3 Ways to Put More History in Your Life in 2015

By Nina Kendall
 
Are you ready to enjoy history more often? Have you decide to accept the 2015 History Challenge? Here are some ideas just for you.
 
Connect with a Museum
Whether you are looking for a personal connection, want a new activity for your family, or a new resource for your classroom, a museum is a great answer.  Many museums are expanding their programing to connect with the public in new ways with programs targeted to different age and interests groups. Look for programming that interests you. Attend a party or find time for a special activity.   New activities and resources are available for the classroom as well. Skype and social media outlets are opening new venues for interacting with museums. In 2014, I played instagram bingo with the National Archives and explored local public art with the American Art Museum's Outdoor SculptureChallenge. You can also chat with curators or park rangers and interact with parts of a collection at any distance.

Participate in a Historic Anniversary
2015 will be a year marked by a number of historic celebrations. From the 800^th anniversary of the Magna Carta to the continued 100^th anniversary of World War I, you are sure to find an event of interest to you. Both live and virtual events will offer a wide variety of opportunities for you. An historic anniversary may be the inspiration for a trip or just the thing to engage your friends and family with history.

Some Historic Anniversary Observances in 2015:

Magna Carta	Selma to Montgomery March
Battle of New Orleans	Sinking of the Lusitania
Lee’s Surrender at Appomattox	Battle of Waterloo

 


Explore Local Landmarks
Enjoying history doesn’t require a big budget. Take time to enjoy local history. See what the local tourism office has to offer. Stop and visit some of the places you drive by every day. As a kid my Dad stopped at every historic marker we passed and had us get out and read them.  These moments taught us about local history and inspired new investigations.  Living in the American South, Civil War historic markers lead to trips to the library, coloring pages, and trying to cook hoe cake. What was the last historic marker you read?  Is there a state or national park nearby? Then it is time for a visit. Check out their programming before planning your trip.