Historical Interpretation & Edward Hyam's

History is a subject that has many facets and is fascinating to learn. It can educate, entertain, and persuade. However, the true beauty of history lies in its interpretation. Interpreting history means delving deep into the past to understand it better, making it relevant to the present, and shaping the future (Beck, et. al., 2018).

Historical interpretation is not just about fun and entertainment, it's about learning from our past and forming values to guide our lives (Beck, et. al., 2018). By interpreting history, we can understand the significance of past events and how they have shaped the world we live in today. It helps us to build a sense of identity and community by preserving the collective memories, stories, and traditions of a community (Beck, et. al., 2018). By interpreting local history, we can also contribute to economic development and a better quality of life, making our communities more meaningful places to live and work (Beck, et. al., 2018).

Another important reason to interpret history is to remember. We must remember not only the happy stories of our past, but also the tragic ones. By remembering the past, we can learn from our mistakes and avoid repeating them in the future. We can also honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and preserve their legacies (Beck, et. al., 2018).

"There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it." - Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation

Edward Hyam's quote emphasizes the value of integrity and memory in maintaining the parts of a whole, even if they are dispersed over time. This means that we should try to preserve our heritage and remember our past so that we can learn from it and create a better future. By remembering the past, we can integrate ancient things into the present and future, maintaining the integrity of the whole. This quote highlights the importance of integrity and the role that knowledge and memory of the past play in maintaining it. The speaker argues that there is no inherent value in old or ancient things, but rather it is the integrity of a whole that is important. This integrity can only be maintained if the various parts that make up the whole are kept together, and this requires an understanding and appreciation of the past.

Hyam's continues to go on to draw an analogy between the past and a railway station, suggesting that to believe the past is irrelevant is akin to thinking that a station only exists for as long as a train is passing through it. I believe this highlights the short-sightedness of ignoring the past and the importance of recognizing that the present is built upon the foundations of what has come before.

Overall, the quote emphasizes the value of integrity and the need to maintain it through an understanding and appreciation of the past. It suggests that the past should not be simply discarded or dismissed, but rather should be remembered and used as a guide for the present and the future.

Interpreting history is a fascinating and essential art that requires detailed analysis and understanding. By interpreting history, we can learn from our past, form values to guide our lives, and build a sense of identity and community. It is essential to remember our past, honour the sacrifices of those who came before us, and preserve their legacies. However, it's not just about studying the past, it's about bringing it to life and making it relevant to the present. By interpreting history, we can learn so much and shape our own future. So, what are your thoughts on historical interpretation? Do you think it's important to remember and interpret the past?

Reference:

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: for a better world. Sagamore Publishing.

Edward Earle, Leila Hyams, and Buster Keaton Spite Marriage - 1929

There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things…. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it. - Edward Hyams (U6)

Hey folks! I found this weeks’ textbook readings to be pretty interesting with its inclusion of writing tips; Especially the one suggesting that a solution to writers’ block is as simple as writing a whiny letter to your mom and ranting about the topic….and then just deleting the dear mom parts. I also really enjoyed the notion that the process of writing hasn’t even begin unless it’s been made physical, cause then you could keep working on it -including and especially- subconsciously, until you think its truly done.

Anyways! Let’s get to this quote up here, which asks us to consider why we appreciate the things we do in a historical context.

While things that have been around for many years are often fascinating and have the ability to teach us a new perspective or concept from the past, the author suggests that the old age of something does not grant it inherent value. True value comes from the things or ideas that have not only been around for generations, but also maintained and passed on throughout them. It is indisputable that for the majority of history, storytelling was the main form of  keeping track or remembering something and so being held in the minds of people for years to come may be the ultimate display of gratitude- with humans generally being grateful for what made us who we are and the processes it took to get us here. As an example, generations of a family may have lived, hunted, and foraged within a particular forest, passing on the knowledge of their land to their children such as how to find the best growing spots, track animals, navigate, etc. With times having changed (as they unavoidably do), perhaps a child from this village/tribe/nomadic group no longer decides to  live in the forest and moves into a city or town such as the ones you or I am more familiar with (Like Guelph). Not having to depend their life on the forest anymore, they might go on to teach their kin less practical survival strategies and instead lessons on things like balance and respect in the forest, since it once was integral to their ancestors survival. (Now continue this chain a few more times-or the entire length of human history-and realize that many of the things we value today are because our lives depended on it!)

