About | Threads Of Herstory

Hello!

My name is Bri...

I am finishing my master's degree in public history at Royal Holloway, University of London in England, and will graduate in December 2022. I am originally from the United States and have a bachelor's degree from my state's university in history.

(Fun Fact: I have a minor in biology because I spent my first two years of undergrad as a pre-med student!) #Classof2020

I have worked in museums in many different capacities since 2016, from a tour guide to ticket sales to a curatorial assistant. I am getting my degree in public history because I am passionate about the importance of museums and want to do my part to help increase their popularity with the general public. This is why I have created The Threads of Herstory, to be a springboard for the possibilities of the heritage sector with social media.

My Final Project...

The Threads of Herstory

Instead of doing a thesis for my master's degree, my department decided to have us do a final project that could be anything within the realm of public history. Public history does not have a concrete definition. This discipline got its start in North America in the 1970s. Since then, many scholars have put their own definition of what they believe is their understanding of what public history is as a concept.

For myself, my definition is still developing as I get older and gain more experience. I do believe that one straightforward broad definition of public history is a way of delivering historical information to the public that is not in the form of a textbook. There are many different ways for this informational transaction to take place that include but are not limited to museums, television, movies, broadway, music, video games, and social media.

I decided to focus on social media as my medium for the final project. In this digital age, museums have lost their allure, especially with younger generations. Social media is a tool that is essential in bridging the gap between the different generations at a low cost if any. Each platform appeals to another generation, yet the opportunity for sharing historical information remains the same. The usage of social media is a proactive approach for the heritage sector in reaching out to an audience instead of waiting for one to appear through the doors. It is telling history in a way that is current and accessible and, in doing so, preserves history by formatting it in a way that connects with the audience. Hence, the stories of the past continue to live on in society. Additionally, in raising awareness and interest, social media can be a tool for recruiting work staff, volunteers, and donors. In the coming years, I believe that museums will push for a more substantial social media presence than what they currently have now. What could be more appealing than free advertisements that could double an institution's income?

TikTok

Thank you for talking about all these women, it must have taken so long to make so thank you for informing all of us!

@a_random_girl_in_tiktok

Your videos have definitely inspired me. I too, love powerful stories of women and have enjoyed your content very much!

@royal_europa

This shows that sometimes his-story should be her-story.

@iris.a.monster

I love history and finding this account back in February relit my interest in it. I have learned so much from this account. Also as a young teenage girl seeing and learning about these amazing women is really awesome, it gives me someone to look up too.

- Lauren, Canada