History Camp Boston 2015: Post-event report

History Camp Boston 2015
Post-event report

Introduction
• Event: March 28, 2015
• Survey fielded: April 6 – April 10, 2015
• Invitations to take the survey were distributed via e-mail from the History Camp updates list as well
as from the survey platform used (SurveyGizmo.com)
• Invitations were sent to all subscribers to the History Camp mailing list, including . . .
• everyone who registered for History Camp 2015 and those who registered at the event
• people who attended in 2014, but not 2015
• all others who were subscribed but who had never attended a History Camp
• Survey invitations mailed: 318
• Completes: 92
• More information on History Camp is at
HistoryCamp.org.

Additional notes on the survey and report
• Multiple invitations and reminders were sent over the period the survey was open.
• To encourage participation, many questions were optional.
• Questions concerning the details of the event were only shown to people who
responded that they attended.
• Everyone who received the survey was asked for his or her likelihood of attending
a History Camp in Boston in 2016 given specific choices of dates and locations.
(See slide 79)
• Following the completion of the survey, a date and location were selected for History
Camp Boston 2016: March 26, 2016 at the Harriet Tubman House, which is where
History Camp Boston 2015 was held.
• For more information, and to register and submit a session: http://historycamp.org/boston-
2016/
• Answers to this question were not included in this public report: "I was
disappointed with these sessions / speakers this year.” Instead, notes based on
this anonymous feedback were sent to individual presenters.

Did you hear about History Camp 2015?
If so, where did you first hear about it?

• Colleen Janz (Director SBABM, Adams MA)
• Couldn't attend this year - first year I've heard of History Camp via MetroWest
Visitor Bureau
• MassHistPres Listserve
• MetroWest News Newspaper
• MetroWest tourism guide listed the History List and I went to your web site
• Saw mention of it on wickedlocal.com
• Social Media, though I don't remember which site
• The Boston Calendar
• A participant mentioned it on a yahoo group
• Both friend and JJ Bell site
• Email

• At the Marlborough Public Library
• For earlier year, John Bell's blog
• I heard about it through Jen Deaderick who talked about it on Facebook.
• I was excited from the jump.
• I would love to know which of these outlets gave the biggest bang.
• The friend forwarded me the e-mail through the South End Historical Society's e-
mail blast.
• From one of my friends--I am not sure where she heard about it
• Glad to be in the loop for next year!
• I THINK that JL Bell and Liz Covart on Twitter beat the official email from History
Camp, but I'm not 100% sure.

“After I first heard about it, I . . .

• Signed up for email because I knew I could not attend
• Checked it out--had a funeral out of state that day
• Wanted to attend, but the site was changed at the last minute. New site was less
convenient.
• Thought about volunteering until it was moved from Marlborough to Boston
• Would have attended but couldn't because of responsibilities at home (caregiver)
• Would have registered if it stayed closer to the center of the state. So disappointed
it moved from Marlborough

• Because we were unable to make it to MA this year. We live in Maine
• Had a date conflict
• I had a conflict for the day, something I had to attend.
• I loved it! I can't wait for History Camp 2016
• I planned to go but had not yet registered when a conflict developed.
• I'm moving and can't spare any time at all.
• Knew I'd be out of town on the original date
• Never registered but intend to in the future!
• The problems with dates and locations were a problem
• The sessions I attended were really good. We didn't get there until lunch time.

• Wanted to go but had to work
• Got to speak at the event, and had a great time, and was full of energy at the end
of it all to my surprise
• I really would have enjoyed participating, but hauling my family into Boston for the
day wasn't an option.
• It would be great to have been able to register as soon as we received the first
email announcing a date/place
• Would have registered if it stayed closer to the center of the state. So disappointed
it moved from Marlborough.
• I had lunch across the street. I'm introverted, so it's important for me to have time
to reflect on what I've learned.
• Missed the last 2 sessions because they were not that relevant to my interests and
I wasn't feeling well--but enjoyed all the sessions I attended
• . . . History Camp 2014 was great

• 2014 Camp was fun and I wanted to present this year
• 2014 was such a blast.
• History Camp 2014 was awesome! I can't wait for 2016.
• History Camp 2014 was fun an enlightening, so I expected to have a blast at
History Camp 2015.
• I am a history nerd and thought I would check it out.
• I am a history nerd.
• I enjoyed History Camp 2014.
• I enjoyed HistoryCamp2014 so much.
• I enjoyed it in 2014
• I enjoyed the event last year and wanted to present at the next one.
• I had a lot of fun in 2014
“I registered for History Camp 2015 because . . .

• I had such a delightful experience in 2015!
• I intended to attend, but the venue and other logistical things were unclear
• I knew several of the presenters and am interested in their presentations
• I liked the 2014 conference a lot and liked the sessions offered for the 2015
conference.
• I love history and I wanted to interact with the history community.
• I love history and I was a presenter!
• I love history and am studying it in grad school.
• I love history and love to be with people who share the same passion
• I thought it would be interesting. I enjoyed the sessions I attended.
• I wanted to attend
• I wanted to be part of a community of history-loving, narrative-sharing, dedicated
folks.

• I wanted to support this event and I found the topics interesting
• I was presenting.
• Interested in Metrowest History
• It seemed like a great place to meet history enthusiasts and I was right!
• It seemed like a very exciting time.
• It sounded interesting.
• It was fun in 2014
• Several of my former students were involved, and it sounded like a good group to
get to know.
• Sounded interesting
• The topics are great; the presenters are knowledgeable; I meet new contacts.

• To introduce people to my museum and network with other history enthusiasts
• You're preaching to the converted here—besides, it was accessible
• I am a historian and curator. I wanted to go to these information sessions/lectures.
This event was a way to connect with other lovers of history.
• I was intrigued by the informality and the variety of scheduled presentations. I am
also chair of the Greater Boston Cultural Institutions course at Wellesley Weston
Lifetime Learning and thought that I might find some interesting speakers among
the presenters.
• I really enjoyed the first one and it was fun to meet other people who are into
history, but not necessarily my profession of history, which allows for new ideas.
• Being part of a small nonprofit means that board members do not have the
opportunity to talk with other groups about what works. We need to be part of
the larger world.