David McCullough once wrote that “we need the past for our sense of who we are…and what it is our duty to protect.” and I think this intertwines beautifully with Hyams idea. We cherish what those before us protected, and to some extent that is our origin story. What we choose to spend time around or tell stories about may seem random, but like everything, there's always a purpose.

To learn from the past is to better the future...

This week we were tasked to pull apart and inspect the following quote:

There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it.

(Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation)

To start, it makes sense that there is no particular worth in old things like artifacts, however there is worth in integrity, and integrity means keeping together the parts of a whole. This means that in order to maintain the integrity of a historical event, we need to maintain those ancient things that make it what it is. In order to maintain the integrity of the whole, you have to remember why it was ever important in the first place, and that is what makes it important to give merit to the ancient things that make up a whole. In the sciences, we learn about system thinking, and that the whole is merely the sum of its parts. In order to properly remember and interpret history, you have maintain the integrity of all the little things that make that historical event important.

To say that “the past is in the past” is to say that moments are only significant or important if they happen directly to you, and that there is no merit in remembering history, as we weren’t there and therefore it has nothing to do with us. In reality, interpreting history helps us understand ourselves, where we have been and what makes us who we are (Beck and Cable, 2018). History allows us to find inspiration in the stories of creators, leaders and survivors. Interpreting the past gives us the opportunity to learn from others’ mistakes and successes, and create a better future using that knowledge.

One of the most important lessons I took from this week’s content is that we need to always consider when interpreting history is to make sure we are doing so accurately and respectfully. The lessons we can learn from the past can be powerful, and it’s important that we’re portraying the past in the way the story was meant to be told, and avoid bias or personal attachments.

Beck and Cable (2018) said that “every natural site has a history and every historical site has natural resources.” I thought this quote connected this week’s content with past content. Although we have been focused so far mainly on how to interpret nature to others, history and nature have always been intertwined, and it is important as an interpreter to be comfortable with both. Tied into this concept (and every concept) is the impact of privilege that we talked about a few weeks ago. In Canada, it is always important to be aware and mindful that the nature and history that we are interpreting has been skewed by colonialism. One of the most respectful things we can do as interpreters is ensure that the stories we are telling about the history of the land reflects the actual truth.

Besides first-person and third-person interpretation (Beck and Cable, 2018) I think that writing is one of the most common types of interpretation of history (and nature) that we see in the world. All over museums and archives, natural parks and conservation areas, the written word can be found interpreting what you are looking at. Interpreting through the written word makes it possible for there to be an absence of a live interpreter while at the same time forcing a person to pause and interact with the item or place, as well as capture someone’s attention, so that they might learn something new (Hooykaas, 2024). Writing plays an important role in the interpretation of both nature and history, and is also something that helps keep memories alive.

What’s one way you have (or someone you know, or somewhere you’ve been) used writing as a way to interpret nature or history?

One way I interpret through writing is to write down important memories I’ve had (both good and bad) and that way I can go back and reminisce or pull guidance from an experience I’ve lived through :)

- All for now!

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing.

(Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation)

Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 06: Nature Interpretation through History. [Lecture notes]. ENVS3000 Nature Interpretation. University of Guelph.

History and Interpretation (BLOG 6)

Hello and welcome back to my nature blog! This week I have done some thinking on history and how things of the past can be interpreted. When we think of history, we think of the great stories and background behind artifacts that are left over. However, without interpretation, these artifacts that unpack tales of the past would simply be items or really old landscapes. In nature, history allows the information about land, the species it holds, and the people that use it to be conveyed and be used in many ways. History in nature allows local communities to share their past, gives cultural richness, and helps scientific research study the land for important preservation or monitoring rising issues like climate change.

"There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it."

(Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation)

In this quote shared as this week's prompt, it seems Edward Hyams dives into the meaning of interpretation in the context of preserving history. He starts by introducing the merit of artifacts, in which he describes what I had mentioned: without a story and someone to debunk the history and an honest background, historical artifacts have little to no worth. The mention of ancient things acknowledges the importance of remembering the history of a place or artifact and how they contribute to the present. This is extremely applicable when talking about nature's history as historical landscapes and ecosystems are all formed by their long evolution over time. These evolutionary processes are important to be understood through interpretation to debunk how species, the climate, and the earth came to be. The last part of the quote uses a train station analogy to describe the importance of memory. This analogy describes that the past isn't simply something to be discarded or ignored. Just because an event is past, doesn't mean that it wasn't significant to the present or future. I think Hyams quote also can describe how disregarding historical events that “only existed for as long as our train was in it”, creates struggle in using natural history for conservation. The historical aspects of nature continue to influence the future and we can't forget about the past as there may be great clues to drivers of change currently in ecosystems. For example, cycles of lower temperatures like the ice ages and warmer interglacial periods are all elements of environmental history that have allowed scientists to study the earth's climate and predict the natural waves of temperature versus human impact. Interpretation also keeps historical culture alive and teaches younger generations about having a relationship with nature. An example of this is how Indigenous communities keep their ancestors' history alive for cultural reasons and use stories to convey the importance of certain natural features or landscapes for spirituality (Beck et al., 2018, p.341).

