Keywords

difficult history, public history, historic sites

Abstract

This thesis explores four distinct eighteenth-century historic sites in southeastern Pennsylvania and how they interpret difficult history topics. Difficult history, the parts of our nation's past that may be uncomfortable to discuss and learn about, should be included in historic site narratives to ensure that all people who lived at these sites are represented. Telling the stories of enslaved people, Indigenous groups, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community often means addressing difficult topics. Four sites—Elfreth's Alley, Stenton, the Daniel Boone Homestead, and the 1719 Museum—were examined for this study. A review of their staff training and institutional investment in interpretation, the comprehensive nature of their historical content, and their community outreach—all different methods for establishing a thorough interpretation—demonstrates that each of the sites have provided more inclusive interpretation in their narratives over time. These efforts have coincided with social movements such as the Civil Rights Movement and the American Indian Movement, the professionalization of public history, and the evolution of each site's community. Implementing difficult history into conversations at historic sites is a relatively new debate in the field; this research supports the argument that including narratives that challenge our comfort and incorporating community voices matter.

Completion Date

2023

Semester

Fall

Committee Chair

Beiler, Rosalind

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Arts and Humanities

Department

History

Degree Program

Public History

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

DP0028067

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0028067

Language

English

Release Date

December 2023

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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