the added benefit of often getting behind the scenes looks at their research and jobs, which most of us don’t get! (Follow the right people and you will be treated to seeing rare artefacts, hidden documents, and upcoming projects…)
You should be following Estelle if you aren’t- she is WONDERFUL!
Documentaries- The Great Equaliser
Okay, I am certain that networks and production companies do not like this, but most large history documentaries are available on Youtube now. I understand that it violates licensing laws BUT it also makes history much more widely available to everyone. Lucy Worsley is one of my favourite historians, and part of the reason is that she is a wonderful presenter. She brings history alive and makes you understand that we aren’t that different from those in the past. She is also a Chief Curator for Historic Royal Palaces, and has the coolest job on the planet; those documentaries let us see everything that she sees on a daily basis!
I find that because more and more documentaries are being made, we are getting more and more variety in content. We are no longer limited to World War I, World War II, and Henry VIII shows that tell us the same things over and over! If you are interested, I would check Youtube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime- there is a surprisingly large amount available to enjoy on the spot. (I was surprised in the fall to discover that Prime Video has over 20 historical docs available in Canada, and they are fantastic.)
Remixing the Story- Musicals!
If you follow me on Instagram, you will know that I have tickets to see Six the Musical on my trip, and I literally still can’t believe that I am actually going. For anyone who doesn’t know, Six is a pop musical about Henry VIII’s wives from their perspective, and it is one of the most creative and fun takes on history that I’ve seen in my life. I’ve still not listened to Hamilton, but I know that it is a similar take on American history, and both musicals are introducing new groups of people to history! Six is probably the greatest case of exam procrastination, as two Cambridge students wrote it when they were studying for finals. I love that it shows that history doesn’t have to be dry and boring but can be just as exciting and entertaining as a fictional story. Although your junior high teacher may have presented it in the most boring way possible, history is usually far more diverting than our own lives!
For anyone wondering, this is the first track from Six the Musical! Stay tuned after the trip, as I can guarantee that I will be posting everywhere once I’ve actually seen it in person…
History Bloggers… Duh
Not to toot my own horn, but I think that there are a lot of history bloggers out there that are doing some fantastic work! There are some who work from a more academic/professional position, and there are a lot of us who focus on the more engaging aspects of history. Both have their place, and make history more accessible for everyone! History texts are still often well over $150 for one book, which just isn’t realistic. Blogs let you visit places that you may otherwise never see, learn about people you may have never heard about, and turn you on to a whole new period of history! Reviews, roundups, previews, tours, interviews, history blogging is only getting more creative as we go. If you are looking for some wonderful history bloggers, I would start here:
Hisdoryan
A Regency Girl
Historian Ruby
Do you think that we are making history fun, or do we have a long way to go?
Cheers.
The Historian!
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Great post! It’s important to have fun with it. I think it engages all audiences when we can have a fresh perspective on vastly covered topics.
Thank you so much!! I think we need to do everything we can- yes, a million and five people have written on Henry VIII, but there are still unique angles to take!