It is extremely important to remember history. This makes interpreters especially important as their role is to keep the integrity of history alive and not forgotten (Beck et al., 2018, p.326). With this, preserving history can be a driver of change for the future having a huge impact on scientific research and cultural practice. Without acknowledging and remembering the past, these "trains" of history will be lost.

Resources

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World (pp. 81–102). Sagamore Publishing LLC. https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669

Blog 06: Nature Interpretation Through History

Hi everyone, and welcome to my sixth blog post! The topic we are focusing on this week is nature interpretation through history. There is a lot of information to unpack here, so let’s dive in!

This week’s discussion was based on natural history and the interpretation of it. Natural history involves creating stories and memories based on evidence. Interpretation is needed to give life to past events, as well as remember the importance those events may have had. Interpreters have the ability to enrich their audience by relating historical experiences to their own lives. 

Interpretive writing of natural history has the power to change the world. It has the ability to both persuade and entertain (Beck et al., 2018). An example of this would be Rachel Carson and her novel Silent Spring. Last semester I explored the impact Rachel Carson had on the use of pesticides in the United States in another Environmental Science class here at UofG (ENVS 3020). Through her book, Rachel Carson was able to bring attention to the adverse effects pesticides have on the environment and wildlife (Beck et al., 2018). Through her writing, which she used as an interpretive tool, Rachel was able to influence public perception and reconstructed movements towards protecting the environment. 

Rachel Carson's novel Silent Spring

"There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it."

The above quotation is from Edward Hyams in the 7th chapter of his book, The Gift of Interpretation. When unpacking this quote, I think of the importance of both the past and present coming together. There is not necessarily significance in things just because they are older, but the real value lies in seeing the bigger picture (both the past and present). In order to maintain integrity, we must consider memories and knowledge of the past. Sometimes we live our lives without thinking or remembering what or who came before us. 

What I have taken away from this quote is to consider the importance previous history and events have on us in our modern day lives. By understanding history, we are able to learn valuable lessons that allow us to make informed decisions in the future. 

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing.

Nature Interpretation through History

Diving into Edward Hyams' musings in "The Gifts of Interpretation" really got me thinking. He says, "There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole…" It's a hefty thought, especially when I relate it back to what we've been unpacking in our latest unit on history's role in nature interpretation. It's like Hyams is nudging us to see the bigger picture, to connect the dots across time to maintain the story's wholeness.

Now, as a biomedical science undergrad who’s ventured into the world of environmental interpretation, I’ve always been about the facts and figures. But this course, and particularly this unit, has been a gentle push towards appreciating the narratives behind those facts. It’s about seeing the forest for the trees, quite literally. The history that shapes our natural landscapes isn't just a backdrop, it is a vital part of the narrative, improving our understanding and connection to the environment.

Hyams' idea of integrity made me reflect on how we approach nature. It's not just observing the natural world but understanding the historical threads that weave through it. This perspective is crucial, not just for the sake of knowledge but for fostering a deeper connection with our environment. It’s recognizing that every tree, river, or mountain has a backstory, shaped by both nature and humanity. It’s about honoring those stories in our interpretation, making sure they’re not lost to time but preserved and shared.

This approach aligns with what we’ve been exploring in the unit—how history enriches our interpretation of nature. It’s like we’re detectives, piecing together clues from the past to present a fuller picture of the natural world today. This doesn’t mean turning every nature walk into a history lesson. Instead, it’s about peppering our narratives with historical insights that add depth and context, making the experience richer for our audience.

In the spirit of not being formulaic and embracing the interpretive freedom this course encourages, let’s think about how we can weave these historical threads into our own stories of nature. Maybe it’s sharing the legacy of a local park, the ancestral significance of a landmark, or even how our understanding of conservation has evolved over time. The goal? To spark curiosity, foster connection, and maybe even inspire action towards preserving these natural and historical treasures.

