History. It’s one of the many words that draws strong opinions whether you enjoy studying it or not. One of the greatest (and sometimes heated) topics of discussion in the world of history is historical interpretation. Being a student of history, literature, and theology as well as an avid historic sites visitor, I have heard many different arguments about the accuracy of historical interpretation. When visiting a living history museum, there are always going to be a few people who complain when an interpretation is not 100 percent accurate. It can be the smallest detail like the grass grown on the ground, or a large detail like the personality of a widely known historical figure. While constructive criticism is always beneficial, I have lately seen an influx of purely hateful comments and complaints, which suggests that people have forgotten what “historical interpretation” really means.
Allow me to dissect the two words. “Historical” means “of the past,” and “interpretation” means “stylistic representation,” or “the act of explaining.” If we combine the two words together, we get “a stylistic representation to help explain the past.” In other words, historical interpretation is not going to be 100 percent accurate, even on a good day.
Now, I am about to say something that may shock (or enrage) another history buff. It is okay if historical interpretation is not 100 percent accurate. We do not miss the importance of historical interpretation if the people portraying figures from the past do not get every single detail perfectly correct. Let me help put this in perspective. Imagine reading a book that you absolutely love. There is a high chance that you will go and tell someone about the story you just read. As you summarize the story to someone, are you going to recite the story exactly as it was written? No. You are going to tell the story using your own words. Is your telling of the story wrong simply because you told it in your own words? No.
When we research the past, we are researching a story. We are going to get bits and pieces from a past life that we fit together. It is a long process, and one that should not go unnoticed. If we have the courage to come out to the general public and present a piece of the past, whether it be a historic trade, a specific figure, or an everyday citizen, we are doing a service to everyone involved. Historical interpretation helps remind others of the struggles and sacrifices it took to get to where we are today. It paints a picture of a time and place that we will never fully understand just by reading words on a page. Historical interpretation captures all five senses, which allows people to remember information on much grander scale. It also is eye-opening because it reminds us about the flaws of our past so that we do not repeat them. Finally, historical interpretation gives a chance for stories to be told from certain people and ethnic groups who did not have a voice back then.
Sometimes, complete historical accuracy is not something we should pursue. Why, you ask? Well, let me provide an example. Back in the 18th century, there was (surprise!) no plumbing or modern toilet bowls. If people during that time period had to use the restroom, they pulled out their handy chamber pot. At some point, people had to dispose of the contents in that chamber pot. Since there was no plumbing, many people would dump the contents outside. When I visit an 18th century historic site with interpreters roaming the streets, I give silent thanks that I do not have to trudge through paths of human waste.
At the end of the day, we will never know every detail of the past. Buildings have been burned to the ground. Primary sources like letters, journals, or wills are lost without a trace. Historical interpretation can help fill in the blanks by taking what we know and combining it with documents and artifacts that we have. It may never be perfect, but it still provides something valuable and meaningful for all generations.
