Public What?

I have the following conversation often since I moved to Chicago:

Inquisitor asks “What do you do?”
I reply “I’m in graduate school.”
Slightly interested inquisitor then asks “Oh! For what?”
I respond with a smile and anticipating the end of the conversation “History.”
Inquisitor then yawns and politely asks “Oh, what type? Are you going to be a teacher?”
And then I reply “No, it’s public history…”
Blank stare. And then, with a whisper “And what is that?”

So for those of you not sure what I am doing at Loyola University Chicago here is a little description. I wrote the next two paragraphs for an introduction to public history paper assignment. Hope it clears up the air about what I am actually doing in Chicago...

"As a new and upcoming field, many people are unaware of what public history is and how, if at all, it is different from the history they learned growing up. As a new field its definition is being refined and cannot be narrowed to one brief sentence. Public history is the presentation and interpretation of history for a specific audience, and it is grounded in practice, experience and concrete examples. One could even consider a public historian a mediator between the public and history. But public history can also bridge the gap between professional history and popular history, because it is rooted in culture and society outside of the academic lecture. The field brings a balance to the specialization of history and gives generalized history context using an interdisciplinary approach. One must keep in mind that public history is not one size fits all, and it is important to recognize the need to adapt when dealing with history, the public and various components. Because of this public historians weigh the ethical issues of history differently from traditional historians in their research.

The Public History Resource Center (PHRC) considers these elements and many more in its definition of public history. The contributing scholars of PHRC define public history as history which can be seen, heard, read and interpreted by a popular audience by expanding on the methods of academic historians and emphasizing non-traditional evidence. It is the belief that history belongs to the public and that history matters in the day to day lives of people. It is the presentation of historical knowledge to a general audience which can take many forms: museum presentations, television documentaries, historic preservation projects, collections and recording projects. Public history also provides employment for historians outside of academia through practically applied methods and the retranslation of traditional historical knowledge. Also included is the responsibility of public historians to consider the ethical and efficient management of a group’s heritage and history."

There ya have it, folks. With my semester almost wrapped up, I have gotten the chance to dip my toe into a few projects: oral histories, transcriptions (yuck!), historical tours and reading and writing lots and lots. I am also getting some practical use at a historical society north of the city. Ok, enough procrastinating, I am off to work on a final project. [Insert comment on how lame I am here.]

xo
Am

At the Rally with Amber (and President Elect Obama)!

Yes We Can! And Yes we did! (And yes, the road ahead is very very long.) Last Tuesday as the nation waited in anticipation and watched as the returns come in for the most historical presidential election in our time I was headed down to Grant Park to take part in the rally. (I apologize for the delays (cough- cough, Mom and B) but here it is...

Even though the gates opened at 8:30 PM for ticket holders, I had this little inconvenience I like to call "grad school" and so I wasn't able to get downtown until 8:30 and drop off my purse at Kathryn's (my plus 1 and new friend from Loyola) and then jumped back on the el and headed south to Grant Park. Braving the crowds and long lines going through a securities we finally reached the rally around 9ish and it was packed...


Both of us being "vertically challenged" we had to be satisfied with occasional glances at the jumbo-tron which was tuned to CNN and the crowd would go wild as the results came in (I even did a little gig when the Ohio was welcomed as a blue state-all it took was for me, Mom and Don to move but we still sent in our new absentee ballots!)
We took a break from the patiently waiting revelers and got some deep dish (a rally in Chicago would not be complete without some of their famous pizza) and then back to stand and dance and cheer with the crowd.
The amazing thing about the crowd was how diverse it was which I think is symbolic of this election. There were all kinds of people down at Grant Park. Young, old, black, white, American born citizens and new citizens who voted for the first time (and insisted on filming the entire rally-crazy crowd and all). And everyone was so happy! And cheerful! And respectful when CNN aired McCain giving his concession speech and everyone clapped when his supporters booed Obama (but it's easy to be gracious when your pick wins). But I think it is important to keep in mind that this election is not only a triumph for the Democratic party in what was a knock-down-drag-out election but a significant triumph for the American people. The first African-American elected to the highest office in our nation but an amazing voter turnout (so thank you to all those PSAs and volunteers) and I think that our country is at time when we can stop being blue states and red states but be one big purple country! And we can once again unite and take pride in our great nation. Last Tuesday night was the first time I could say how proud I am of America as awhole and to say I am an American (don't get me wrong I have been proud of previous "American moments" but never in my last time.)