Unit 06 - From Past to Present: Promoting Honesty in Environmental Interpretation

Hey everyone!

Edward Hyams’ quote illuminates the fundamental relationship between the past and present when it comes to interpretation. This realization is consistent with the ideas covered in ENVS*3000, which address the difficulties in accurately interpreting the past as well as the difficulties in presenting contentious histories (Beck et al., 2018).

The goals of environmental interpretation addressed in Unit 06 are in alignment with Hyams' claim that integrity requires the "keeping together of the parts of any whole". To make sense of the current landscape, environmental interpretation necessitates a grasp of the past (Hooykaas, 2024). This idea emphasizes the need of preserving the narrative's integrity across time, and it is comparable to the acknowledgment and assessment of history's significance in environmental interpretation.

The difficulties interpreters encounter when conveying historical narratives are covered in the textbook. The requirement of accuracy in interpretation is consistent with Hyams' claim that memory and familiarity with ancient things are necessary for integrity. The chapters stress the significance of identifying biases, distinguishing primary sources from secondary sources, and managing the dynamic nature of historical views (Beck et al., 2018).

Furthermore, the transient quality of interpretation is paralleled by Hyams' comparison of a railway station. The idea that history is incomplete as if a stop on a train only existed while our train was passing through, contradicts the idea that history is continuous (Beck et al., 2018). This is consistent with Unit 06's focus on the function of interpretation in fostering historical connections. Interpreters are like stewards of a railroad station; they make sure the station survives longer than a train passes by. The past becomes a continuing journey that informs the present through interpretation, rather than being limited to a past era (Beck et al., 2018).

The textbook’s discussion of the difficulties associated with controversial history highlights the necessity for interpreters to consider the difficulties of delivering difficult truths (Beck et al., 2018). According to Hyams, integrity requires knowledge of and remembrance of the past, which suggests a dedication to telling the truth about history despite disagreements. In the textbook’s discussion of the moral implications of historical interpretation, the notion that interpreters must approach difficult histories with tact and dedication to the truth is supported (Beck et al., 2018).

While reading the content for this week, I am reminded of my connection to the value of truthful storytelling. After hearing firsthand accounts from Holocaust survivors, the effects of this period of history are still very much present. The textbook's discussion of the Holocaust's aftereffects serves as a powerful reminder of the value of maintaining historical accuracy for future generations (Beck et al., 2018). In addition to visiting sites, such as Auschwitz, by educating visitors and creating awareness, Holocaust museums are a great source of information. By utilizing a variety of channels, including conferences, online events, exhibitions, and social media, they actively spread Holocaust consciousness and information to a broad audience, enhancing our understanding of historical facts (Oztig, 2023).

Holocaust Survivors - taken from https://www.un.org/en/holocaust-survivors-reflect

By dissecting this quote, interpreters can learn from Beck et al. (2018) and promote a more profound comprehension of the past, creating a story that endures while upholding moral and accurate historical interpretation.

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing

Hooykaas, A (2024) Unit 4: Nature Interpretation Through Art and Planning for "All" Scenarios. ENVS*3000. University of Guelph

Oztig, L. I. (2023). Holocaust museums, Holocaust memorial culture, and individuals: a Constructivist perspective. Journal of Modern Jewish Studies, 22(1), 62–83. https://doi.org/10.1080/14725886.2021.2011607

Sci-Fi Saturday: Island of Lost Souls

Week 9:

Film(s): Island of Lost Souls (Dir. Erle C. Kenton, 1932, USA)

Viewing Format: Blu-Ray: Criterion Edition

Date Watched: July 9, 2021

Rationale for Inclusion:

Since antiquity humans have been telling stories about humans becoming animals, animals becoming humans, and human-animal hybrids. As humans moved from superstition and religion into scientific methodology for understanding the world around them, it follows that this obsession would inspire science fiction narratives.

In 1896, author H.G. Wells combined contemporary discourses around Darwinian evolution, Galtonian eugenics, and the anti-vivisection movement with a shipwreck narrative and published The Island of Dr. Moreau. All subsequent science fiction narratives that have involved the creation of animal-human hybrids through surgery or other technological means derive at least some of their inspiration from this book.

