What Memory? This episode introduces the ideas of “History” – “Memory” – “Collective Memory” to lay a foundation for more discussion about heroes. Sarah uses a story about a recent camping to try to break down the history, memory, collective memory concepts and then shares a brief example from the more distant past, the Battle of New Market.
Content:
- Looking at what memory is
- Definition of Memory – see below
- Memory and History are different, but linked!
- Memory is how we remember what really happened.
- Collective Memory tends to focus on one narrative and associates with a preferred narrative to a group.
- Camping Story. History = the facts of what happened. Memory = how I want to remember what happened. Collective Memory = focusing on the facts and memory of the facts that appeal to a group (listener).
- When were these primary sources about the facts created? Are they influenced by memory?
- Collective Memory general only remembers and tells part of the facts (history/story).
- Do you love history or do you love memory?
- Are we look at facts, memory of facts, or collective memory in our heroes?
- Battle of New Market – simplified example of separating facts, memory, and collective memory. (New Market Resources are here!)
Memory – (1) the faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information. (2) something remembered from the past; a recollection.
Oxford Dictionary, accessed 2021
Episode Questions:
- Can you dissect the facts, the memory, and collective memory from historical subjects you’re reading about or researching?
Historian Life Podcast 