That's me throwing out the "peace sign". I was torn between thumbs up and the peace sign and I went the timeless peace sign because "they" say every single person votes for one or two reason or issues. (the economy, the war, social issues, health care, fill in the blank here______.) I decided that I vote for peace: world peace, peace among our citizens and peace of mind.

And then the grand news came that America elected Barack Obama as the next president of the United States! And the amount emotions I felt at the time and following are too numerous to list but lets just say I was moved to tears by his speech and the significance of that moment and still can't put articulately into words. And so with my fellow Chicagoains (even Oprah was there) and fellow Americans I watched and listened (I had no idea that such a large group of people could be so quiet) with anticipation as President Elect Obama addressed the country.

We were pretty far back so I had to take pictures of the screen and it was extra zoomed and my hand wouldn't stay still so I apologize for the blurriness.

The first family! I love the Obama family. They are so cute, charming and an American family. (And regardless of what the talking heads said, I loved Michelle's dress and how she coordinated the girls with her dress and his ties). And I am so so so excited to have a young family in the White House!

P.E. Obama addresses those of us at Grant Park and the nation. My favorite part of his speech was when he spoke to those who didn't vote for him and told them he would be their president. I could definiately pick up on the somberness of his demeanor and I wonder when he began to realize the burden and work he has ahead of himself. (So if you are praying person or just a "warm thoughts thinker" pray/think of P.E. Obama and our country because we came along way last Tuesday but we have a lot further to go and I think he is the man that can get back on our feet.)
Looking back at the crowd...keep in mind this is only section. There was the VIP section which was right by the stage, the ticket holder section (where we were) and then the general crowd that was a ways back beyond the Buckingham Fountain. And then everyone spilled out onto Michigan Avenue which was an amazing spectable and one those moments I will remember forever. Side note: soon after moving to Chicago I realized that I am happy to be here now but I don't plan on staying here after I get my master's so I have set about collection "Chicago moments" and this night at the rally and walking down one of the most shopping streets in the world in the greatest city.


And then I headed north on the train which took forever because it was so crowded. And I apologize that I didn't capture the euphoria of that night (my fault for procrastinating) but it was a significant night and as a professional historian who spends considerable amount of time studying these significant moments (and interpreting them) I feel so lucky to have been there. Although I don't wish away time I look forward to hear and see what historians say about this election and that night. So regardless if you agree with me or not, this was a great night for America!

There's no place like Halloween

Happy Fall and Happy Halloween!

Last night I had my first Chicago Halloween, and it was so great! Everyone dresses up in really creative costumes and the streets are packed! (No cabs could be found and there was a long line for the train.) I went out with Jen and Sara from Cincy and friends from grad school. Enjoy the pics!

Dorothy and Todo

Amanda and Jen as Not-a-Happy Camper and a Bunny

Me and Jen at her house before going out.

Me and my new friend, Kathryn, from grad school.

Sara and Jen as nun and bunny.

Me, Jen and Sara at Halligan's in Lincoln Park (not quite the Emerald City but it was fun!)

Me and Kathryn out at Halligan's. (The neck of my dress was ridiculously high and I was mistaken for a Mormon, so I found myself educating the yuppies of Lincoln park on childhood stories they apparently missed.)

Me and Reilly (as Indiana Jones) another new grad school friend.

And now that Halloween and done with, it seems that every store and everyone has moved on to Christmas.

End of Summerish

In a way to postpone reading and writing that needs to be done I decided to resurrect the blog, and fill you all in what I have been up to since the last post. Some of you might have figured it out, I’ve been reading and going to class, and then whining/crying about the reading and the classes. So that has been my September but that is for another blog and another time, hopefully soon though!

My last week of summer was filled with lots of fun stuff (good thing too!) Here is a quick update and a few pics. My roommate from college, Katie, came to visit a few of her friends here in Chicago, and I was able to steal her away for breakfast at one of my favorite places, Ann Sathers!

As a little celebration to the start of my school, I went to the Counting Crows/Maroon 5 concert with Jen and a few of her friends from work. The amazing thing was how good of seats we ended up having to enjoy the great concert. We bought lawn tickets but 1 of the girls we went with had 3 tickets in the front section by the stage, we found out early on that there were also 2 extra empty seats next to hers so we all got to enjoy the concert up close.

Our original seats in the lawn.

Me and Jen at the concert!

Up close! Maroon 5

Counting Crows! They were so good and even played "Colorblind"

I am such an old lady, it was way past my bedtime.

