Yearning for history--and upcoming travel

[scarlettina]

A couple of days ago, I posted a sort of capsule review of Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. I found myself, in the wake of reading that book, missing living somewhere as full of history as New York is. I mean, if I'd been living in NYC when I read that book, I'd have hopped the subway into Manhattan and gone to Trinity Church to see Hamilton's

Comments

[prettyshrub]

This is not meant to be in any way snarky, but have you looked into the local native american history?

[scarlettina]

I guess what I'm getting at here is urban history and architecture as much as anything. I'm aware of the Native American history in the region and it's not my intention to dismiss First Nations heritage; certainly I have much more to learn, but for me it's part of a different area of interest than what I'm talking about. Some of this, too, is nostalgia for where I grew up, and that's not something Seattle will ever be able to assuage.

This, however, it a good thought. I should take advantage of more of the resources around here about the Native American history and heritage around Seattle.

[joycemocha]

Seattle has some excellent resources. Years ago I saw an incredible Northwest Coast trade blanket display at UW--of the sort that were worn as ritual coats. Incredibly stunning.

If you ever get out to Neah Bay, the Makah Reserve has a great museum (one thing I cannot stress enough for anyone with an interest in history is that the Native museums on reservations tend to be stunning. I've yet to meet one I haven't liked--traditional and contemporary artists, plus history from the Native perspective).

[prettyshrub]

You are quite right about urban history and architecture being different and unique from other sorts of history and artifacts. Nostalgia also has its own merits. :)

But I do get an awed feeling when I see a garment or tool from hundreds of years ago that someone lived with everyday.

I also second joycemocha's comment about Neah Bay and the Makah museum.

[girasole]

Is he coming to the Malibu too? Inquiring friends want to lay eyes on him!

[scarlettina]

Sadly he'll only be in town from that Friday through Sunday evening, so no Malibu for him. I wish 'twere otherwise.

ETA: Jack and I talked tonight via Skype (he's in China on business) and we may try to plot a lunch for a select smaller group of people to meet during the weekend when he's here--if folks are available. Will keep you apprised.

New York

[ladyjestocost]

Have tons of fun! Don't stay! :)

Re: New York

[scarlettina]

:: chuckle :: Have I ever yet?

[exiledfromtribe]

Ah, I'm glad that I checked in to LJ. =) As a U.S. history major (hobbyist), the first thing that I think about the East is the historical wealth to be found there. Buildings are great historical artifacts because they're big and made of stone. They also give a really visceral sense of history; you're standing where someone else did, looking at what they saw.

[scarlettina]

...you're standing where someone else did, looking at what they saw.

Yes, yes, yes! How many eyes have beheld what I see when I look at the Statue of Liberty? Or the Empire State Building? Or Independence Hall? These things create a connection that can't be created in almost any other way.

[criada]

I know what you mean. I remember travelling though Europe, and being almost overwhelmed by the fact that almost every single field is the site of some battle or ruin. I've got a friend who was an exchange student from Ireland. He was talking to a guy over here, and the guy was like, "I grew up in this really old house. It was ahundred years old!" and my Irish friend responded with, "my grandma's house is four hundred years old."