Telling Untold Histories: Free Program at Trailside Nature Center!

Dr. Mary Rizzo of Rutgers-Newark. 

I wanted to extend a warm and hearty "thank you" to Union County constituents for your patience with me over the past month as I took a brief hiatus from blogging.* I am back now, though, and I am excited about the many wonderful events that Union County has in store for the upcoming holiday season.

At last night's Freeholder meeting, hosted by Westfield, I announced an upcoming event at Trailside Nature and Science Center, titled "Good Intentions Are Not Enough: Telling Untold Histories at Your Site." Dr. Mary Rizzo, Associate Director of Public and Digital Humanities Initiatives for the Program in American Studies at Rutgers-Newark, will host the talk, scheduled for Tuesday, November 13 at 7:00 PM. 

I have heard Dr. Rizzo lecture before, and she offers a wonderfully thoughtful and accessible approach to public history, emphasizing not only inclusiveness, but also regarding the moral and ethical concerns that are a part of telling accurate untold histories. 

The program is free and open to the public, but preregistration is required--to register on line, go to ucnj.org/parks, call (908) 436-2912, or email jprescott@ucnj.org

See the press release below for more details.

*As you know, I had been appointed to the unexpired freeholder seat (left by former Freeholder Linda Carter), and I had to run in the general election to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term (December 2019). I am now a duly-elected freeholder, along with my running mates--Freeholder Al Mirabella, Freeholder-elect Kim Mouded, and Freeholder-elect Andrea Staten. I want to congratulate them on their respective victories, and I want to thank the residents of Union County for the support we received. 

Press Release

For Immediate Release: November 7, 2018

Free Event: Telling the Untold Histories of Historical Sites

Union County, NJ — Union County residents and visitors are invited to explore the concept of untold histories and participate in a discussion hosted by Dr. Mary Rizzo of Rutgers University on Tuesday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

Dr. Rizzo is the creator of the public humanities Master of Arts track in the Graduate Program in American Studies at the Rutgers University School of Arts and Sciences. The program prepares students for leadership positions in public history and humanities organizations.

“Historical sites are enriched by a more inclusive and diversified accounting of the people, times, and events associated with them,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “It is very exciting to have Dr. Mary Rizzo share her knowledge and insights on building trust with underrepresented communities and bringing their stories to the public.”

Good Intentions Are Not Enough: Telling Untold Histories at Your Site is open to all Union County residents and visitors. Students, educators, librarians and members of local historical societies are especially encouraged to attend.

Using real-world examples, Dr. Rizzo will show how historical and cultural organizations are helping to diversify the history presented to the public.

Dr. Rizzo will also draw on her academic research and her work as founder and chair of the Telling Untold Histories Conference, to address the challenges and ethical considerations involved in developing relationships with community members.

Attendance is free of charge but pre-registration is required. To pre-register online visit the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at ucnj.org/parks.

For more information about the event contact John Prescott at the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 908-436-2912 or jprescott@ucnj.org.

This program is funded in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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