• I had intended to go in 2014, and registered, but the date became difficult and I
cancelled. In 2015 I was going to attend but then decided presenting would be a
good way to network and try to raise my organization's visibility.
• It sounded like a neat opportunity to learn about a variety of history topics that I
might not get to otherwise
• I loved the branding, I liked the philosophy underpinning the unconference, and
the topics were stimulating and appealing. Not least because they combined issues
about how to do/present history as well as historical topics.
• 1. I was a presenter. 2. Many of the sessions seemed fascinating re new insights
about history and how to "present" history so its interesting and meaningful. For
instance, Newport's approach to living history as a way to get people feeling
history and its impact.

• I wanted to share the information and experience I have gained over the last few
years and to receive feedback on that information.
• I am interested in local and regional history, and was certainly not disappointed by
the many offerings at the event.
• It sounded really interesting, and as someone who works in the history field, I felt
some of the sessions could be really helpful in my day-to-day work
• I felt it was a great outlet for history enthusiasts as well as well-seasoned
academics to gather in one place to learn from one another.
• I love hanging with people who love history. I enjoy hearing about interesting
research, and especially love a good story.
• I am a history fan, on the Board of an historical society and am interested in
learning about many different aspects. History Camp 2014 was LOTS of fun. I
brought 2 friends with me this year.

“ I never registered for History Camp 2015 because . . .”

“ I never registered for History Camp 2015 because . . .”
• A last minute conflict.
• Just too busy, although driving into Boston is also an issue
• Because it was in Boston. Didn't want to pay tolls and find parking.
• Uncertainties about the date and location. By the time it was set, I had
already committed to something else on that date.

“I didn’t attend because . . .

“I didn’t attend because . . .
• Could not get a clear understanding of what the camp was all about
• I had many things going on, one included school. I needed to concentrate on this.

"I would have attended if . . .
• I was caught up on my school work.
• I was feeling better.
• The logistics had been clearer in advance, especially the venue

"I would have probably stayed for the rest of the day if . . .
• . . . a little more advance planning notice to better juggle competing commitments.
• I had known about History Camp earlier and could have re-scheduled my
conflicting event
• I had known for sure that it was going to be on that date earlier
• I hadn't had a previous commitment.
• If I had not been presenting at the same time as the person I wanted to hear.
• The event was scheduled in advance, and I could set aside the day. But, I do have
to say, that running a conference until 6pm makes for a very long day, especially if
you need to leave home before 7am to get there.

“Overall, History Camp 2015 . . .

“Overall, History Camp 2015 . . .
• Better than 2014!
• I would have liked more variety of programs, not so many focused on a single
event or person
• Just a few logistical bugs to work out.
• One speaker not my favorite
• Although I didn't really know what to expect, I was very pleased at the collegiality
of the audience as well as the presenters.
• Logistically, it was very well-thought and easy on attendees and presenters. The
group was wonderful. The presentations/panels were uneven but overall very
good.
• I was sorry that the woman who spoke about the LOC couldn't get her computer to
work. I do exhibit research and design and would have loved seeing ideas for more
research sites.

“Here’s why:
• Didn't quite know what to expect.
• Engaging attendees and presenters
• Great opportunity to learn some new info/approaches, and opportunities for
networking/socializing
• I enjoyed the sessions I attended and the people I met who were most friendly.
• I liked the added time from last year. The topics were fabulous.
• I made some new connections which I didn't really do last time . . .
• My presentation was well received, lots of new info and networking
• The good presentations exceeded the not so good ones.
• The sessions were conducted by professional speakers who were very prepared
and very interesting.

• The topics were great!
• Very interesting topics, learned a lot.
• There were some great sessions and often I had to decide between being in two
places at once, but there was a lack of diversity when compared to last year. Still
had a great time though.
• I didn't expect to enjoy myself as much as I did. I especially liked the venue which I
think added to the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. The speakers were great.
• The talks all focused on "off-the-beaten" path history. I learned something new in
every session, and the round-table discussions were incredibly valuable, as well.
• Unfamiliar with the concept of History Camp, I was pleasantly surprised: made
many new friends and enjoyed the presentations and interaction with the
speakers.
“Here’s why:

• I also enjoyed meeting with others who are involved with history. People were
lovely about sharing ideas.
• There were proportionately more people involved in local history than in 2014.
There were more presentations about local history projects as well.
• Was not a fact, only focus. I'd like to see more roundtables and panels where
discussion and exploring issues is the focus, not simply a rehash of an event. I'd
like to see more of how living history events such as in Newport can and or is being
accomplished. Maybe even a talk on why I hate history - could be very
enlightening to history buffs on how to get their love of history into a more
mainstream acceptance.
“Here’s why:

• I always attend conferences with the idea that I will learn something new. I did, so
my expectations were met. The workshops were uneven in impact—one great,
another, not so good.
• I was so blown away last year that it would have been hard to top it. With that
said, I can't stop thinking about the sessions. I was on Washington Street and I
couldn't help but think about the knife fight that almost kicked off the revolution.
Then yesterday I was at the MFA and saw the picture of Warren and thought about
the discussion of the painting. One of these weekends I'm going to a house on the
Albany post road and I will wonder what it was like to pass through there on horse
back . . . OK - I just changed my rating. It had a big impact.
• Although I am not an educator I found it interesting to hear the discussions of
'core" and "competency" and the other buzz words of education today. I liked the
wide range of audience members who represented small history
museums/houses, historical societies, major museums, personal interests, etc.
“Here’s why:

• History camp 2015 was great, and I had fun in every timeslot. However, I didn't
think there were quite as many great sessions as there were in 2014. I never felt
like I wanted to be in two or three places at once.
• Loved all of the sessions that I attended - there were so many great sessions
running concurrently it was hard to decide. The attendees were also very
knowledgeable and I learned just from some of the informal discussions with the
other attendees.
• Maybe History Camp will evolve away from this, but I like that most of the people
these last two years really had a Colonial American focus to the "curriculum" I love
that anyone can present.
• The day flew by. Each lecture was interesting and had something different to offer.
Some were just plain fun.
“Here’s why:

