My Birth Dates
It is hard to believe, but less than 1 year ago I unveiled my Accidental Historian website.
December 5, 2024 was its Birth Date. For me, it was a significant date….and a memorable date; the date was the launch of my first “official” publication. The Wonder and Complexity of the 1904 World’s Fair, by the Missouri Historical Society.
I launched my first AH Blog, 1957 and a Few Other Dates, on my actual Birth Date. I chose to do so because it would help me as I look back. You see, memory can change as we age. So, a little help is not a bad idea.
I have also discovered in my historical pursuits, that the memory of history can change and fade, often to the point where people often change the facts or misremember. It’s like that “Telephone Game” where the first player starts a message and passes (whispers) on to the next player, but by the time it reaches the last player, the message is not as it started.
In my inaugural Blog, I provided some commentary and references about dates, what they mean and can mean, regardless of whether they are deemed “significant” milestones. After all, the significance of many things that affect our lives, like those who wrote the history books I was subjected to, ultimately depends on points of view. And keep in mind, there is no single point of view even in a democratic process. Our world and the historie and stories within, is complex and has become so blurred with the intermingling of subjectivity and objectivity. But my history (your history) is unique.
So, I share some thoughts today because August 17, 1957 was my Birth Date.
People celebrate birthdays for a number of reasons. As I revealed in that first Blog, celebrating of this date, this focus on me, has never been particularly important to me. I am not opposed to recognizing this date or celebrating, but really, I now use this date to help me understand and gauge my time on this earth, from 1957 to 2025, and those experiences (and history) that occurred between. As I enrich my understanding, it helps me navigate the everchanging world I (we) face. I learn every day. I want to learn every day.
What is fascinating is that while this timespan changes annually, the preceding history I have understood (or did not know) also changes as I research and discover. It is like I am constantly rebooting my grounding, my balance and ultimately outlook on life.
So, on this anniversary date, is there any other significance?
I believe so. I am now 68 years young.
You see, some society “norms” seem to want to place you in a state of being at a certain age. That labeling of the “Golden Years,” where by someone’s point of view, your retirement fund must meeting some analytic, you are to stop working, focus on leisure and relaxation, paying more attention to your family, force yourself into a hobby or where many become less productive.
For me, I am only at the beginning of a parallel journey (yes, while I am still working). My discovery of the stories contained within my historical timeline has not only enriched me, but my discoveries and story-telling have helped others, others who never new “something” or where the discovery has helped them fill in that gap in their own life puzzle. If I can help, then that is significant.
I like to think that the more we collectively understand on how we have relatable experiences and histories, the better we may all become as we share this planet. This can only be done if WE share our stories.
Regardless of your age, what is your current timeline and how might discovering the stories within help you, enrich you?
You don’t have to be a “historian.” Just be curious. Share.
