Week Four Thoughts

Through an exploration of how slavery, race, and the Civil War (in relation to slavery) are presented to the public, the authors discussed issues in public history that are a continuous problem. Rather than stating that there are problems in American culture involving race and the history of slavery and the Civil War, the authors delved into the histories that were being challenged to validate their positions. Their approach effectively supported their arguments especially when they were discussing histories presented by Confederacy organizations. Rather than stating that slavery was a major cause of the Civil War, numerous contributors used evidence of this claim by citing Jefferson Davis or historical newspaper accounts. James Oliver Horton and Lois E. Horton’s editorial skills contributed to the reader’s understanding of this theme regarding issues in public history, notably how the factual histories are not accepted by society as a whole. By organizing the chapters in such a way, the book follows a progression of opposition and issues in public history. As the book continues, the threats and opposition to the presentation of history become more extreme and have larger support. The beginning chapters discuss slavery and the misunderstandings in the history of slavery in America. Toward the end of the book, chapters address controversies surrounding the “Lost Cause” history, HERITAGEPAC, neo-Confederates, and black-Confederates.

The book skillfully addressed the differences between history and memory. In doing so, the contributing authors and editors illustrated the importance of public history sites and of presenting an honest history to the public. Rather than ignoring history or sidestepping the controversial issues, examples presented in the text show the necessity of embracing history and presenting it in such a way as to promote dialogue and grow. The controversy at Independence Hall exemplifies the importance of presenting an honest and complex narrative. Rather than focusing on a simple history, the NPS, after much resistance, created a wonderful display that allowed for understanding and healing.


When discussing the history and historiography of slavery, the Civil War, and race relations, the reliance on historical documents (especially texts of Southern leaders), contemporary newspaper articles (involving controversies surrounding exhibits), and the scholarship of notable scholars validated the arguments of the authors. The historical documents and scholarly findings provided a solid historical background of the issues being discussed. The contemporary articles and responses to exhibits put the exhibits in the social context of our times. The main focus of the arguments relied on the fallacies of southern histories or memories and misconceptions of history among Americans. In “A Cosmic Threat,” by Dwight T. Pitcaithley, the only explicit mention of exaggerations in favor of the North’s valiant contributions to ending slavery is presented (181). Though hinted at in the beginning when addressing the misconceptions of slavery in the United States, the book would have been more thorough if it addressed more fallacies in history on both sides of the argument.