Labor Day weekend was spent diving into reading but I did hit up a rockin’ party…Nora’s 2^nd Birthday Party! Nora is the little girl I took care of this summer, such a little cutie. (Unfortunately I forgot my camera.)

And thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes! At 25 I finally feel like an official adult, and I think this year will bring lots of changes. I’ll do my best to keep you all updated on that progress!

AOPi Ladies at a birthday party

Birthday cookie cake from Jen and Alexis!

And yes I still have the cat, and no, I haven’t named her yet.

xo

Amber

Cubs vs. Reds

Thanks to my “boss” Dave, Jen and I got to go see the Reds last Tuesday when they played the Cubs here in Chicago. I have been to a game once before a few summers ago with Jason and we sat on the first base line, but this time Jen and I were in the bleachers. This is where the party takes place. Although it was a Tuesday night this was place hopping (I can only imagine what it is like on the weekends at a day game!) I of course was the only Reds fan in the stands, and I hate to say it slightly embarrassed to be so, only because I did not recognize any of the players (Cincinnati has somehow acquired a Minor league team) but we can hope for next season.

Reds in the field.

Me and Jen at the game.

What I love about Wrigley is how old school it is. No jumbo-tron, no kiss cam, no dancing chickens doing the macarana. Pure unadulterated baseball.

A view of the city from the bleachers. It was a pretty hazy night, you can the rooftop stands too. They are owned by the buildings and host boozefests for the games.

Outside the bleacher entrance.

The Reds lost the night we were there, but won the next night! Enjoy the pics!

xo

Amber

Up in the UP

Hello to All,

After surviving Sunday Chicago traffic (the worst day to drive in/out of the Windy City) Jason arrived bright eyed and bushy tailed (not so much) and we started our end of the summer vacation. I worked Monday morning so Jason could spend the day helping his friend, Ben, pack and move to Las Vegas, but the real vacation part started Tuesday morning when we left for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. And much to Jason’s chagrin we left early and drove through Wisconsin (adding another state to my list) reaching a Culver’s for lunch. Culver’s is similar to Braum’s (family owned and lots of meat) just not as good, and as seeing it is a meat lover’s dream I had just had some cheese curds, when in Rome do as the Roman’s, right?

We arrived in Escanaba, Michigan in the late afternoon and set up camp. Although not as crunchy I would have liked, we settled in next to our RV neighbor watching Oprah (no, really) and made our way down to the beach. Jason collected some drift and grumbled about the cold water (I think he was expecting the Caribbean warm water) and I took some MI pics.

Jason standing over his camping domain: tent and beloved camping stove

Pictures to the lake and by the lake.

After, we made our way in to town to get a few “supplies” at the Super Wal-mart, we live big, we headed back to settle in for the evening. Jason loves outdoorsy stuff, and so in preparation for our vacation he got himself a cooking stove, dishes, silverware and head lamps. We are so hard core. We were somewhat limited to what we could make so I grabbed some mac and cheese but forgot the milk and butter so it had an interesting taste.

Jason and all his gear: headlamp, silverware, flexible bowls and camping pot

And post dinner I kicked Jason’s butt in scrabble and we made S’mores (my one requirement for the camping trip).

The next morning we headed across the peninsula to Mackinac. For those of you have never been it is so pretty and we had the most PERFECT weather. So we reached the Mackinac Bridge and stopped for a few photo opts.

We spend the afternoon in the little town eating dinner and avoiding the touristy shoppes and that night we returned to the campsite for another out of control Scrabble game (I won!)

You might notice Jason's jolly face because if you look closely behind him you will see our neighbor who serenaded us with his accordion. He had all the camp boppin'.

A view from our campsite.

The next morning we took the ferry to Macknac Island.

I love Mackinac Island, it is like taking a step back in time because there are not vehicles allowed on the island so everyone uses horse drawn carriages or bikes.

Our choice of travel was a tandem bike. We rode the 8 mile path around the island, stopping to capture the hilarity of us on the tandem on film.

Afterwards we grabbed an early lunch and drinks at a café right on the water

and took a stroll the more residential part of the island.

We stopped for a cat nap at the park and then explored the back roads of the small island and stumbled across the Grande Hotel.

These would be my illegal photos of Grande Hotel.

After dinner at the same restaurant I ate with Don, Mom and Mary on our trip there in 2002, we got the 5:30 ferry back to main land and back to our camp site.

And like all vacation this one had to come to an end so we packed it up Friday morning and headed back to the Windy City.

xo

Amber