History Speaks. Listen. Learn.
Local history has always been like a special lens for me, one that adds a powerful, personal, poignant dimension to the sweeping arcs of American History. I believe that local history can help us better understand and navigate contemporary issues, demonstrate the value of critical thinking, and help us be stronger, more active members in our communities.
This an open workspace, please comment. ~ Bill Jeffway
Recent Exhibitions, Books, Videos Produced
Pre-Civil War Rural African American Experience in Mid-Hudson Valley
Northampton, MA Topics
Milan, Dutchess County, NY
Video Library
Yeoman's Cemetery
Milan Post Offices
I have always found local history rich in experience and reward, giving context and perspective across time, geography, and community. I hope to help others understand similarly, as a powerful, accessible means of learning.
In addition to understanding common, shared experiences across generations and centuries, I find it fascinating to come to understand the degree to which we all perceive historical “facts” and embed them in narratives shaped by our own biases (consciously or unconsciously) which in turn gives us an insight into ourselves.
One of my favorite quotes: [We] map what we see, marking some features, ignoring others. History is not the past, but a map of the past, drawn from a particular point of view to be useful to the modern traveler.~Henry Glassie, Professor of Folklore.
Bill Jeffway
