Public History: A Practical Guide

The 3rd edition of Public History: A Practical Guide explores history in the public sphere and examines the variety of skills that historians require in the practice of public history. It discusses how through various mediums of interpretation and presentation a range of actors, which include museums, archives, government agencies, community history societies and both traditional and digital media, make history accessible to a wider audience. It provides the reader with an overview of the wider-world application and communication of history beyond the classroom through core case studies for each sector that include ideas for best practice ’in the field’.

Faye Sayer offers an accessible and engaging synopsis of a topic that has not previously been covered. By focusing on an area of study that has changed substantially in the last decade, this book presents a comprehensive outline of the practice of ’public history’, and provides ideas for future methodological approaches as well as a reference point for planning professional development in order to gain future employment in these sectors.

This new edition includes:

* Two brand new chapters covering the impact and evaluation of public history and the future of public history
* Heavily updated sections on media history, digital history, teaching history and community heritage
* Many more global case studies
* Historiographic updates throughout, an updated companion website and around 20 additional images
* An enhanced online ’Public History Toolkit’ resource, with information on areas like project planning and careers

In the current economic and political climate, students need to understand the potential use of history beyond university; Public History: A Practical Guide contains the tools and advice needed for them to get one step ahead in terms of knowledge, skills and experience.

Faye Sayer is Associate Professor in Heritage and History and Director of the International Centre for Heritage at the University of Birmingham, UK. She has published major articles on community heritage and worked for some of the UK’s most significant heritage organizations, including English Heritage, The Portable Antiquities Scheme and the Museum of London. She has been involved in public heritage projects around the world, including in the USA, Europe, and Australia, and she is also a well-known, former Time Team archaeologist.