• A separate item’s improved from 2014 but still an issue: Not enough time between
sessions or presenters going over time limit. First session could be shortened to
allow time between sessions
• Engaging, prepared presenters who drew you into their passions. Varied topics,
including some 20th century, and slavery issues, YAY!
• Because I wasn't sure how a bunch of self-selected speakers (as opposed to
speakers being chosen by a committee) would succeed. I was surprised at how
well it did succeed.
• The usual sorts of people presenting the usual kinds of things. Was hoping for
some more innovative stuff, but suspect those people aren't thinking about History
Camp or had other commitments.
“Here’s why:

• I expected to have the opportunity to meet with like-minded people, and I did. I
also met people who know how to deliver information about history. Passion is the
key for general audiences, not reading a well-research paper.
• The speakers and panels were really informational with lunch and breakfast
provided within the history camp price. Only real downside is some sessions I
wanted to take overlapped
• It was a lovely way of connecting with people within the field, had good food, and
hosted interesting lectures/seminars.
“Here’s why:

"If I was talking with someone who lived in the area
and was interested in history, I . . .

"If I was talking with someone who lived in the area
and was interested in history, I . . .
• Only after I made sure that I was registered :-)
• What's not to like about people interested in history?
• I don't think you have to be a professional to have fun at History Camp. I'd
recommend it to any friend who's a history buff.
• I would find out what their interest is history is. Are they organizers, presenters,
members of the audience?
• I have already recommended History Camp and told my friends who didn't go that
they are losers. Yeah, I'm that type of friend.
• That depends on what history means to that person. Facts? Go to the event.
Analysis for usefulness? Not such a great place to go. Spending time with and
getting to know other folks who love history? Fantastic

“Here’s how I’d rate . . .
• I loved that they shared the passion for history!
• Just needs five minutes to switch speakers. Wish there were more attendees.
• should start at 9:00 AM
• there might be more time to get from one session to another
• The sessions are just not long enough. The presenters seem to have trouble
staying within the time limit and the session attendees overstay their welcome.

• The speakers and attendees were obviously wonderful. I wish there had been
more variety in topics covered, getting into different eras. (Big thanks to the
presenters who ventured into the 20th century to talk about WWII and postwar
fascism.) The length of individual sessions was good this year, but we could have
benefited from more explicit instructions to keep talks to 30 minutes, allowing 15
minutes for questions and circulating to the next session.
• An interesting combination of people of varying ages. That was great. Most people
were most willing to share ideas.
• There was this one guy who kept trying to take over panels from the audience.
Need a better way to avoid stuff like that in the future.
• The length of day was perfect! Would like to see more pure history sessions or
history sessions on world/ancient history

• Although I appreciated the opportunity to attend 8 45-minute sessions, I'd rather
attend 6 hour-long ones.
• 45 minutes worked well, but real breaks need to be added between sessions -
perhaps 10 minutes? Almost all sessions ran over, meaning the next session
started late.
• The lineup forced choices and because each session was allowed only once, there
was way too much compromising re what to attend as a session
• I think maybe it should be 30 minute lecture, 20 minutes of Q&A, and 10 minutes
to get to the next lecture. Sometimes, the Q&A is the best part. And the 10
minutes in between gives people time to get a drink, a snack, make a call or use
the rest room.

• I will definitely attend next year and hopefully others will come with me. I will
recommend History Camp to others.
• Well, this is an over the top rating, but it is warranted. Making the trek would not
have been as worthwhile had the day been shorter. The wrap up was just too late
for people on a Saturday transport schedule. However, I would not have wanted to
miss any of the sessions I attended. I think that there are sessions that could be
offered next year. Some I wanted to attend but they conflicted with the things I
had to attend.
• It's always a balance between length of each and how many to fit in. I think this
was a reasonable compromise.
• Since it is impossible to be in two places at once, would it be feasible to rerun
some of the seminars either in the same session or in next year's session?
• I would like to see this unconference team up with local colleges and universities
for a more diverse pool of topics and more options for venues.

• :-)
• Could hear with my own assisted listening device. T-shirt runs small...
• I didn't eat or use the wifi.
• Loved the t-shirt design!
• The Boston location is better for a lot of people.
• sandwiches would be better
• The name History Camp made the event sound like it was geared towards kids. So,
initially I was skeptical in my decision to attend. Perhaps another name would be
slightly more appropriate. I loved the venue!

• I live in Boston and know downtown parking is a mess, so I took the "T”. This
would probably be a challenge wherever you had the event in the city. I was really
impressed with the location you chose: it was temperate, well lit (with plenty of
natural light), spacious, good acoustics (not overly dampened or too echo-y), and
it seemed to have ample spaces for the multiple presentations.
• I was cold all day in most of the rooms, but it was snowing, which might have
affected it. Parking was ok, but downtown location did prevent someone I know
from going.
• Generous that you were flexible in cost. Would like to see you get into the black as
the camp evolves. $22 is reasonable. Additional parking expenses make the
situation what it is.

• Information: I found it hard to determine the event details from the Eventbrite and
barcamp pages.
• Online registration: I already have an Eventbrite account, so this was dead simple.
In the future, don't tell people that they need to bring a print-out. Just check them
off the list.
• Cost: I definitely would pay a higher ticket price, but I'd hate to see price become a
barrier for people.
• Location: perfect, perfect, perfect! Downtown Boston, historic neighborhood, one
block to T, five minutes to Commuter Rail, several neighborhood garages. It doesn't
get any better than this.
• Harriet Tubman House: No frills, but it seemed to work out well. They had all the
lecture spaces we need (and more for the future), enough restrooms, etc.

