The History Dame is a civil servant at heart, holding a Master's in Public Administration and Public Management. She doesn't call herself a historian, but happily labels herself a History Nerd! She volunteers for The Pursuit of History ( https://thepursuitofhistory.org/ ) and The History List ( https://www.thehistorylist.com/ ), both are organizations that work towards making history more accessible for all ages. Follow her on Instagram @history_dame1776 and on Twitter @dame1776
1. How and when did you get hooked on history?
I've been interested in history for as long as I can remember. My father was very interested in history, particularly in the Civil War. I grew up in the Washington DC Metro area, which is surrounded by ample museums and historical sites. So I was able to experience and explore frequently. All of these factors to include my natural personality created a deep love for history.
2. What role does history play or has it played in your personal life?
I'm a first generation American on my mother's side and my father's side, who has been here for several generations, has several veterans. Additionally, I come from a family with many civil and public servants. History has played such an important role understanding my family's personal and professional motivations. Understanding my family's story has provided me with the tools and empathy to understand other stories, which is what history is made of--stories.
3. How does history play a part of your professional life/career?
History plays an indirect role in my professional career by allowing a solid foundation on how and why government policies have been created over the course of history. It plays a major role in my volunteer life, however, as I volunteer for historical organizations where I help develop historical content.
4. Why is studying/knowing history important?
Our present life is a direct result of history. Studying and understanding history are the bread crumbs to ones present life, knowing those bread crumbs provides much needed context. History and Civics go hand in hand as government policies are typically the response to events and generational pressures. Studying history allows you to know what those events and pressures were, how they built upon each other, and ultimately how their ripple effects created our present life. Studying history also allows us to change the trajectory of present day in hopes of a better tomorrow. For me, History is learning the motivations of people, and that is truly fascinating.
5. What is your favorite period or aspect of history to learn about and why?
My favorite aspect is the late 19th century through 20th century. This is for a few reasons, the amount of growth the United States saw in innovation, policies, historical events, and societal changes is massive. I find it fascinating to follow those bread crumbs, learn of the personal stories that helped shape modern America, and how all these aspect converged creating complex layers. It's a puzzle that is never ending.
If I had to choose a very specific period, I would say WWII. My interest is a combination of my personal family ties and the tremendous leap WWII caused in politics, technology, and culture.
6. How did you become the History Dame?
I became History Dame in 2018. I had stayed off social media for a while and when I finally joined, I was frustrated to see that I had to subscribe to numerous history pages. I wanted to see history of all eras in one place. This caused me to create my own social media that would focus on all eras and topics of American history.
I also enjoy breaking through stereotypes within the history community, because I don't have a history degree and that always surprises people. As a woman who truly loves history for the sake of loving it, I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm and hope I can show just how diverse history is!
7. What is History in Under a Minute ?
1. How and when did you get hooked on history?
I've been interested in history for as long as I can remember. My father was very interested in history, particularly in the Civil War. I grew up in the Washington DC Metro area, which is surrounded by ample museums and historical sites. So I was able to experience and explore frequently. All of these factors to include my natural personality created a deep love for history.
2. What role does history play or has it played in your personal life?
I'm a first generation American on my mother's side and my father's side, who has been here for several generations, has several veterans. Additionally, I come from a family with many civil and public servants. History has played such an important role understanding my family's personal and professional motivations. Understanding my family's story has provided me with the tools and empathy to understand other stories, which is what history is made of--stories.
3. How does history play a part of your professional life/career?
History plays an indirect role in my professional career by allowing a solid foundation on how and why government policies have been created over the course of history. It plays a major role in my volunteer life, however, as I volunteer for historical organizations where I help develop historical content.
4. Why is studying/knowing history important?
Our present life is a direct result of history. Studying and understanding history are the bread crumbs to ones present life, knowing those bread crumbs provides much needed context. History and Civics go hand in hand as government policies are typically the response to events and generational pressures. Studying history allows you to know what those events and pressures were, how they built upon each other, and ultimately how their ripple effects created our present life. Studying history also allows us to change the trajectory of present day in hopes of a better tomorrow. For me, History is learning the motivations of people, and that is truly fascinating.
5. What is your favorite period or aspect of history to learn about and why?
My favorite aspect is the late 19th century through 20th century. This is for a few reasons, the amount of growth the United States saw in innovation, policies, historical events, and societal changes is massive. I find it fascinating to follow those bread crumbs, learn of the personal stories that helped shape modern America, and how all these aspect converged creating complex layers. It's a puzzle that is never ending.
If I had to choose a very specific period, I would say WWII. My interest is a combination of my personal family ties and the tremendous leap WWII caused in politics, technology, and culture.
6. How did you become the History Dame?
I became History Dame in 2018. I had stayed off social media for a while and when I finally joined, I was frustrated to see that I had to subscribe to numerous history pages. I wanted to see history of all eras in one place. This caused me to create my own social media that would focus on all eras and topics of American history.
I also enjoy breaking through stereotypes within the history community, because I don't have a history degree and that always surprises people. As a woman who truly loves history for the sake of loving it, I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm and hope I can show just how diverse history is!
7. What is History in Under a Minute ?
One thing I've noticed over time was the misconception that history was not fun and/or one had to be an academic to be knowledgeable. I wanted to dispel both of those and I do that with my History in Under a Minute. These videos are packed with bite size historical information, each video having a dedicated topic. The topics range from military history, historical events, people, etc. My hope is viewers will be inspired to learn more and begin their own journey into studying history--for fun!
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