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Last Updated: Sep 2nd, 2008 - 19:12:01 |
(ARA) – “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
George Santayana’s warning seems more relevant than ever in today’s turbulent world, where political instabilities on the other side of the planet can have measurable impact on average Americans here at home. For millions of history buffs across the country, however, history isn’t all gloom and doom, or even the stodgy stuff of schoolroom text books. For many, history is a source of inspiration, education and enjoyment.
The holidays are a great time to nurture the interests of the confirmed history buff on your list, or to introduce someone to the excitement and value of history.
“History’s lessons of nobility, perseverance and passion are wonderful gifts to share with another,” says Marie Bolchazy, a history aficionado and cofounder of Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, a company that specializes in publishing works of historical significance.
Here are some gift ideas for both the history buff on your holiday list and anyone with whom you’d like to share the joys of history:
Historic Travel
While “eco-travel” to exotic environments may be the travel trend of the moment, historic travel has been a healthy niche market for decades. A quick online search will yield numerous organizations that sponsor trips to historic sites across the country. You can team up with one of these groups and give your favorite history buff a pre-planned trip. Or, you can plan your own trip to historic cities like Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C., San Antonio or Deadwood, South Dakota.
If your budget is more modest, get in touch with your local historical society to find points of interest right in your own community. “Every town in the country has its own unique history,” Bolchazy notes. “With a little help from your local experts, you can discover the living appeal of historic sites in your area.”
A Living Experience
“Living history” exhibits continue to be popular and can be found in virtually every state of the country. Chances are that with a little research, you can find a Civil War re-enactment, a Colonial-era recreation exhibit or even a Renaissance Faire not far from your home. Sharing a day visiting one of these living history experiences can be a fun and constructive way to spend time for both the gift-giver and the recipient.
Reading Material
If the words “history” and “book” in the same sentence make you think of the dry history textbooks of your school days, you may be pleasantly surprised at the variety of printed material now available to history devotees. From conversationally written books by popular broadcasters honoring the Americans who fought in the country’s great wars, to psychological profiles of some of history’s most monstrous dictators, today’s history texts are full of insight and excitement.
“Volumes like ‘The Essential Hitler: Speeches and Commentary’ can better our understanding of modern tyrants by illustrating how history’s great miscreants rose to power,” Bolchazy says. The tome, available at www.bolchazy.com, distills author Max Domarus’ four volumes of “Hitler’s Speeches and Proclamations” into a single intriguing book. “The Essential Hitler” provides perspective through expert commentary, and a window into the dictator’s mind through his own words.
A Role in History
If travel, books or visits to historic events don’t seem to appeal to your favorite history buff, consider helping them make their own mark. With polls showing many Americans more dissatisfied with our political processes, and voter registration chronically low, helping your voting-age history lover register to vote could be a great gift.
Help young people under voting age take part by writing to their legislative representatives about topics that are important to them, or sponsor a child’s participation in an active civic organization.
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