"This indispensable guide to ''doing'' local history, first published in 1986, has been refreshed and updated, reflectiong changes in the field and insights the author has gleaned from her own experience. It is both a ''how-to'' manual and a challenge for those pursuing local history in its many forms to think about what it is they do, and why. Historical society staff, teachers, students, academics, journalists, and anyone else who researches, writes, preserves, or enjoys local history can use this book. It is one of many worthwhile books, technical leaflets, and periodicals produced under the auspices of the American Association for State and Local History." --James E. Potter, Nebraska History "The confessions of local historians too often take on the air of apologias or special pleadings for why their works are important. It is more useful, perhaps, to reclaim the prominent place that local history has held in American letters since the birth of the republic and to avoid the common fallacy of speaking about local and national histories in dichotomous terms. Local history holds great value for many different audiences, each of which brings its own expectations, assumptions, and interests to thetask of doing local history.
No single set of concerns or approaches defines local history as a field of historical inquiry. It would be as presumptuous as it would be incomplete to fashion a single definition that would serve all practitioners of localhistory. Local history is a big tent-the democratic province of both amateurs and professionals-and local historians are as diverse as their audiences. No one has a better appreciation or understanding of those realities than Carol Kammen, and certainlythere is no one with more authority to speak of them. [Hf speaking about local and national histories in dichotomous terms. Local history holds great value for many different audiences, each of which brings its own expectations, assumptions, and interests to thetask of doing local history. No single set of concerns or approaches defines local history as a field of historical inquiry. It would be as presumptuous as it would be incomplete to fashion a single definition that would serve all practitioners of localhistory.
Local history is a big tent-the democratic province of both amateurs and professionals-and local historians are as diverse as their audiences. No one has a better appreciation or understanding of those realities than Carol Kammen, and certainlythere is no one with more authority to speak of them. [Hf speaking about local and national histories in dichotomous terms. Local history holds great value for many different audiences, each of which brings its own expectations, assumptions, and interests to thetask of doing local history. No single set of concerns or approaches defines local history as a field of historical inquiry. It would be as presumptuous as it would be incomplete to fashion a single definition that would serve all practitioners of localhistory. Local history is a big tent-the democratic province of both amateurs and professionals-and local historians are as diverse as their audiences. No one has a better appreciation or understanding of those realities than Carol Kammen, and certainlythere is no one with more authority to speak of them.
[Hf speaking about local and national histories in dichotomous terms. Local history holds great value for many different audiences, each of which brings its own expectations, assumptions, and interests to thetask of doing local history. No single set of concerns or approaches defines local history as a field of historical inquiry. It would be as presumptuous as it would be incomplete to fashion a single definition that would serve all practitioners of localhistory. Local history is a big tent-the democratic province of both amateurs and professionals-and local historians are as diverse as their audiences. No one has a better appreciation or understanding of those realities than Carol Kammen, and certainlythere is no one with more authority to speak of them. [Ht of concerns or approaches defines local history as a field of historical inquiry. It would be as presumptuous as it would be incomplete to fashion a single definition that would serve all practitioners of localhistory.
Local history is a big tent-the democratic province of both amateurs and professionals-and local historians are as diverse as their audiences. No one has a better appreciation or understanding of those realities than Carol Kammen, and certainlythere is no one with more authority to speak of them. [H]ow often are local historians gently, engagingly, and effectively challenged to think about what they do and why and how they do it? The second and revised edition of Carol Kammen''s On D" --Terry A. Barnhart, (History Department, Eastern Illinois University), From The Foreword " On Doing Local History is back and it''s better than ever. While dedicated to the craft of presenting local history, On Doing is a book about the craft of history and should be required reading for all who consider themselves historians, local and otherwise. Kammen writes with sagacity, sensitivity, and perspective. From her philosophical reflections about the discipline of history to her learned advice on researching local history, Kammen is a delight and an inspiration." --Dwight T.
Pitcaithley, Chief Historian, National Park Service "Carol Kammen is among the most creative, versatile, and insightful local historians practicing in the United States today. This excellent and highly readable revision of On Doing Local History adds to her reputation as a scholar and teacher of local history. It speaks easily to multiple audiences; it ranges broadly and boldly, integrating theory and historiography and method with practical, hands-on examples and advice. Kammen introduces her readers to the excitement and varieties of local history. She writes from experience about being a historian, doing history, and using history in a way that is clear, engaging, and interesting. On Doing Local History is sensitive to the interplay between memory and place in explaining and communicating local history. Like really good local history, it is accessible, highlights the specifics, and sets its subject matter in a broader context." --Philip V.
Scarpino, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis " On Doing Local History is an indispensable resource for organizations and individuals dedicated to recording and publishing local stories. By following Kammen''s advice, local chroniclers can enhance the credibility of their works and provide resources for future generations of researchers." --Kevin Britz, The High Desert Museum, Bend, Oregon, Oregon Historical Quaof On Doing Local History adds to her reputation as a scholar and teacher of local history. It speaks easily to multiple audiences; it ranges broadly and boldly, integrating theory and historiography and method with practical, hands-on examples and advice. Kammen introduces her readers to the excitement and varieties of local history. She writes from experience about being a historian, doing history, and using history in a way that is clear, engaging, and interesting. On Doing Local History is sensitive to the interplay between memory and place in explaining and communicating local history. Like really good local history, it is accessible, highlights the specifics, and sets its subject matter in a broader context.
" --Philip V. Scarpino, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis "On Doing Local History is an indispensable resource for organizations and individuals dedicated to recording and publishing local stories. By following Kammen''s advice, local chroniclers can enhance the credibility of their works and provide resources for future generations of researchers." --Kevin Britz, The High Desert Museum, Bend, Oregon, Oregon Historical Quae the credibility of their works and provide resources for future generations of researchers." --Kevin Britz, The High Desert Museum, Bend, Oregon, Oregon Historical Quarterly "The confessions of local historians too often take on the air of apologias or special pleadings for why their works are important. It is more useful, perhaps, to reclaim the prominent place that local history has held in American letters since the birth of the republic and to avoid the common fallacy of speaking about local and national histories in dichotomous terms. Local history holds great value for many different audiences, each of which brings its own expectations, assumptions, and interests to the task of "doing" local history. No single set of concerns or approaches defines local history as a field of historical inquiry.
It would be as presumptuous as it would be incomplete to fashion a single definition that would serve all practitioners of local history. Local history is a big tent-the democratic province of both amateurs and professionals-and local historians are as diverse as their audiences. No one has a better appreciation or understanding of those realities than Carol Kammen, and certainly there is no one with more authority to speak of them. [Hof On Doing Local History adds to her reputation as a scholar and teacher of local history. It speaks easily to multiple audiences; it ranges broadly and boldly, integrating theory and historiography and method with practical, hands-on examples and advice. Kammen introduces her readers to the excitement and varieties of local history. She writes from experience about being a historian, doing history, and using history in a way that is clear, engaging, and interesting. On Doing Local History is sensitive to the interplay between memory and place in explaining and communicating local history.
Like really good local history, it is accessible, high.