Description
Book SynopsisAcross the country, museums and historic sites welcome visitors into a world long gone but fundamental to America today. Military history in particular is etched into our country's culture and the public's imagination. The trouble, though, for museums and historical sites lies in continuing to make it both accessible and relevant to today's audiences. Through Interpreting American Military History at Museums and Historic Sites, Marc K. Blackburn tackles the difficult task of helping those institutions charged with the care of sites, collections and stories that relate to our past relatable while still maintaining the dignity and reverence of their rich history. Looking at the various components of American military history such as battles and famous figures, Blackburn provides alternatives to the traditional museum experience. The 21st century is a culmination of the past and it is more important than ever to remember and learn from the triumphs and failures, and this guide provides an
Trade ReviewDrawing on both his own experience and the work of others, Marc K. Blackburn has crafted an essential introduction for beginners, and an excellent refresher for experienced interpreters of America’s complex military history. He traces and examines the techniques and goals of historical interpretation over the last decades and provides a framework to build a contemporary model. Blackburn also distills three hundred years of America’s wars into a condensed and understandable form for interpreters to access. This is not a dry academic exercise, but practical information on improving the public dialogue on American military history. For those who handle the important task of helping visitors and guests make relevant connections to our past conflicts, Interpreting American Military History at Museums and Historic Sites should render indispensable service. -- Alan D. Gutchess, Director, Fort Pitt Museum
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Chapter 1: Interpretation Chapter 2: Introduction to American Military History Chapter 3: Colonization and Settlement (1607- 1763) Chapter 4: Revolution and the New Republic: 1763-1815 Chapter 5: The Constitutional Settlement, 1783-1815 Chapter 6: The Antebellum Period, 1815-1860 Chapter 7: The Civil War, 1860-1865 Chapter 8: 1865-1914: Internal and External Expansion Chapter 9: On The World’s Stage: 1914-1939 Chapter 10: World War Two, 1941-1945 Chapter 11: On The Brink: The Cold War, 1945-1973 Chapter 12: A World Undone: The Cold War and Beyond, 1973-Present Epilogue Index About the Author
