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 A review of their staff training and institutional investment in interpretation, the comprehensive nature of their historical content, and their community outreach—all different methods for establishing a thorough interpretation—demonstrates that each of the sites have provided more inclusive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.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ucf.edu/oai:stars.library.ucf.edu:etd2023-1092 |
| Date | 01 January 2023 |
| Creators | Michonski, Cassidy |
| Publisher | STARS |
| Source Sets | University of Central Florida |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024 |
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