Includes bibliographical references (p. 211-243) and index.
Summary
"As a nation we bring many perspectives to our commemorative places and our ideas may change over time, especially on difficult topics like slavery and racism. Why a place is saved and how it is interpreted to visitors has much to do with our collective memory of the events that took place there. Using the skills of an archaeologist and a historian, Paul Shackel examines four well-known Civil War-era National Park sites and shows us how public memory shaped their creation and continues to shape their interpretation. Shackel shows us that 'public memory' is really 'public memories'. and interpretation may change dramatically from one generation to another as interpreters try to accommodate, or ignore, certain memories. Memory in Black and White is important reading for all who are interested in history and memory of landscapes, and will be especially useful to those involved in preserving and interpreting a controversial place." [from the publisher]
Primary sources : magical moments of insight -- The American Memory website from the Library of Congress -- Finding materials online -- Strategies for teaching history / contributed by Stanlee Brimberg -- It's elementary! / contributed by Gail Petri -- History told firsthand in middle school / contributed by Laura Wakefield -- Focus on the questions in high school / contributed by Michael Federspiel -- Professional development -- Going to the source.
Includes bibliographical references (p. [235]-258) and index.
Contents
Introduction: The transformation of presidential commemoration -- Prologue: the words in the Lincoln Memorial -- A shift in commemoration: the Roosevelt Presidential Library -- The rhetoric of the replica: the Truman Library's Oval Office and Benton Mural -- Symbolic power, democratic access, and the imperial presidency: the Johnson Library -- Celebrity and power: the commemoration of first ladies -- Reinventing the presidential library: the new displays at the Truman Museum -- Conclusion: Presidential libraries and the final campaign.
An ironic examination of the founding years of our country. Historian Ellis guides us through the decisive issues of the nation's founding, and illuminates the emerging philosophies, shifting alliances, and personal and political foibles of our now iconic leaders. He explains how the idea of a strong federal government, championed by Washington, was eventually embraced by the American people, the majority of whom had to be won over. And he details the emergence of the two-party system--then a political novelty--which today stands as the founders' most enduring legacy. But Ellis is equally incisive about their failures, making clear how their inability to abolish slavery and to reach a just settlement with the Native Americans has played an equally important role in shaping our national character. Ellis strips the mythic veneer of the revolutionary generation to reveal men possessed of both brilliance and blindness.--From publisher description.
