“But I want you to think,” was life-changing for me. When I started at Boise State I did not waiver in my decision to do the M.A. over the M.A.H.R. degree because I have always wanted to research, teach, and reside firmly in the academic world. However, this class has been fascinating and eye-opening for me. I have always had a hard time committing myself to the idea that all knowledge is useful (who really needs to read a book about Lincoln’s doctor’s dog’s sex life? Brandie will at least get this inside joke.) Public history has helped me to focus more on what I think is important; which for me is the application and use of history. I think those in the public history field really grasp the importance of this and those in more of university-related history could improve their approach to presenting history by adopting some of the tenets of public history. I like the idea of considering what other people need or want to know about history rather than trying to fill a tiny, obscure niche.
I also loved the article on the “7 apps.” I wanted to visit these places just so that I could use these apps. They focused on interesting topics that would have broad appeal for many tourists. I also liked the slightly different take each app had of using historical maps or narrated explanations. Sometimes I think that technology can detract from an experience, but the apps in these articles only seemed to enhance an already interesting historical event.