Michigan Central Railroad Mason Depot

Wow what a waste. I saw nothing historical at this place located at 111 North Mason Street in Mason, MI. Yes there were old train tracks and yes there was an old train call but the sight itself had nothing historical. This train depot is now a restaurant and I wasn't able to get inside at the time I went but still I would never take my class there because I saw nothing in it myself. It is preserved just to be preserved. The marker they have signifying an historical place never had any historical information just that is was an old train depot. I'll post pictures later.

Alaska's History Education Standards

While reading through these standards it made me realize how state focus their history is. All there standards begin with Alaska then the time period. This is partly because Alaska became part of the United States in the 1950s. Most of their history was outside of the United States. However, their standards do not include American History in general or general World History. State pride is something Alaskans take seriously. (This is why Sarah Palin has gone rogue :) ). These standards are pretty specific but they give the teacher room to add too them and fit them into your curriculum. More importantly thing in the standards is that history does change when new evidence is discovered. This is important because it shows students history is not finalized and that it can change.

I can guarantee if I was to teach in Alaska after my time at Michigan State I would not be prepared because I get nothing on Alaskan history at Michigan State. It might be thrown into one of my classes but it is how Alaska became apart of the United States.

To see the standards you can go to the link below.

Alaska State Standards

Is there something wrong with history?

The truth is I don't have an answer. I can see the argument on both sides. As I read Allen Brinkley's Historians and Their Publics and Ian Tyrell's Historians in Public it made it even more confusing. One of the main reasons for the downfall of history in the public is specialization. However, I don't see that as a problem. I am an Africanist. I do not want to be a jack of all trades and a master of none. I still read and try to understand all types of history but I focus on Africa. The problem is when it becomes a distraction. When all you do is focus on your specialization and fail to integrate it into other histories that is when there is something wrong with history.

However, history books are not usually my first reference point. History books are dry and boring and are not geared towards me. Historians have not grown with the times. In the time it takes me to read ten pages I could have gone online found the fact and saved time. History books are not concise and tend to over analyze. I watch the History Channel all the time because it is entertaining and integrate facts. Historians need to learn to adapt to a younger audience with the new technology because historians are no longer the only source for history.

Raynor House

What questions would a visitor ask?

Who was John Raynor?

When did he come to the area?

Why is he important?

What questions would a Historian ask?

What is the importance of this building to the community?

What impact did John Raynor make?

Why did he settle in this area?

Who owns the house now?

(Edited January 14, 2010)