Great event, free to the public. Check it out, and if you go, write us a recap for the blog! The report they’re talking about can be found here.

“Critical Conversations: The State of History in the National Park Service”

In 2012, the Organization of American Historians released a report
critically examining the state of history in the National Parks.  Imperiled
Promise: The State of History in the National Park Service reveals the
findings of four historians who embarked on the study in 2008.  The report
identifies and addresses thirteen areas of concern.  Our discussions will
focus on the History/Interpretation Divide; Partnerships for History; Fixed
and Fearful Interpretation; and Civic Engagement.

At “Critical Conversations,” NPS staff tasked with the myriad
responsibilities of engaging the public with the past at the nation’s
parks– interpreters, historians, curators, and their colleagues-will
reflect on the report and its implications, and brainstorm ways to meet
identified challenges.  What will it take for the NPS to “recommit to
history,” and where we might go from here?

Join NPS staff and the UMass Boston History Department for an afternoon of
two consecutive roundtable discussions where participants will reflect on
the major findings of the OAH report; discussion with the audience will
follow.

The roundtable discussions will be followed by a reception.

Where: Massachusetts Archives
220 Morrissey Blvd., Columbia Point, Boston
3rd floor, Room 315

When: Friday, November 2, 2012

Time: 1:00-6:00 pm

Free and open to the public.  Parking available.

Co-sponsored by University of Massachusetts Boston History Department, and
Boston National Historical Park

Questions:  contact Jane Becker, History Department, UMass Boston
jane.becker@umb.edu