Originally published on March 4, 2016 (Episode 49)
Introduction
“People of every place and time deserve a history,” writes Joseph Amato. Local and regional history, he argues, is how we remember the most intimate matters of life—our landscapes, our communities, our childhoods.
In this conversation, Amato explains why local history matters, what muskrats can tell us about Minnesota’s plains, and how the “clandestine” shapes our understanding of place.
About the Guest
The late Joseph Amato was Professor Emeritus of History at Southwest Minnesota State University and a founder of the Society of Local and Regional History. His books range from Rethinking Home to histories of dust, walking, and everyday life.
For Further Investigation
Joseph Amato, Rethinking Home: The Case for Local History (California, 2002)
Related Episodes
Bob Beatty on Public and Local History
Peter Stearns on World History
Listen & Discuss
What’s the history of your place? Share your reflections in the comments and pass this episode to someone in your hometown.
