All places—including local communities—have unique histories. The past touches all aspects of our lives and helps us understand the interconnectedness of local, national and global contexts. Families can be enlightened by the formation and evolution of their hometowns. If you’re looking for the motivation to visit a local history museum with your children or explore regional landmarks, here are a few reasons why every community should study their origins.  

What Are the Benefits of Learning About Local History?

Preserves Connections to the Past

National and global history is usually well chronicled in books. Local history, by comparison, may not be as documented in written accounts, but if you’re lucky enough to have a history museum in your location, the artifacts on display are sure to fascinate.

Many families are enriched by learning about the growth and development of their communities. Peering into the past allows both adults and children to establish connections to previous generations and gives them a sense of their place in the world.

Provides Context

By observing the history of your community, you gain an appreciation for the aspects of your community that perhaps you’ve taken for granted. For example, you might learn how a historic home you drive by every day once played a significant role in development of a well-known writer or artist. You can also learn about the historical figures that helped establish orchestras, hospitals, or universities in your town.

Inspires Innovation

Learning how previous generations resolved incredibly difficult problems is as ennobling as it is enlightening. For example, a community’s history museum may reveal how settlers overcame water shortages or built roads to facilitate commerce and communication. Their achievements, whether scientific, cultural, artistic, or economic, are worth celebrating. They can also inspire children by demonstrating the ways that knotty problems can be solved with, patience, ingenuity, and civic mindedness.

Getting in touch with local history in Memphis, TN, is east when you pay a visit to the Pink Palace Family of Museums. Whether you’re visiting a history museum, historic house, or nature center, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the city grew into existence. Family-friendly exhibits and activities engage curious kids and adults alike. Visit them online to learn more about their current exhibitions and upcoming events, or call (901) 636-2362 to speak with a member of the staff.