The novel was adapted into a silent film twice (once in France, once in Germany) before a sound adaptation was produced in Hollywood by Paramount Studios, Island of Lost Souls (Dir. Erle C. Kenton, 1932, USA). As with Frankenstein (Dir. James Whale, 1931, USA) and Doctor X (Dir. Michael Curtiz, 1932, USA), this film is part of the cycle of Pre-Code horror films produced in the wake of the popularity of Dracula (Dir. Todd Browning, 1931, USA). It also marks the first time a work of H.G. Wells is featured on the survey, which at 9 weeks into this series seems late given that he's one of the authors competing for the title of "Father of Science Fiction."

Aside from its place in the overall scientific genre, Island of Lost Souls would have been worth including for no other reason than its dialogue inspiring Devo's 1978 album Q: Are We Not Men? We are Devo!. The Criterion collection disc release even includes an interview with band members Gerald Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh talking about how the film inspired them.

Reactions:

Whilst Doctor X was a horror film with science fiction aesthetics, Island of Lost Souls is more science fiction film with horror aesthetics. The beast-men makeup makes Moreau's creations indeed disquieting and monstrous. The uncredited work of Charles Gemora and Wally Westmore lacks the artistry of Jack Pierce, but is nevertheless quality for the era. Dr. Moreau's laboratory in the House of Pain is minimalist compared to the apparatuses seen in the laboratories of Doctors Xavier and Frankenstein, but he is operating further from concentrated civilizations on a South Seas island, and apparently doesn't require as showy equipment.

As an adaptation of The Island of Dr. Moreau it's fairly accurate in terms of core plot and themes. The accuracy diverges due to including a love interest for the protagonist, Edward Parker (Richard Arlen), in his worried, yet resilient fiancee Ruth Thomas (Leila Hyams) and the retooling of the novel's Half-Finished Puma-Woman into Lota, The Panther Woman (Kathleen Burke). As with adaptations of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Hollywood filmmakers felt compelled to include a sexy, dark woman and a pure, wholesome fiancee counterpoint in what had previously been a homosocial narrative of male psychology and interpersonal dynamics. Apparently, the male filmmakers found it necessary to insert a Madonna-whore complex where there was none, or more likely wanted a "whore" and felt obligated to include a "Madonna" for the sake of propriety, and/or to not alienate the female audience as they perceived it and the censors.

However, the male filmmakers were not just interested in adding sex in Island of Lost Souls, but amping up the original novel's violence. Scenes of abuse, torture and surgery without anesthesia directed at the beast-men were all carryovers from the source material, but the grisly fate of Dr. Moreau (Charles Laughton) was unique to this adaptation. In The Island of Dr. Moreau the Half-Finished Puma-Woman and Moreau battle to the death. In Island of Lost Souls the beast-men rebel and get revenge on Moreau, dissecting him with his own surgical tools in the House of Pain.

To my partner and my 2020s eyes the dispatch of Moreau by his creations was shocking and horrific. We noted it was gruesome even by Pre-Code standards. Apparently to its contemporary audiences it went too far, and this scene, as well as others seen as too explicit, resulted in censored versions circulating or the film being outright banned in various countries. Other Pre-Code films, such as Frankenstein and King Kong (Dir. Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, 1933, USA), suffered similar fates, and like them Island of Lost Souls would not be in circulation in their original theatrical cuts until restorations were performed decades later.

Island of Lost Souls offers more than shock value and a Pre-Code case study, however. Karl Struss' moody cinematography and the emphasis on the characters as much as the narrative situation makes for an engaging film. Bela Lugosi's Sayer of the Law, with make-up like a budget Wolfman, may play more as camp these days, but he is absolutely committed to his character. Similarly, Laughton's impish Moreau steals every scene that he is in. For fans of monster or mad scientist movies it's a necessary watch.

The Importance of Interpreting Nature Through History

Hey everyone, welcome back. This week I will be dissecting a quote from Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation:

“There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it” - Edward Hyams

Hyams wrote an inspiring and thought provoking quote that challenges our ingrained views of past events, knowledge, and teachings of our natural landscape. Hyams starts by saying there is no particularly merit in ancient things, and how I interpret this is that the tangible elements of “ancient things” is what really has no merit, but the reason these things still stand and hold value after tens of thousands of years is what one could call, as Eward Hyams refers to, integrity. I think what he is alluding to is the relevance between integrity and perseverance. If something is persevered, whether tangible or intangible, it holds memories, and those memories can then be passed down and taught through multiple generations, increasing its integrity. This thought can be backed up from our textbook as well, Beck & Cable, 2011 allude that one of the main goals in interpreting nature’s history is the act of remembering; as keeping memories alive is the true meaning of interpreting history (Beck et al., 2011). This is what I believe Edward Hyams references, how physical ancient things serve no other purpose than to pass down knowledge (integrity) to the next generation. 

