The Importance of Living History

Judi McWilliams
Behind the Lens
Ontario Visited
War of 1812 Celebrations

I will continue this Blog while on my quest to understand why History, the War of 1812 and “living history” is so important. Over the course of last year I asked several leaders, experts, re-enactors why they felt “living history” was important. Some of the responses have enlightened me and may be interesting to you also. The following are partial excerpts from Blog interviews posted in the past on our War of 1812 Celebrations website.

Zackery Caron, High School Student, Cobourg …“When I am reenacting, I don’t really try to be “in character”, it just kind of happens. When you dress up and stand and walk as a unit, it just kind of happens! I did notice the crowds at the beach reenactment; (I and another who were injured) were encouraged to interact with the crowd.”  Zack is an indication of the interaction of today’s “youth” which help keep these important roles of “living history” alive and well in our communities!

Laurie Siblock, Assistant Manager/Special Event & Community Liaison Lang Pioneer Village Museum … “Living history helps preserve both tangible and intangible heritage for future generations”…“part of understanding history is to help us not repeat the mistakes of the past. It helps us gain appreciation for what we have today”… “It is important to get into the mindset and understand the personalities of the people before us”.  “Our ancestors paved the way for us; the richness in the past can inform you and help you understand the present”.

These few excerpts from my interviews over the past year have helped create an awareness how important “living history” is. Through our War of 1812 Celebrations Website we will continue to promote, educate, and inform our website visitors about the War of 1812 and its’ impact on our society today. We will be increasing our ongoing pursuit to enhance the knowledge of this important part of Canadian History. Our plan is reach as many War of 1812 enthusiasts and would-be enthusiasts, new “Canadians”, and particularly the youth in Ontario. Hope to see you “in-the-fields” during 2012.