The Convergence of Environmental and Public History

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Abstract

A generation ago, environmental and public historians shared their thoughts on the interconnections between the two fields. The resulting anthology, Public History and the Environment, covered an array of topics from national parks to local historical societies. Both fields have expanded significantly in the twenty years since, with public historians integrating environmental history and methodologies and questions into their work. This panel of academic and practicing public historians will reflect on the convergence of environmental and public history in their own work and provide a broader framework of how each field builds upon the other in practice and method. Panelists include Dr. David Vail, Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska, Kearney and co-author of Interpreting the Environment at Museums and Historic Sites, Dr. Kent Blansett, Associate Professor at the University of Kansas and creator of The American Indian Digital History Project, Dr. Mette Flynt, Assistant Professor at Oklahoma State University and historian with Historical Research Associates, Inc., and Dr. Leighton Quarles, historian for the U.S. Forest Service.

Sub Unit

• ASEH Annual Conference

Moderator

• Michael Childers, Colorado State University

Presenters

• David Vail, University of Nebraska, Kearney

• Kent Blansett, University of Kansas

• Mette Flynt, Oklahoma State University State

• Leighton Quarles, United States Forest Service