• Handouts: These were helpful, but we are rapidly approaching an era when they're
unnecessary.
• Food: Pizza is never my first choice, but it's an easy and cheap crowd pleaser.
• Wifi: I forgot all about wifi and never attempted to connect.
• Access to electrical outlets: There were several times when I looked around the
room to see if I could easily top off my charge: In the basement
cafeteria/classroom, in the atrium/foyer, and in the large 2nd floor classroom. I
never located an outlet. Luckily, my phone made it through the day, unlike at
History Camp 2014 when it died before lunch.
• See what was onscreen: I could always see what was being presented on screen,
but this often led to the presenter standing in the dark, which is not optimal.
• Ability to hear: This was fine. None of the rooms were so big as to make this
challenging, not even the atrium.

• T-shirt: GREAT! Even better than last year. I'll wear this all the time until it falls
apart.
• I love colonial stuff the most, but I would have a palate cleanser of a couple of
different eras. Maybe mid days some industrial revolution stuff, or even current
events.
• I didn't use the wifi so I really can't comment. It would be nice to have the location
outside of Boston next year but I think I'm outvoted
• Not knowing my way around Boston, I got off at the Symphony T station as the
directions said ("a 5-minute walk"). In walking I passed an Orange line station
within a minute's walk of my destination. I wouldn't have had to change trains
from the Orange line to the Green line and then walk the extra in the sleet if I had
known about the Orange line station. I'm not a pizza fan (wheat allergy).

• The History Camp logo would have made a great t-shirt but of course, that’s
opinion and will the answer to this t-shirt question by all. Session schedules should
never be changeable and finalized the morning of the event. Planning as an
attendee needs a final schedule at least a week in advance.
• Maybe another five minutes or so for questions, but the session length was
generally good. I think it's good to have too many sessions rather than to repeat
them; leaves the audience wanting to return next year.
• The venue was bright and spacious. Plenty of chairs. Having food/snacks available
all day was wonderful. A little fuel to keep you going.

How would you rate your experience of presenting or
being on a panel?

being on a panel?
• I liked how you made preparation materials available to the participants on
SlideShare.
• I was a bit nervous beforehand but it went fine and the projector etc. worked.
• Unfortunately, [due to] the competing/overlapping schedule, attendance was very
sparse
• Well we did start late
• Nobody can compete with J. L. Bell. Why not make him the keynote and then
break into individual panels?
• It was nice to be in a less formal setting where I could have more interaction with
the audience, and the questions really made me think about what I was trying to
get across.

• Very easy to be presenter. Would have been nice to know earlier if I was going to
have a projector, but that is a small quibble.
• There was some tension in the room between attendees and someone that
stepped up to moderate and be conscious of time. I appreciated being part of the
panel, but we could've used an official moderator. It made for a very tense
situation at times.
• More attention for keeping the panel on the specific topic. The panel I was on
strayed from the topic, which left the audience confused.
being on a panel?

"If I attend History Camp 2016, I . . . [about presenting]
• I'm a learner, not a teacher.
• I'm not that much of an expert in any one thing.
• If invited, I'd love an opportunity to share again.
• No hesitation because of [anything on] your end. It will depend on whether I have
anything to say!
• If you want me to
• Just don't know
• I could present if we need presenters, either more from my current project or
something similar. I am a bit of a one-trick pony though!
• If the presentation was affiliated with the museum I serve with, I would definitely
consider presenting.
• Not sure what I'd present on yet, but I'd think of something that I'd think others
would be interested in.

What did you think about the three author tables?

• Didn't have time [to stop by]
• Glad they were there, but didn't have reason to purchase books.
• I bought Marilynne's book (and already owned Tad Baker's books). I think they
were useful.
• I didn't have cash or a check, so I didn't buy anything but it was fun to talk to the
authors.
• I think it was terrific that Marilynne Roach and Emerson had books on a similar
subject and presented together. They complimented each other.
• Well, I was pleased, because I wanted to buy Tad Baker's book, but I don't think
authors' tables are essential.

• During the break, I moseyed over to the cafe for a sandwich and a latte. I met the
authors and was very inspired by their work.
• I was so busy talking to others at lunch that I didn't get much time at the tables.
Maybe if they could plan to stay a bit longer after the last session, but I know we
all had to get out of there.
• I think this aspect should help build community amongst the participants. I
supported the 2014 attendees contributions by plugging them on my PPT
presentation.
• I wish there had been tables for some of the organizations that were represented
by speakers and panelists. I would like to have had the opportunity to learn more
about them. Networking is great, but there isn't enough time.

• I didn't give myself enough time to check out the author tables, but was able to
check some of the author's presentations or chat with them during the day.
• History writers need to be able to reach the market. We were it! I would rather not
have a limit on the number of tables.
• I was already aware of Colonial Comics, but didn't realize Mr. Rodriguez would
have an author's table. Since he was there, I made an impulse buy of one of his
books and got it signed. However, last year I walked by the author tables and
barely stopped.
• Had no real idea that they were going to be there. Hopefully, History Camp got a
piece of the sales or a table fee. You do marshal up a natural buying audiences for
the authors so you should get a piece of the action.

"I would have gotten more out of History Camp 2015 if
. . .
• A little (but not a lot) of diversity of eras
• I got there on time.
• I had been able to stay the whole day.
• I had chosen one or two different sessions.
• I'd heard about it earlier
• If you use this space again, a microphone would be valuable for the first and last
sessions.
• Nothing - it was great!
• The date and location had been settled much earlier

• There had been more panels about history
• There was a bit more time to schmooze - even a happy hour would have been
great.
• each session was a little longer.
• there were fewer stairs and more pizza
• If there was more time built in to interact with the attendees. You were on the
right track when before sessions began, we introduced ourselves and were given
the chance to network with each other. I would've like to have seen that time
extended and then repeated again after lunch before sessions started again. Not
sure I have a solution but it was a hard to have to choose between two or three
sessions when you wanted to see two or three of them because they were in the
same time slot, unless you got into some sort of different categories of sessions for
each time slot.
. . .

• More roundtable or panels where interpretation and meaning discussions could be
part of the camp.
• I would like to see a NEMA "PAG" style session, where people with niche interests
or skill sets can assemble to consider questions of interest as a group.
• There were more diverse topics to learn about. This year was better about it than
last year because there were less about the American Revolution.
• The Eventbrite RSVPs were made visible to attendees with space for people to
enter their Twitter handles, LinkedIn profiles, and websites. It's one of the greatest
function on their site.
• The woman who presented the use of the LOC had a computer that worked so we
could see what she had originally intended
. . .

