Erin
Hromada has worked in the United States House of Representatives for eighteen
years. Currently, she is director of the
Office of the House Historian, U.S. House of Representatives. She has an
undergraduate degree in history from what is now Meryhurst University in Erie,
PA. She also earned an MA in history and a MLS from the University of
Maryland. The Office website is http://history.house.gov/
1. How
and/or when did you get you hooked on history?
I
realized that history was my favorite subject in 3rd grade. At
that point it was more Social Studies oriented, but I loved learning about
different cultures and the world. After reading Johnny Tremain in
7th grade, I was hooked on the Revolutionary War and the
Constitution. I still have my high school copy of the Federalist
Papers.
2. What
role does history play or has it played in your personal life?
Outside
of work, I am always talking about history. Whether it is talking to my
three young sons or my neighbors, history is never really in the past.
3. How
is/How was history a part of your professional life/career?
I
have what I would call my dream job. Every day I get to go to work to
preserve the institutional history of U.S. House of Representatives.
4. Why
is studying/knowing history important?
To
be a good citizen, you need to know the history of your country. This
allows you to answer the questions about how we got there and we should be
going. Knowledge is power.
5. What
is your favorite period or aspect of history to learn about and why?
I
still enjoy the Colonial Era of U.S. History. The founding fathers stood
up for what they believed in and then created a government.
6. What
is the origin and mission of the Office of the House Historian?
Our office existed off
and on since the bicentennial. The Historian’s Office works with the
Office of Art and Archives. Together, the offices preserve, collect, and
interpret the heritage of the U.S. House, serving as the institution’s memory
and a resource for Members, staff, and the general public. Our website
is: http://history.house.gov
and our Twitter is @USHouseHistory .
7. What are some of your favorite stories or little known facts about the House of
Representatives?
I
love the quirky stories about the House. The section on Historical Highlights on our website has been baby for a number of years. Some of my favorite stories are about Former Speaker Joe
Cannon. I have also authored a blog post titled, “We Can't Make This Stuff Up” and “We Can't Make This Stuff Up Either".
I also love to talk about
Jeannette Rankin of Montana. She is the first woman to serve in Congress.
This year is the Centennial of her service. What makes Rankin even more interesting is the fact that she was
elected before women had the right to vote nationally.