History Camp Brings Together History Enthusiasts From All Walks of Life

Innovative Unconference in Boston on March 28 Democratizes Engagement With History


BOSTON, MA--(Marketwired - Mar 19, 2015) - History Camp, the unconference for all things history, returns for its second year Saturday, March 28, 2015. Bringing together dedicated history enthusiasts, authors, teachers and professors, and directors and staff of institutions, the day-long event will be held in Boston at the Harriet Tubman House. History Camp is open to all, but advance registration is required.

Launched last year in Cambridge, History Camp has been hailed as a novel way for individuals to share their passion for history and exchange ideas for research, writing, and careers, as well as to encourage broader engagement with history and historic sites and institutions.

"It's critically important that we increase an understanding of history and its relevance to each of us," said Lee Wright, founder of The History List and of the all-volunteer History Camp. "The 'unconference' format brings together people from all backgrounds and careers. You don't have to have a particular degree, be a member of an organization, or submit a paper months in advance," added Wright, whose passion for history was ignited when he moved to New England and purchased a 1780 former farm house. "Instead, History Camp is filled with the interests of those who attend that day."

More than 20 sessions are planned, including:

  • Author J. L. Bell, "How Would-Be Assassin Samuel Dyer Nearly Triggered the Revolutionary War"
  • Elizabeth Sulock from the Newport Historical Society and Kirsten Hammerstrom from the Rhode Island Historical Society, "Risky Business: Living History Events in Traditional Museums"
  • Author Marilynne Roach and Salem State University Professor Emerson "Tad" Baker, "The Salem Witch Trials: The Accused, Their Accusers, and the American Experience"
  • Henry Lukas, Education Director at the Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History, "The History of The Boston Post Road--America's First information Highway--Through Postage Stamps"
  • Author Liz Covart, "Soldiers in Our Homes: The French and Indian War & Quartering in Albany, New York, 1756-1763"
  • Andy Volpe, printmaker and living history presenter, "Roman Legionary"
  • Colleen Janz, Executive Director, Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, "Were the Early Suffragists Racist? A Look Into The Early Movement prior to The Emancipation Proclamation"
  • Writer Peter Golden, "This Side of Paradise: The Tragedy and Triumph of a Small Town in MetroWest"
  • Author Bob Schecter, "Our Forebears & Massachusetts in the Civil War"
  • Author Sam Forman, "John Trumbull's Portraiture in an Iconic Historical Painting of the Revolutionary Era"
  • Travis Roland, Assistant Curator of the Museum of World War Two in Natick, "Saving the Reality"
  • Writer and editor Jason Rodriguez, "Colonial Comics: New England, 1620 - 1750"
  • "Don't Let History Get STEAMrolled: Practical Approaches to Getting Kids Engaged with History," a panel discussion

The complete list, along with registration, is at historycamp2015.eventbrite.com. Space is limited. Follow the event on Twitter using #HistoryCamp.

More information, along with an archive of last year's History Camp, is at www.HistoryCamp.org.

Contact Information:

Contact:
Lee Wright
Founder, History Camp
lee@historycamp.org
469-233-7712