Can History Be Relevant Today?…by Jeff Stepp

CALDWELL COUNTY, NC (January 22, 2017)…In the past several months I have read a number of well-articulated articles upon the value of History from regular contributors to the News-Topic such as Brett Tomberlin, and Bill Tate. From my perspective as director of the Caldwell Heritage Museum my own take on the relevance of History may prove a little different, but hopefully complimentary to theirs.

It is my belief that History can nurture our personal identity in ways uniquely suited to discover one’s place within our families, communities and nation. The stories of those who have come before us are ones of the struggles for freedom and equality, loss and achievement, and most importantly courage and triumph against adversity. All of which remain of great value to each of us in the present for they create within us personal value that lead us in our individual approach to life and our relationships with others.

History lays the groundwork for resilient and strong communities. No place can truly become a community in which we respect and understand each other until we learn of each other’s family stories and traditions, even though they may often prove quite different than our own. Without this awareness we lack the desperately needed commitment to each other so needed in our own times since we seem to be so unfortunately divided as a people, and often suspicious of each other. Each of us is strengthened when we share our stories and experiences. The collective effort to preserve our History helps us craft better solutions and constitutes, I suspect, the heart of true democracy. By bringing History into the discussion about contemporary problems we can better understand the origins of those problems and how to avoid repeating past mistakes that led to them.

History is a spark for economic growth. People are drawn to communities that preserve a strong sense of their historical identity. They are not drawn to visit parking lots, deteriorating buildings, and empty spaces once occupied by greater and more interesting things. Cultural heritage is a demonstrated economic asset and essential component of any vibrant local economy, not only from tourism, but by providing an environment attracting and retaining talent which, in turn, enhances local business development.

Since assuming this position I have been frequently confronted with arguments that our Museum would be better served in a newer building along better traveled roadways. That, certainly, is an argument with merit, and one difficult to deflect. The structure the Museum occupies was built in 1923 and is the last surviving building of Davenport Female College which was established in 1858 when Lenoir was little more than a wide spot in the road. I fear that should we ever vacate this beautiful old building the wrecking ball would not be far behind, no doubt to make room for yet another parking lot. I sincerely believe such an event would prove a truly sad loss for Caldwell County.

History is inspiring. It teaches us that our own troubles are not as great as we might think them to be by offering countless examples of those who have faced far greater challenges and overcome much more adversity than we, perhaps, could ever imagine. During some of the most difficult times of my own life I have been comforted by those examples and given the strength to endure my own difficulties with a far greater prospect of hope for better days.

The study of History teaches critical skills such as independent thinking, judgement of the accuracy and reliability of sources, validation of facts, and awareness of multiple perspectives and biases, analysis of conflicting evidence and coherent interpretation of it, as well as clear and persuasive oral and written communication skills. Surely, our country needs citizens with such essential skills and traits now more than ever, not only for ourselves in the present, but to provide a foundation for those coming after us to build upon. Without the preservation of our History, we have no grounding in what it means to be an American.

*Jeff Stepp is the Executive Director of the Caldwell Heritage Museum situated at 112 Vaiden St SW Lenoir NC (828)758-4004. He encourages you to visit the Museum as well as follow us on Facebook.