State History

This article originally appeared on the AASLH website.

AASLH is proud to introduce Reframing History, a new set of evidence-backed communications strategies for more effectively communicating what history is and why it matters to society. The result of a two-year, deep-dive research effort, this report and toolkit offers recommendations to help the history community—museum professionals, public historians, scholars, educators, advocates, and practitioners of all kinds—build greater public support for rigorous and inclusive history.

As each of us in the history community becomes more involved in defending the value of history, Reframing History offers a roadmap for consistent, cohesive, and convincing public messaging. Far beyond simple public opinion polling, we have tested dozens of ways of explaining history to people outside our field to produce a set of communication strategies that are proven to shift public understanding, increase support for history, and place our conversations on firmer ground.

By emphasizing critical thinking, using the metaphor of detective work to explain the historical process, articulating how learning history can help society make progress toward justice, and grounding conversations about history with specific, local examples, we can help our many audiences come to a greater understanding and appreciation of history. Read more...