• There were room for all of the presenters to have a table and present their
material and meet with attendees.
• I wish there had been more attendees this year, though I know there's nothing
that could be done about that in retrospect.
• badges had shown where or what organizations people were from. More sessions
on presenting local history to the public.
• the schedule had so many overlaps of great sounding panels and presentations, I
know it's impossible to satisfy or accommodate everyone.
• if I could have been in 2 places at once. some presentations could be presented
next year for those of us who missed them the first time around
. . .

• 1775 Dysentery Epidemic Trumbull's Death of Warren Soldiers in our Homes
Samuel Dyer
• I really liked everything I attended.
• I would like sessions which challenge accepted versions of history.
• J L Bell was my favorite
• J. L. Bell is always worth hearing and you always learn something new.
• JL Bell, Researching Old Homesteads of Marlboro
• Jason Rodrigues' comic presentation - hands down! :)
• John Bell, Sam Foreman, the panel on Social Media
• Panel discussion on using social media and the Living History in Rhode Island
presentation.
• Racism in the suffragist movement and J.L. Bell's talk.
"I really liked these sessions / speakers this year:

• Salem witchcraft session Samuel Dyer
• Sam Forman, Henry Lukas, J.L. Bell, Chandra Lothian
• Suffragists, post WW2 fascism, Trumbull's painting, Salem witch trials
• Tad Baker & Marilynne Roach !!!
• The comics background. Henry Lukas' presentation. Finding info at the LOC
• The one about Natick, the stamp guy, the Roman soldier, the WW II Museum.
• The one on Dysentery, JL Bell and the Boston Post Rd
• The post road talk and the technology panel
• Very interesting and diverse content. I loved the presenter from the Museum of
WWII
• “Saving the Reality: A Local Museum’s Mission in Preserving One of the World’s
Most Significant WWII Collections,” with Travis Roland - amazing very real feel for
war and what the leaders, troops, participants actually said and felt in a museum
right in our backyard. Wow.

• WWII museum presentation, Prince Demah, Susan B Anthony
• Were the suffragettes racist Boston Post Road Gentleman from Natick
• history comic - gave me a new perspective reference session of LOC Henry Lukas 2
sessions
• "The Salem Witch Trials", "Making history comics", "Prince Demah, Portrait
Painter", and "The Swastika, the Spy, and the Black Sun..."
• “The Salem Witch Trials: The Accused, Their Accusers, and the American
Experience,” with Marilynne Roach and Emerson Baker was amazing and really
interesting. I almost wish that session was longer or a feature of some sort. Also
really liked, “How Would-Be Assassin Samuel Dyer Nearly Triggered the
Revolutionary War,” with J.L. Bell. Bell was funny and interesting and really drew in
the audience. Lastly I liked the session by Eric Bauer. Not sure how I'd do what he
did at my museum, but by he made a good argument. I'm sure that there are
others, but those stand out in my mind.

• History Comics, unfortunately I came late to but seemed to be the hit panel. The
Stamp Museum was surprisingly fun, interesting, and the presenter was funny,
engaging and able to "connect" a number of historical events into a good
narrative. WW2 Museum presentation was fairly good once the speaker stopped
giving a description of the museum and started telling "amazing stories" of how
artifacts and objects were discovered and acquired. I was also late unfortunately to
the Peabody Archive presentation, which also seemed to be an interesting, if
somewhat controversial approach, but the presenter was good at reasoning as to
why he did what he was doing and how he went about it.
• "Would-Be Assassin Samuel Dyer," "History of the Boston Post Road," "1775
Dysentery Epidemic."
• Afternoon discussion about common core, should we call history history (this was
a spirited debate, sometimes heated. The session was great!).

• Sharing your passion. Came away with so many questions that could not be
answered in the time. In Defense of Material Culture, and Salem Witch Trials
• The speaker on the guy that almost triggered the revolution was awesome. The
guy who talked about Nazis and those type of people blew my mind, and who
knew that about the dysentery? Let's not forget the conversation about the
painting.. crap, that's everyone. I loved them all.
• Were the suffragists racist? The Roman legionary guy. The guy who talked about
post-WW2 right-wing hate groups (last session). Sorry, I can't find my schedule
right now
• Marilynne Roach and Emerson Baker on the Witch Trials. Also The Boston Post
Road with Henry Lukas. Now that I think of it - Sam Forman on John Trumbull and
Paula Bagger on Prince Demah - something really different.

• Roundtable "maybe we shouldn't call it history"- invigorating discussion and well
attended with lots of ways to make history relevant and important to kids, adults in our
trying to live our daily lives. Making history usable as a key to today and tomorrow
seemed to be a worthwhile issue to grapple with so history becomes like math, science,
a necessary area of study.
• “Risky Business: Living History Events in Traditional Museums.” Newport’s talk about
how to do living history—seems to make history a very human thing and sparks a
feeling of participating in history that everyone can enjoy. Need a lot more of that -
perhaps this can be a model that is given to historical societies and a manual for them
to use?
• “Were the Early Suffragists Racist? A Look Into The Early Movement prior to The
Emancipation Proclamation,” with Colleen Janz - really gave us an understanding of
pragmatism for acceptance v belief/mission and how being pragmatic re the issues of
the day must be accepted if your movement is to get accepted and acted on.

What one thing, other than location and transportation
options, would you like to see changed at or added to History
Camp?
• A gluten-free pizza, but seriously - that would only make it better for me. I can
deal.
• A second day
• Avoid Boston!
• Five minutes change time
• I know it's expensive, but video would be great. Even just using a GoPro and
posting on Youtube.
• More attendees!!
• More early to mid 20th century topics
• More hands-on components for attendees.
• More museums present, more about collections.
• More topics

Camp?
• Presentations on digital history - from using big data to curating online exhibits.
• The name.
• Maybe a wider chronological range of history, more re-enactors would be fun
• More time to change rooms to get to the next talk
• I would like to see more people from Southern New England. Rhode Island has
some great stories to be told.
• A more eclectic mix of topics. I actually remember the sessions I attended in 2014
more clearly than I did the ones I attended a week and a half ago--I attended
sessions on the Erie Canal, portraiture, and lace--you can't get more varied than
that. I'm disappointed that I missed Sam Forman's presentation this year, I like the
way he wove together art and history last year. (I chose my workshops less wisely
this year, I guess.)

