Conversations on the Commons: Blogging History

Online MA, United States

Historical organizations are sitting on that rare and valuable beastie on the internet: interesting content. This makes blogging an attractive option for sharing local history, what you have, and issues concerning history and society.

History Studio: Exploring Women’s History Through Folksongs

Online MA, United States

Passed down for generations, folk songs provide insights into the lives of ordinary people in centuries past. Diane mines these traditional songs for clues to the inner lives of people in Europe and America from about 1500 to 1850, especially women. Women left few written records, but we can learn much about them through the music that they used to speed their work, lift their spirits, or ease an aching heart.

Conversations on the Commons: Yoga in the Museum

Online MA, United States

Join us for a conversation about how history organizations can broaden their base of support through programming that moves well beyond the traditional tours and exhibits.

History Studio: Ten Footer Shoe Shops

Online MA, United States

Bootmaker and Artist Sarah Madeleine T. Guerin presents her work as an artisanal Keeper of Tradition in Massachusetts and a working artist. With a thorough knowledge of traditional Western bootmaking, Sarah researches and analyses the connections between evolving methods of footwear making craft of the 1800s in Massachusetts - with an architectural focus on vernacular Ten Footer Shoe Shops - to the stability of a contemporary art practice heavily based in handmade footwear techniques and skills.

Conversations on the Commons: Collecting for the 21st Century

Online MA, United States

As historical organizations increasingly take on the role of relevance to a wider audience, we need to collect different "stuff" from a more diverse population. Perhaps your town has changed over the past century and your collections do not reflect the local histories of people and groups who are now a vital part of your community. How do you go about enriching your collections with their stories and connecting them to older histories? What are the obstacles and successes you have met with?

Conversations on the Commons: Historical Reenactors

Online MA, United States

What is it about reviving an historically accurate event or person that inspires living history practitioners to endure itchy, ill-fitting clothes, weather events, long marches, and endless practice? Is it the thrill of public performance? Fulfillment from teaching accurate interpretations? Camaraderie amongst the avid? Join two local reenactors as we explore their long-time allegiance to bringing the past back to life.