The Lowell Experiment

Stanton does a lot of work on the study of how Public History came to Lowell and does it from the standpoint of an anthropologist. At first, I thought that approach wouldn't work but it does - although there's a couple of times when I think its overkill and that often times Stanton does herself and the book a disservice by taking herself too seriously. 

She breaks the book apart into three sections. In the first she writes about how Public Historians (including those that don't call themselves Public Historians because of the social stigma that was attached to it back then...) "as social actors operate in a post industrial city undergoing considerable socioeconomic and demographic change" (p.29.) Another way of saying this would be "work in the real world."

In the second part she writes about the tours of Lowell. The canal ride show how the the city was built around industry and how the workers interact with the tourists. however I thinks its bit much to say that "the ranger used the incident to reinforce a linear narrative that ultimately served to mask the visitors own privileged positions in the globalizing economy"(p. 69.) She writes similar things about the walking tour of the acre and about how its reinforcing a separation between the tourists from those people whose lives are being displayed. All of this was brought about it seems by the redevelopment of Lowell.  

The third section is the best part of the book because its so heavily researched on the way Public History is being practiced in the Lowell. It also illustrates the reasoning behind a lot of the decision making which is really helpful. Lowell reminds me of those old company towns in Pennsylvania that revolved around either the coal mine or the steel mill. There's one company in Lowell - the NHP- that the entire economy and populace are dependent upon. Stanton concludes the book by writing about how "The public history I would hope to see in Lowell and places like it is one that could foster relationships with a wider, more encompassing set of people and thus a broader vision about what that world might become." Well, of course, but shouldn't that be the goal of every community organization or project? Take out the words public history in that sentence and replace them with city council or PTA meeting and you'll see what I mean. 

Stanton's book is well researched and very authoritative but also I think a little unfair because The Lowell Experiment - like all public history in my opinion - is a work in progress. 

Go Phils!