There are many ways to preserve history. From cultural traditions and lore passed down through generations to the most sophisticated digital imaging, and from conservation of built structures to preservation of written and photographic works preserving the stories of where
There are many ways to preserve history. From cultural traditions and lore passed down through generations to the most sophisticated digital imaging, and from conservation of built structures to preservation of written and photographic works preserving the stories of where we’ve been gives deeper meaning to our lives. Knowing and understanding our history may also inform our future and keep us from, as the saying goes, repeating our mistakes. Book Buzz this week offers some varied and interesting titles about preserving our stories.
Happy reading!
Bringing History to Life: First Person Historical Presentations to Elementary and Middle School Classrooms
By Ronald V. Morris
372. 89 Mo
Imagine a founding father visiting a classroom today, or a 19th Century pioneer, even a Civil War nurse. This author spent 25 years bringing these characters into classrooms and now has synthesizing his craft into a resource for all types of educators who help elementary and middle school aged children develop a love of history.
Exploring Lost Hawai‘i: Places of Power, History, Mystery and Magic
By Ellie Crow
H 919.69 Cr
This introduction to Hawaiian culture does so by touring places of historical or cultural significance on each island. Citing her sources, the author guides the reader on a pilgrimage of sites through stories associated with the locations. For history of other Hawaii sites see Hanalei: A Kauai River Town by Daniel Harrington or Glory by the Wayside: The Old Churches of Hawaii by William and Susan Ecenbarger.
Stealing History: Tomb Raiders, Smugglers, and the Looting of the Ancient World
By Roger Atwood
650.1 Cl
A country’s antiquities are never safe from looters and collectors who trawl the black market. The author looks at one incident (a Peruvian Moche mausoleum) as a case study of the deleterious effects of the illicit antiquities trade. It is a book for those interested in archeology, preservation or the sometimes tangled provenance of historic works. See also Dark Water: Flood and Redemption in the City of Masterpieces by Robert Clark, Who Owns Antiquity? Museums and the Battle over Our Ancient Heritage by James Cuno, or Blue Mauritius: The Hunt for the World’s Most Valuable Stamps by Helen Morgan.
Landmark America: The Complete Directory of Official US Historic Landmarks
From Arthur MacAllister Publishers
R 973 La
As noted in the title, this complete listing of (more than 3,000) nationally designated historic landmarks includes website addresses and descriptive notes. See also The Complete National Parks of the United States by Mel White featuring parks, monuments, battlefields, historic sites, scenic trails, recreation areas and sea shores. Or look for How the States Got their Shapes by Mark Stein.
The Oral History Workshop: Collect and Celebrate the Life Stories of Your Family and Friends
By Cynthia Hart
907.2 Ha
Sit down with a loved one and ask for the story of his or her life armed with this inspirational and practical step-by-step guide. The author breaks the project down into a series of manageable tasks in a nicely organized book. For help in writing your own story check out Write Your Memoir: The Soul Work of Telling your Story by Dr. Allan G. Hunter.
Talking Hawai‘i’s Story: Oral Histories of Island People
By Michi Kodama-Nishimoto
H 969.9 Ta
Twenty-nine extensive oral histories introduce readers to the sights and sounds of the Hawaiian Islands through the narratives of island people. An introduction provides historical context. See also Life behind Barbed Wire: The World War II Internment Memoirs of a Hawaii Issei by Yasutaro Soga or Humehume of Kauai: A Boy’s Journey to America, an Alii’s Return Home by Douglas Warne.
Taylor Camp
By John Wehrheim
650.11 Ke
In 1969 Howard Taylor, brother of Elizabeth, invited a cadre of young mainlanders to camp on his oceanfront land in Ha‘ena, Kaua‘i. Soon waves of hippies, surfers, and troubled Vietnam vets found their way to Taylor Camp and built a clothing-optional, pot-friendly tree house village. In 1977 government officials evicted the residents and torched the camp. Long-time Kauai resident, the author/photographer’s telling and beautifully rendered photographs from the era speak volumes. For more extraordinary portraits see also Wehrheim’s Bhutan: Hidden Lands of Happiness; and for another photographic history see The Art of the American Snapshot, 1888-1978 by Sarah Greenough.
Ten Discoveries that Rewrote History
By Patrick Hunt
930.1 Hu
Noted archaeologist Patrick Hunt brings his top ten ancient archaeological discoveries to life in this concise and captivating book. From the Rosetta Stone to the Tomb of 10,000 Warriors he reveals the stories of these amazing discoveries and explains the ways they have added to our knowledge of human history and have altered our worldview. For a twist on this theme, look for the lively The Hinge Factor: How Chance and Stupidity Have Changed History by Erik Durschmied.
• Carolyn Larson, head librarian at Lihu‘e Public Library, brings you the buzz on new, popular and good books available at your neighborhood library. Book annotations are culled from online publishers’ descriptions and published reviews.