The second part of his first sentence then talks about the importance of parts of a whole, where I think he aims to highlight the importance between interconnected processes, whether that being the simplest example of sunlight = food for green plants or a more personal example for us humans, food = survival. The latter cannot be achieved prior to the existence of the former, and the same could be said for appreciating the integrity of ancient things; one cannot appreciate said things if they were not preserved and cared for in the first place.

He finishes the quote by challenging our moral views and obligations to consciously integrate the knowledge we’ve gained from our past to better ourselves in the future; to keep our stories alive (Hooykaas, 2024). For a more modern example, take fossil fuels; we can acknowledge that our advancement in technologies would not have advanced without the utilization and processing of fossil fuels, but within the same breathe, we must understand that we have new technologies such as solar, nuclear, or geothermal energies that can perform just as or even more efficient than fossil fuels, and at half the price of our environment. In keeping with Hyam's thoughts, we must not forget where we came from, but we must also acknowledge the destruction it took for us as humans to get us to where we are today. We must find integrity through the inspiration and preservation of the stories and lives of past survivors, whether that be humans, ecosystems, or flora and fauna.

References:

Beck, L., & Ted T. Cable. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world - ebook. Sagamore. https://sagamorepub.com/products/interpreting-cultural-and-natural-heritage-for-a-better-world-2

Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 06: Nature Interpretation through History. [Lecture notes]. ENVS*3000 Nature Interpretation. University of Guelph.

Blog 6: Unpacking Edward Hyams Quote

With the following thought-provoking quote from the book "The Gifts of Interpretation", Edward Hyams makes a strong case for the importance of history and the necessity of integrity.  "There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it." To fully grasp the significance of this verse, which is full of implications and meaning, it is worth delving further.

Hyams begins by refuting the idea that objects that are ancient are valuable just because of their age. Rather, he turns the emphasis to integrity, characterizing it as a structural need that sustains the many constituents of any organism across time, as well as a moral virtue. In this sense, integrity encompasses not just personal qualities but also the collective consciousness and knowledge of the community as a whole. It follows that society's integrity is maintained by ongoing, shared remembrance and comprehension of its history.

The comparison of a train station perfectly captures the spirit of Hyams' argument. The past does not become irrelevant as time goes on, just as a train station does not vanish the instant a train leaves. It is a misperception of time and existence to think that history is meaningless once it has been lived. History is a continuum that both shapes and is shaped by the present, not a collection of discrete occurrences. Our comprehension of the present is shaped by the past, which also directs our future course of action. This perspective challenges us to reevaluate how we relate to the past. It implies that a society's integrity is preserved by its capacity to recall, comprehend, and incorporate its past into its current identity in addition to its outward accomplishments and inventions. In order to achieve this integration, the past must be actively engaged with and acknowledged for its effect on the present and future.

The quotation from Hyams is an appeal for a more in-depth study of history as a vital component of leading an honorable life rather than just as an academic exercise. It inspires us to view history as an essential component of our shared identity rather than as a burden or an outmoded relic. We may safeguard the integrity of society and become better equipped to handle the problems of the present and the future by accepting our historical consciousness.

By dissecting Hyams' quotation, we are reminded of how important history is to maintaining social order. It pushes us to see history as a dynamic, breathing aspect of our shared identity that influences both the present and the future, rather than merely a chronicle of past occurrences. Recognising the ongoing significance of the past is crucial to preserving our society's integrity and making sure we proceed with discernment and wisdom.

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Past Shapes Present (Week 6)

Welcome to another week of nature interpretation my friends! I hope you’ve taken time to enjoy nature recently! This week I thought we’d dissect a thought provoking quote by Edward Hyams:

“There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it.” (Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation)

While this quote is rather complex (I know I had to read it a few times), I’m going to break it down and provide some examples. 

First of all, I totally agree with the sentiment of the statement, which I interpret to mean that our current conditions are predicated on all the past that came before it, and that to truly describe something as it is now, you need to know about its past.

This principle is relevant to me as an interpreter. To convey a fully meaningful story to visitors I will necessarily reference the past. For example, if I was leading a fall hike through a forest, any complete story about the beautiful fall colors would refer to dynamic seasonal changes: the trees are not red, orange, and yellow year-round. Our present moment is shaped by everything that came before, and this is absolutely true of our ever dynamic natural world. 

