I count History nerds among my closest friends, but have never considered myself to be "an historian" in the least. I keep a regular journal, have edited two high school yearbooks, and tend to frequently analyze antiquated Facebook messages though, so perhaps this points to a closet fascination with record-keeping - a secret desire to hold onto the past.


It's almost embarrassing to admit how little I know about History, be it Canadian or otherwise. Though bordering on cliché, I truly feel that this has a lot to do with how it was taught to me in elementary school... you know, the whole "Ok class, now we're going to copy notes from THIS overhead" deal. As a new teacher, I realize how difficult and time-consuming it is to constantly come up with interesting and interactive ways to present information, but thanks to the work that is being done by you "Public Historians" out there, it is becoming easier. :-)


I'm currently reconceptualizing my idea of history as, first and foremost, STORY. Narrative has power, and narrative is interesting. "Facts" happen not in isolation from the story in which they come into being, but are deeply embedded in the narrative fabric. When you think about it, all of the engaging qualities of History can be explained in terms of narrative structure. Researchers spend time and money looking for more solid resolutions, or uncovering details that create more suspense, and thus a greater climax...


These ideas crystallized in my brain as I watched "The Young Victoria," a film recommended to me by a man whose Historical prowess is coupled with rogue charm and athletic good looks. ;-)
To tell you the truth, I had my doubts about the movie. I figured that for $3.38 at the corner store, I could always turn it off and go back to my book if it was too boring. Thankfully, I was very pleasantly surprised! I learned so much about the early life of Queen Victoria, and was both amazed and inspired by a story that featured a strong, young, female protagonist. I don't want to give the story away for those of you who aren't familiar it, so I won't. But you should certainly rent this movie. Obviously Hollywood has added some "special touches," yet this does nothing to take away from a mostly-true tale that I will remember forever.


There's nothing like a book or movie that is relevant, captivating and believable... particularly when it is being used as a venue to communicate information about something important. [And when Twizzlers accompany it! :-)]