Camp?
• A keynote speaker. The complete devotion to a democratic, ad hoc scheduling
system is commendable but unrealistic.
• When learning about history (or anything for that matter) one always has to
consider the source. There was nothing in the handouts noting the credentials or
bio of the presenters, nor did they say anything about themselves at the start of
their presentations. I am guessing that the early morning intro that I missed got
into that, but if not then it should be addressed.
• Maybe a keynote speaker that would help to draw more people to the event or
have a featured session that would either run longer or something along those
lines.
• Maybe some music. Boston is a center for early music. For instance Arthur Ness
has compiled the definitive version of Francesco da Milano's (probably the
greatest lutenist of the Renaissance) lute music: published here and the author
lives here. Maybe this is a bit esoteric, but on the other hand might expand your
reach.

Camp?
• Repeat each session so participants don’t have to miss any sessions and miss out
on why they came to camp. I'll bet that’s a real issue if folks answer this honestly
and its a big negative re value and returning next year.
• Something afterwards for those interested, I wished it had lined up with the
Boston Massacre event again.
• Nothing I would definitely like to see changed/added, just an idea for the future:
What about Special Interest Groups for those that are interested in the same thing
to network? e.g., reenactors, people who are interested in researching a specific
era, area, or subject. This could be in addition to the talks/panels, with any running
concurrently throughout the schedule (one at a time) or with the SIGs at a
separate time slot.

Camp?
• I would love some additional seminars on the use of reference sources and photo
materials that are free for use.
• There seemed to be a significant "divide" between the technology geeks and those
who barely use technology. I wonder if it would be useful to have something basic
about FB, Twitter, etc. for the latter. I was also struck by the lack of information
about volunteer recruitment, especially for very small institutions who have tiny
staffs.
• More time to transition between presentations and for presenters to set-up, catch
their breath and prepare.

Setting aside transportation and parking, how would you rate
the content and experience at History Camp 2015 compared
with 2014?

with 2014?
• Again, I enjoyed that the topics were for the most part Colonial American History
related.
• They were both super.
• Except some sessions ran way over time limit
• It felt like there was a greater variety of speakers at 2014
• 2014 had the advantage of a swank, new building feel, but spread out; 2015 had
the opposite, older interior but closer knit. Both had great sessions and panels
offerings and a good range of topics / time periods.

• I don't blame Lee or anyone who helped to organize this, they did a great job over
all, but the last minute change of venue and other issues, I think, helped to keep
the numbers down from last year. I get that things fell through for the original site
but with more people comes greater dialogue in a session and greater exchange of
ideas. I'd also consider shorting the introductions because some ran long; lastly
might be nice to have a keynote speaker that might help get a bigger draw to the
event.
• I think last year was 'slightly' better as far as the number/quality/topic of
presenters and the venue,
• By the way, I walked to History Camp from where I lived. It was fun to be in the
middle of where all it happened. 2014 seemed a little better, better attended that
makes a difference but still. It was fantastic.
• There were more content options at 2014, but 2015 had a better overall
experience, making them average out to about the same.
with 2014?

• Boston in any period other than the Revolution.
• Boston's water supply; railways; maps
• Civil War - World War II
• Food history
• Genealogy
• I just love seeing the variety of topics!
• I will most certainly attend if free that day.
• I would like there to be something on the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
• I would love to see some sessions focused on the Civil War.
• More on making history accessible
"If History Camp is held again next year, I hope they have a
session or panel about . . . Or, I hope they repeat this session
or panel from this year or last year:

• Not sure. They all looked interesting.
• Re enacting events in New England
• Repeat or updates on "sharing your passion for history: blogs, podcasts, Books and
more"
• See previous answer.
• Social media use.
• Something on 19th century Boston
• The session I planned to give this year but had to cancel.
• Volunteer opportunities
• WWI centenary
• history intersecting with genealogy
• successful use of social media by history groups repetition of the Making History
Comics

• witch hunts, researching house histories, genealogy and history
• Repeats I'd like to see: Practical approaches to getting kids engaged with history;
Our Forebears & Massachusetts in the Civil War; The Age of Medicine and
Midwifery; Making History Comics; How Would-Be Assassin Samuel Dyer Nearly
Triggered the Revolutionary War; The 1775 Dysentery Epidemic
• 1) I'd like to see a session about New England-specific history blogs. 2) I'd also like
to see a session about balancing clothing standards at museums/living history
events. New England reenactors are known for being militant about their clothing,
it would be interesting to have a panel that discusses different approaches to
balancing this "hot topic."
• Aside from the Roman military presentation everything was about US history. It
might be nice if the scope was expanded.

• There are many topics that I am interested in, but I would definitely attend panels
that relate to women, African Americans, and Native Americans individually or as
groups throughout colonial and 19th century New England. I hope that more
archives can be involved in the next history camp because there are so many
amazing resources, especially in the Boston area.
• more on social media and public history controversial historical issues questioning
received historiography
• I missed Soldiers in our homes and the history of the postage stamp and the
comics, plus always anything from Bell/Boston 1775. I'd also love more about
historical architecture (I'm hoping an acquaintance who does the 'explore historic
houses' facebook page and speaks on house history and genealogy might come.
She had another engagement this year.)
• We could present about Plymouth 1620... see our site www.makehistory.me. On
the committee: Linda Coombs, Wampanoag Nation; Patrick Browne, Pilgrim Hall
and a few other people who love this part of history!

• This is Kyle Jenks. I don't mind not being anonymous. I offered to do a
presentation on GENERAL LITERACY development based on my opinion that this is
one of several root causes that contribute to a lack of interest in history. I would
like to propose a panel . . .

