 The corner of Valencia and Trout Gulch, Aptos. Just think how much more effective Mr. Bailey would be if he knew the background to the name “Valencia” and that it has nothing to do with oranges? |
Who should take this class?
• Genealogists wishing to use local and regional
sources.
• Collectors and hobbyists wishing to know how
old things are.
• Homeowners wondering about his or her house
or neighborhood.
• History teachers. There’s nothing more
meaningful to students than to connect national events – such
as the American Civil War – with what happened locally. Despite
the common perception, not all of US History occurred in Boston.
• Elementary school teachers, particularly fourth
grade (salary schedule credit
can be arranged through your district office). Also you will get a number
of ideas about local and regional field trip opportunities.
• Docents. Anyone who is doing natural or cultural
history interpretation needs to know the frame within which their particular
expertise occurred.
• Real estate professionals. Knowing the history
of the neighborhoods can provide information for clients as well as
an understanding about how things came to be the way they are.
• Newcomers. This is the quickest way of gaining
the understanding that you will need to become a local. This is a complicated
and often unforgiving place. Everyone needs to be armed with knowledge
of its history to navigate this place.
• Executive Directors of non-profits or region-wide
public agencies.
• Environmentalists. Learn what’s native
and what’s not, and why you should never use the word “pristine”
in this place.
• Reporters, editors, advertising executives, public information
officers. You need to know the context if you want to interpret
or sell this place.
• Elected officials or those aspiring to be.
This place is complex and filled with microcultures and regional tension…learn
to negotiate it without putting your foot in your mouth. Historic feuds
still simmer throughout the region.
• Professionals in most fields. Don’t you
wonder about the history of your chosen profession in this area? If
you’re in law enforcement, medicine, or agriculture, you can use
this class to find the origins of your own profession and where you
fit in its history.
• Anyone wanting to know more about how this
place came to be what it is.
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