Genealogy

 This topic may seem a stretch, but your own history is very valuable and can teach you a lot about daily lives. Genealogy is the tool to a second passport (I can cover this more in the future) and learning about your own path to where you are. Familysearch.org is a free site and easy to use for locating ancestors. The documents they hold are immense. You can see pictures and documents from your family you never knew existed. Let this be a jumping off point for a deeper dive into history!

Ancient Tools Story

With all the scary news from the Middle east, this story caught my eye. The historians and archeologists are still doing the work we need. 

Archaeologists in Israel have unearthed 10 "extremely rare" prehistoric stone hand axes that were crafted to deliberately include geological features, including fossils and geodes, a new study finds. 

https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/human-evolution/homo-erectus-tools-include-stunning-geodes-and-fossils-possibly-as-a-way-to-connect-with-the-cosmos-study-finds

State Historical Societies

 Joining a state level historical society will provide you with a wealth of information on events and state resources. One example, in Michigan:

https://www.hsmichigan.org/join/household-memberships

Each Household Membership includes:

• Michigan History and Chronicle magazines
• Free access to our History Hounds^® lecture series
• Participation in our Michiganders on the Road^® motorcoach tours
• Discounts on conferences and workshops
• And more!

A Household Membership includes immediate family members residing in the same household. 

 

Local Historical Societies

 If it is difficult to get out, but you still wish to get immersed in history, check your local historical society out on YouTube. The Detroit Historical Society is one which operates a channel, https://www.youtube.com/c/DetroitHistoricalSociety. They have over 500 videos! This is an excellent way to plan for an urban exploration.

The Open University

 https://www.open.edu/openlearn/history-the-arts/free-courses?filter=date/grid/78/all/all/all/all

There are so many unique course offering in history listed, you are bound to find one you love. These are not the typical U.S. or World History 101 classes. A Few sample course titles: 

Exploring the history of prisoner education 

What do historians do?

Who gets to be a human? Religion in colonial histories and Indigenous resistance

 

 

Harvard History Courses

 Many history topics are available to study for free through Harvard University: 

https://pll.harvard.edu/subject/history/free

This would be a great way to spend free time this summer if a beach book isn't your thing. Listen to the great teachers here and learn about a topic you love. 

Getting Immersed in History

 The National Park Service offers volunteer opportunities across the nation and its territories in parks, regional offices, and programs. 

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/archeology/volunteering.htm

Make your passion a valuable addition to the park service. Volunteer to join a dig as a way to live the history you read about. In most cases it is a great addition to a resume or can help you to stay active. There are so many choices, you are bound to find the perfect fit.