• Have the Roman Legionary guy again! I hope to see more offerings on a wider
range of time periods and subjects. 2014 seemed to be "all Colonial all the time"
and 2015 seemed to be "come to my museum"; which are OK but I'm sure as this
grows more variety will come of it.
• maybe something related to genealogy or how to publish an article (newspaper
op-ed; journal etc.) or maybe online objects vs. the physical objects. Would like to
have Emerson Baker back again.
• I hope they have panels about people or events that are often overlooked or
unnoticed such as servants, slaves, people of color, women, and the events
involving them. I hope that the History Comics session comes back.
• Industrial revolution! It might be cool to hear about women and computing (a lot
of that happened at Harvard, MIT) and maybe a little press coverage. I'd like to say
to my loser friends "See what you missed? It was in Universal Hub...”

• Just have more centrally located so we can get to it. Driving into the Boston area
and parking means I won't attend.
• I had really looked forward to the one on small history organizations. With a better
format it could have been really useful.
• 1) addressing the declining attention to history in school curriculum 2) Examples of
successful local historical societies depending completely on volunteers
• No topic is too obscure. I'm always looking for things I don't know (I'm a freelance
writer/poet). I do take an interest in the history of the common man/woman.
Especially the common woman. I have a tee-shirt that says, "Let's write women
back into history." Daily lives and deaths (graveyards and gravestones). Medicine
(or lack thereof). Communication (early newspapers, the development of the
telegraph, etc.) There's so much to learn about!

• It would be great to have a session on some aspect of slavery if we're going to be
in the Harriet Tubman House. Roger Williams and the separation of church and
state Privateers/Pirates
• Repeat this one please: Maybe we should stop calling it ‘History:’ A roundtable
discussion on making history relevant for today, with Neil Licht
• I would hope to present my "women on April 19, 1775" program as proposed last
year. Book is still in the works.
• This is Kyle Jenks. I don't mind not being anonymous. I offered to do a presentation
on GENERAL LITERACY development based on my opinion that this is one of
several root causes that contribute to a lack of interest in history. I would like to
propose a panel . . . [The rest of this session proposal is on the “History Camp
Boston 2016 Sessions ideas seeking input” page.

Dates and locations for History Camp 2016
• Any college in Boston or any location near the T.
• Boston,
• I probably would attend, but that date is too far in the future to say it with
confidence.
• I will go whenever wherever
• I'll come wherever it is, but Metrowest is easier
• I'll making attending a high priority no matter when or where.
• In Boston works best for me, transportation-wise.
• Marlborough would have worked beautifully for us, and still would next year.

• Saturdays are good. Downtown Boston better than MetroWest
• Somewhere with close parking, limited walking required
• Sundays often are open
• T accessible is a huge plus since I don't have a car.
• Thanks for all of the hard work Lee!
• Thanks for another great event!
• The city is often a hassle
• Would love to see this take place in the Metrowest - easy access, free parking

• Metrowest is much easier to access for me.
• Tubman house was great but parking - nope. Need easy and free parking. Also, I'm
wondering if the Boston Location kept a lot of folks outside Boston from making
the trip.
• I prefer earlier in the season rather than later, since my tour work picks up as the
weather gets warmer. But I have other commitments on the first Saturday of the
month, and (usually) on the Saturday before Boston's Evacuation Day parade (third
Sunday in March). The MetroWest location is a big turnoff to me.
• Actually, I would definitely attend if it were held in Boston but for statistical
purposes i put probably
• I tend to avoid going into Boston. North or West would be more attractive to me.
Date doesn't matter.

• Boston is just too difficult for me, especially since the venue isn't all that close to a
T stop, and the stop would be on the Orange Line, which has scared me for almost
50 years since I worked in the BU medical complex.
• I like March 5th the best at a downtown location so it coincides with the Boston
Massacre reenactment.
• Saturday, March 5, will almost certainly be the date of the Bostonian Society's
Massacre reenactment, which will take some potential attendees away from any
other event, even in the city.
• It all depends on when my spouse would like to go to spring training. Being a
warmer place keeps us sane.
• Don't make it the third weekend in March. The Hive reenacting group usually has
their events that weekend and you'd be competing for a similar audience.

• A warmer climate makes a better crowd. I would not be able to attend the 5th or
the 12th as these are birthday weekends for two of my children.
• I live in Cambridge so the T is a nice way to go. However, a 20-30 minute drive
down route 2 is ok too. The T was quite a bit of a journey.
• We just heard about this event the week AFTER this year's event. We definitely
want to be in the know for next time! We're in western Maryland, so a
DC/Baltimore/Va venue would be ideal.
• I live in southern NH, so Metrowest and south of Boston would be inconvenient.
Boston/Cambridge are good. Lowell? Salem, MA? If it's spring break, might one of
the universities work? Dates don't really matter.

• Thank you - it was a lot of work but I learned a lot and feel more connected to my
city. I really appreciate it.
• Is it ever possible to do this on a Sunday? I have to work Saturdays, and it is ver
difficult to get time off. I imagine other people are in this situation as well and
fewer people work on Sundays.
• Actually I don't know what next year will bring - with any luck there won't be as
much snow but maybe later in March is safer on that account. Depending on if I
can share a ride or not elsewhere in Metrowest might work but public
transportation is a big plus.
• I can drive to the event, but I'd prefer to take public transit and even then It is
better it it was closer to a T stop.
• I personally need something on public transportation. Marlborough is lovely but is
not available. I know that you had planned carpooling, but there are often
problems.

Which of the following most closely describes you?

Which of the following most closely describes you?
• Genealogist, history buff, homeschooler
• History Entrepreneur studying for my Masters in American History
• Practicing museum designer working on historic subject matter.
• Working in a job very much based in the present, and not looking back in time.
• Exhibit designer for small spaces such as libraries
• Non-historian, general interest
• Professional musician
• Public librarian, freelance writer (mostly for kids)
• Working as volunteer with several history groups

How far did you travel to get to History Camp?