It is also consistent with some of the primary goals of interpretation as stated by the self-taught nature interpretation Enos Mills. The goal that comes to mind is “to give biographies rather than classifications” (Beck et al, Chapter 5, Guiding Principles). By delving into the unique stories in nature, we maintain the integrity of the natural world, by recognizing that its past intricacies contribute to its present.

It also reminds me of British Columbia, standing in front of a Douglas Fir tree. Part of their beauty and intrigue is not only their massive size, but also in their ancient age. They remind us of the past, and make us ponder which world events took place while the tree was alive. This tree - this singular thing - is part of the world as we know it now with our modern technology and conveniences, but was also part of the world when it was radically different. All of these things, the past and the present are wrapped up and represented in this one ancient tree. I am certain a good interpreter could craft an excellent story tying these trees to ancient history. They could connect Canadian history with the present, breathing life and meaning into past events through these ancient trees (Beck et al, Chapter 15, Interpreting History).

What a great quote to look at! That’s all for this week folks. I’ve been slowly developing my writing, and I hope it shows (Beck et al, Chapter 14, Interpretation and the Written World). 

I hope writing is capable of showing my passion for these topics. As the famous interpreter Freeman Tilden said, “Whatever is written without enthusiasm, will be read without interest.” (Tilden, Interpreting Our Heritage)

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing.

Tilden, F. (1977). Interpreting our heritage. University of North Carolina Press.

Visit Buster Keaton in the studio. Dorothy Sebastian, William Collier, Edward Earle, and Leila Hyams play a game.

-Film-Magazin Vereinigt Mit Filmwelt, 1929

Blog 6: A Journey Through History

As I wandered through the ancient streets of Rome, Italy, I was struck by the palpable sense of history that enveloped me. Each cobblestone pathway seemed to whisper tales of past eras, inviting me to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of human experience. In Edward Hyams' profound reflection, "There is no peculiar merit in ancient things," he prompts us to reconsider the value we attribute to the relics of the past (Hyams). Drawing from my immersive experience in Rome and insights from scholarly sources, this blog post seeks to unpack Hyams' quote and explore the enduring significance of history, using my journey through Rome as a lens.

Hyams contends that integrity, not age, is what truly matters, challenging the idea that merit can only be attained by antiquity. This struck a deep chord with my memories of my time spent in Rome, where the enduring buildings and relics served as witnesses to centuries of human history. A framework for comprehending the interdependence of the past and present was offered by Beck, Cable, and Knudson's debate on the function of interpretation in fostering personal identities through historical narratives (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018). As I marvelled at the Colosseum's magnificence, I understood that its significance came from the stories it told and the cultural identity it represented, not only from its antiquity.

Coherence and unity in historical interpretation are crucial, as Hyams emphasizes honesty as the foundation of merit. This idea is supported by Fleischner's definition of natural history, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of environmental narratives by deliberate attention to the world outside humans (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018; Fleischner, 2002). As I thought back on my interactions with local naturalists and citizen scientists in Rome's parks, I realized how important their work is in preserving the integrity of natural ecosystems and encouraging a closer relationship with the natural world.

Hyams emphasizes the need to comprehend and conserve historical narratives when he states that integrity requires knowledge of and remembrance of the past. Upon visiting Rome's museums and archaeological sites, I was astounded by the care with which ancient items and the stories they told had been preserved. This concept was echoed by Miller-Rushing et al.'s consideration of citizen scientists' contributions to natural history documentation, emphasizing the value of collective memory in historical interpretation (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018; Miller-Rushing et al., 2012).

Hyams's moving illustration of a train station serves as a timely reminder of the mistake of ignoring the past. History transcends time to influence our present and future, just like a train station survives after it passes by. This comparison struck a chord with my travels to Rome, where the streets were alive with the echoes of long-gone civilizations, serving as a constant reminder of the influence of the past on modern culture.

Edward Hyams' quote challenges us to reevaluate our perception of history and its significance. Through my journey in Rome and insights from scholarly sources, I have come to appreciate the timeless wisdom embedded in historical narratives. True merit lies not in antiquity alone but in the integrity, coherence, and enduring impact of historical interpretation. As interpreters of history and environmental narratives, we bear the responsibility of preserving and sharing these stories, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to resonate with future generations.

