Local Historian, anyone?

Calling for a Local Historian, anyone?

A teacher in history is not a guarantee that you are a historian. In fact, most teachers in Social Studies are only teachers of history and we call them history teachers, but not historians. You don’t need to be a Social Studies teacher to become one; however, a  Social Studies teacher is an advantage and you have a home court advantage to become a historian as you have the knowledge of history.

            Yu don’t need to write history within the national level. We have some of them. You might not have a  space for that matter already and people might not be interested  in what you write about Philippine History. People might only think that you are just recycling the ideas of famous Filipino historians by merely using their books as your references. No need to become a copycat. Be a writer in your own right and earn your space under the sun. Anyway, the world is spacious. Try to occupy the unexplored area of history. Walk into a road not taken.

            In what way you can find your place under the sun and earn your mark to become a historian?

            Simply, engage in writing your local history. This is your best contribution in history. Try to go to your municipal library and ask for a local history of your barangay, a particular street in your town, or even your town history? Can you find one? In most cases, nobody has done the recording of your history in this manner. You can start writing the different time periods and gather information from your municipal library and even go to your provincial library.

            Start writing for your festival. Your town might have just started celebrating your town’s festival and recording the annual event is your greatest contribution. You can start answering the 4 Ws and an H ( Who initiated it, What is the festival is all about, When did it start, Where did it start, How did it start).

            Interview your WWII veterans. Only few of them are still alive today. After a few years, they might be gone forever. Interview them while they can still recall their memories during WWII.  It is better if you could ask them to write or narrate their experiences during WWII. Their handwriting will serve as primary document and you can keep it as your primary source. Interview as many surviving veterans as you can and compile their experiences in a memoir. In doing so, this is your contribution to history.

            Start writing your famous personalities in your town. You can start with the past and end up with personalities who are still active on their chosen career. Young people might not be aware that your town is the home of famous personalities in the world of business, sports, politics, education, tourism, etc.

            Write your local products. Start interviewing your local producers of products that have made a difference in the world market, just like the sword making industry in Brgy. Palacpalac, Pozorrubio, Pangasinan. Did you know that their swords have been used in famous Hollywood movies, Lord of the Rings, Brave Heart, to name a few?

            Think more…