• Downtown Boston on the T is great
• Drove down to Sullivan Square and took the T.
• Drove from my house on the North Shore to Oak Grove.
• I took the #1 bus directly from Central Square. So convenient!
• Somerville
• The T journey from Cambridge was much longer than driving!
• Took the train
• Walked, took the commuter rail, took the T.
• Worcester, MA.

• A friend drove, otherwise would have taken the T
• There wasn't an option for "I didn't attend - didn't travel to History Camp" on this
question.
• Took the T for an hour to 2 hours, 1/2 hr drive to Alewife, bus from Alewife to
Harvard. Usually it would take less time.
• Parked in financial district and cabbed over. The T was not an option because
carrying blow ups for a presentation. As a suburbanite I would have personally
liked a venue where you could drive to the door, but I think access public
transportation is a plus to get a diverse turnout.

What was the best thing about History Camp for you?
• (2014) Diverse range of speakers and topics
• A shared atmosphere of enthusiasm and curiosity for the subject.
• As a non-historian, I enjoy being exposed to professionals and their work.
• Being able to gather educators and historians in one place.
• Didn't go, but my friend loved the comic history session.
• Finding more resources and connections
• Finding out that there was such a thing!
• Fun approach to interesting topics, opportunity to meet others in the field
• Getting exposure for the museum and topics not taught while networking
• I'm glad to know it exists, even if I wasn't able to get to it this year.
• I'm looking forward to learning what it is all about!

• Information and networking.
• Interesting presentations
• Learning about a lot of random history things!
• Learning about topics that I haven't had the time to look into or research.
• Learning from interesting speakers.
• Learning history
• Learning new things; networking with other history enthusiasts
• Learning new things! And realizing just how little I know!
• Listening to authors talk about books I might not otherwise read.
• Meeting all my new history buddies!
• Meeting like-minded individuals with same passion for history.
• Meeting like-minded people.

• Meeting other history enthusiasts!
• Meeting the other attendees.
• Networking
• Networking and learning
• Networking and meeting other History Buffs
• Networking opportunities and an all-around fun day.
• Quality presentations
• So many interesting and different topics, one after the other, all under one roof.
• Talking to some participants Enjoyed the passion some speakers had for their
subjects

• That it exists and able to present
• The interesting sessions and the friendliness of the people
• The people, the topics
• The sections
• Being able to meet other people with shared interests
• Being among other history fans
• Great topics, mix of people, thought-provoking ideas
• Mental stimulation
• The best thing would be meeting people with like interests, who also "talk history
• The people and several talks

• Variety of sessions.
• Meeting other like mined people are are into history and hearing about new idea
and historical stories that I had not heard before.
• To make a positive impact, learn, network and feel empowered to shape future
trends because I was treated as an equal to everyone else.
• To share something I love with other people and learn new things. I feel more
connected to my city and environment.
• Loved it in 2014, greatly look forward to 2016, sorry I couldn't make it in 2015.
Thanks for all you do.
• The variety of topics to choose from at each session. And having food included is a
huge convenience.

• In 2014 the best thing was the atmosphere and the fact that so many history-
enthusiasts were spending the day together learning and talking and sharing and
interacting.
• Spending the day with a group of like-minded individuals with a lot to say and a
lively discussion.
• Meeting and talking with everyone. Would suggest starting a connected group,
emails, discussions based on everyone who attended. The wide range of subject
balance amongst a wide range of topics and issues related to history, meaning,
value, engaging others in loving history meant something for everyone and added
the pragmatic 'How do we get folks to care about history" as well.

Lee Wright
Founder, History Camp and The History List
Lee@TheHistoryList.com
For more information on History Camp
• The presentation that follows is a quick overview of History Camp.
• More information on History Camp is at www.HistoryCamp.org
• The overview presentation is also online the History Camp site under the FAQ:
“This is History Camp.”
• To discuss holding a History Camp in your city:

“Working in a job very much based in the present, not looking back in time”
“Genealogist, history buff, homeschooler”
“Exhibit designer for small spaces such as libraries”
“History entrepreneur studying for my Masters in American History”
“Public librarian, freelance writer (mostly for kids)”
“Working as volunteer with several history groups”
“Professional musician”
“Tenured professor and published author”
“Customer support at a medical software company—and blogger”

“I love history and love to be with people who share the same passion”

“It sounded like a neat opportunity to learn about a variety of
history topics that I might not get to otherwise”

“Because I wasn't sure how a bunch of self-selected speakers (as
opposed to speakers being chosen by a committee) would succeed.
I was surprised at how well it did succeed.”
“Engaging, prepared presenters who drew you into their passions.
Varied topics, including some 20th century, and slavery issues, YAY!”
“The topics are great; the presenters are knowledgeable”

“I liked the philosophy underpinning the unconference, and the topics were
stimulating and appealing, not least because they combined issues about how to
do/present history as well as historical topics”

I love history and I wanted to interact with the history community
It sounded like a neat opportunity to learn about a variety of
history topics that I might not get to otherwise
I love history and love to be with people who share the same passion
I liked the philosophy underpinning the unconference, and the topics were
stimulating and appealing, not least because they combined issues about
how to do/present history as well as historical topics
“I love history and I wanted to interact with the history community”

“GREAT t-shirt! I'll wear this all the time until it falls apart.”

“I have already recommended History Camp and
told my friends who didn't go that they are losers.
Yeah, I'm that type of friend.”
“I am a history fan, on the Board of an historical society and am
interested in learning about many different aspects. History Camp
2014 was LOTS of fun. I brought 2 friends with me this year.”

What makes History Camp?
Organized by volunteers who
come together once a year.

An open mind. An eagerness to learn.
A willingness to contribute.

You can present.
There is no committee screening proposals.

Your topic doesn’t have to be tied to a theme.
Present on anything related to history.
Inform and discuss. Never sell.

Cost will never keep anyone from attending.
There may be a suggested donation.
Pay what you wish, or pitch in as a volunteer.

You don’t have to join an organization.
If you love history, you belong at History Camp.

History Camp Boston 2015: Post-event report

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History Camp Boston 2015: Post-event report