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing. Fleischner, T. L. (2002). Quoted in Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing. Hyams, E. (n.d.). "The Gifts of Interpretation." Retrieved from [insert link here]. Miller-Rushing, A. J., Primack, R., & Bonney, R. (2012). Quoted in Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing.

Blog 6: How safe are you at work?(Historical interpretation)

In this week’s blog prompt, we were tasked with unpacking the quote:

“There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it.” – Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation

Collecting and fixing the broken historical artifact helps discover the knowledge that accompanies the artifact.

I believe that Edward wants to express that historical artifacts and evidence of the past by themselves have no value. However, by collecting these often degraded and broken parts, we can discover a story, lost knowledge, or memory of the past. He also uses a train simile to explain that one cannot ignore the past just because it has already happened. It usually teaches us a lesson that helped us improve to the present. Edward’s use of simile, a figurative language, is like what Alan Leftridge talked about when discussing ‘Interpretive Titles and Leads’ in the assigned reading, chapter 14 of the textbook. This helps the reader better visualize and relate the meaning behind Edward’s statement as most people have ridden a train, allowing them to easily visualize and understand.

Relating this quote back to interpretating history, Edward mentions how learning about past helps discover lost knowledge or warnings. This was also mentioned in this week’s second assigned reading, chapter 15 of the textbook, “Another reason to interpret history is to remember. To remember not only the happy stories of our past, but also the tragic ones”. The textbook goes on to mention historic conflicts and events, but I want to relate this to work safety and OSHA.

There is a common saying in the workforce especially centered around manual labour and heavy equipment: “All safety regulations are written in blood”. This saying wants to drive home the message that all work safety regulations and rules that workers find annoying only exist due to a worker in the past getting seriously hurt by a workplace incident causing preventative measures to be made afterwards. While working daily, it is important to follow safety regulations and rules as YOU might be the next OSHA case that rules are written about to prevent serious injury.

By observing the preventative rules, watching recreated incident videos, and reading case files, a working can paint a picture and gain knowledge of the incident that happened in the past that they can prevent now. This is in my opinion exactly what Edward Hyams was talking about in his quote but in a different circumstance compared to my interpretation.

As someone who has worked in many different warehouses and distribution centers, I am fairly comfortable working around loud heavy machinery and forklifts moving around with their horns blaring. Safety is always important in warehouses as the employers do not want to get sued however, safety incidents still occur. One of the biggest safety rules is always wearing high-visibility clothing in the facility so people operating heavy machinery can notice the employee easily. However, all employees are given the same high-visibility clothing so after a period of time, employees unconsciously start tuning out the high-visibility clothing as they become used to them. This is why the saying “All safety regulations are written in blood” resonates with me, as I believe high visibility acclimatization is going to lead to an incident that will create a new OSHA law sooner rather than later.

Interpretation through History

In this weeks blog we will be taking a look at a quote by Edward Hyams, and deconstructing it to see how it can teach us about nature interpretation through history. 

“There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it.” 

-Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation

This quote is very powerful, in that it speaks about the importance of memory and knowledge of the past and states that the value in history is in it’s ability to stay with us. Hyams is stating in this quote that the value of ancient things does not lie in the object or site itself but rather in the knowledge, understanding, and integration of lessons that can be learned from the past. He emphasizes integrity in recognizing the ties between events that may be separated by time and how they influence and interact with eachother. This is core to interpretation of history, as it is important to remember the past, both the good and the bad, to learn from what has happened (Beck, 2018). Just as it is good to learn about the bad that has happened to not repeat it, it is also beneficial to learn about the good, so that it can be replicated. Not all stories are black and white however, and even in tragic times we can find inspiration in the stories of survivors and those who became agents for change (Beck, 2018). It is the job of interpreters to choose stories and perspectives that will be valuable for their audiences and help them see how history can correspond to their own lives. To achieve this it is important that programs are both accurate and authentic and portray a truthful interpretation of the past.

From Hyams’ quote, knowing that the train station still exists is equivalent to remembering past events and knowing that they have occurred. Just because these events are not currently happening does not mean that they never did or that they will never happen again. Just like how leaving the train station does not mean it no longer exists or that you will not pass through another. It is easy to recognize when events in the past were wrong and to judge the people of the time, but it is much harder to recognize when wrongful practices are developing or when current events are unjust. By understanding the interconnectedness of past and present events, this knowledge can be applied to modern life to prevent repitition of tragedies and improve the situation for others.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., and Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.