Drawing Connections Between Past and Present
Date
2015-08-24
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This summer I interned at Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz, NY as a public history intern working for the public programming director. This position had me doing menial tasks but also had me engaging the public through tours, social media, and summer camps. I planned, developed, and executed the two summer camps offered by the site, often having to step into a leadership role in the days leading up to and during the camp, which was daunting, but exciting. Before the camp planning got into full swing, I also spearheaded the updating of their Pinterest page, coming up with new ideas that would engage and educate audiences. Through this process, I deepened my understanding that history cannot be taught as a timeline of facts, but as an engaging story the public can delve into and think about in relation to their own lives for a deeper understanding of how the past affects their present.