2021 H : Historian

 

Those of you who have come along on the journey to worlds of imagination have seen references to (or at least hints about) a background in history. Much of my work involved various aspects of a  local history museum and the 17th century building that housed the collections. Even though the museum was the site of a Revolutionary War skirmish, the collections covered the entire span of the town's history. As a result of my association, I also had the opportunity to attend conventions, learn about different eras, and have back room tours of museums. Although I admit it was hard to keep my hands in my pockets so I didn't appropriate an item that I loved or thought would look good in one of the mansion exhibits. 

Unlike Indiana Jones, the archaeological digs I've participated in were not at ancient lost temples but at sites focusing on the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Metal detectors were used to help document the flow of battle; while at other times a trowel and sifter were our tools as we cleared and investigated survey squares. In some ways even though the area was smaller, the survey digs presented more of a challenge. One time  could see the handle and part of one side of an artifact and had to resist the urge to remove. The bulk of the item was outside the marked square and the rule was to leave undisturbed ground and what it contained for future researchers.

How does this experience translate to the writing life?

I think it helps bring the historical aspects a realism I couldn't achieve without the knowledge of life in the past. Research is a fun part of history and the information gathered can be used in more than just non-fiction.

Speaking of non-fiction, I have to admit authoring works that are so far away from fiction that I call it the dark side. Around Matawan and Aberdeen, Of Town And Field: Matawan and Aberdeen, and From the Back Street to Main Street ... And Beyond are the titles of my published local histories.

Around Matawan and Aberdeen - Amazon  /  Info & Buy Links

Of Town and Field <- Amazon  /  Info & Buy Links

From the Back Street to Main Street - Amazon  /  Info & Buy Links

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

To make following the hop easier, here is the link to all my posts. Just remember, the next day's post isn't live until midnight.

~ till next time, Helen