| History of What? |
| Finally, an answer to a burning question. I know you're all silently wondering what a historian does all day.. A few are gutsy enough to push me on the issue... but for the rest of you, now you can rest comfortably. In short... Yes, Virginina, there really is a history of technology. |
| For your education, entertainment, and to clear up all those nasty rumors involving Tupperware and Vegas... The following is an interview with the little voice in k's head that told her that more school after four years of Hopkins was a great idea. Dang that little voice. Q. So what exactly WAS your major at Hopkins? A. The History of Science, Medicine, and Technology. Don't forget the article. Q. And now you're limiting yourself to *just* the history of technology? A. Yes and No. I've come to realize that most people seem to take for granted their battery-powered wrist watches and ziplock bags. Of course, all it takes is a conversation with an older generation to remind us that we've got it much, much easier with many more do-dads, gadgets, and gizmos. So for now while I'm at UD, I'm taking advantage of their specialty. But just mention Hotel Dieu or Pavlov, and I'll start salivating. My history of medicine and science itch is always in need of a good scratching. Q. Are you sure you're not making this whole "history of technology" thing up? A. Well, even if it is made up, quite a few people have made considerable livings on this "made up" topic. If you're really curious, check out our elitest clubhouse, the Society for the History of Technology, aka SHOT. Q. Do you really know a lot about Tupperware (tm)? A. (blushing) Well, I wouldn't say I'm the expert, but I've got a few anecdotes up my sleeve. Just ask me sometime how Tupperware(tm) represents a shift in gender expectations, business modeling, and domestic social pressures. Q. And what about all this talk of Vegas? A. Yes, for those of you who know me well, I doubt you've escaped one of my neon-technology-prostitution-hotel-dam-food services tirades. I *love* Las Vegas. Not in the "hey, I wanna go and gamble my insignificant stipend away" love, but more in a pure, intellectual sense. If you've ever been to Sin City, I think it's impossible to not be in awe for at least a few mintues. It's big, loud, colorful, flashing, technological goodness. Seventy years ago, it was a water stop in the desert. And now... kaboom. So for a historian of technology like myself, Vegas does really have it all. Q. So.... what's the deal with technology and Vegas? A. My most recent research deals with how the neon sign industry took a permanent hold in Las Vegas. I won't bore you with details, but always feel free to ask. At the very least, I have some fun photographs I think you'll enjoy. Q. So I'd want you on my Trivial Pursuit team, right? A. No promises, and I'd probably be better at Pictionary. Q. Well, given your broad background and the burning need for historians of technology, where do you see yourself in five years? A. Well, as with most superheros, only so many people in burning buildings can be saved in one day... I'd like to stick with some aspect of public history. It's great to sit and say intellegent things in a conference room, but what does that really do for the big picture? I really enjoy curating exhibitions and feel like I'm actually making a difference. If I can make at least one person realize that there's more to history than the Civil War, the Boston Tea party, and the Nazis, then I've done my job. Q. Well, thanks for taking the time to share with us. A. No problem. Just think twice the next time you see a zipper or use your power steering. There's more than likely a very big story behind some pretty mundane objects. |
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