10/17/2023
“This was built in 1912, right?”
“Yep, 1912.”
“Just think, mom: some kid over a hundred years ago sat in this seat, in this room. And maybe he was just like me, and we would have been friends. But he’ll never know I was here.” Her face took on an uncharacteristic furrowed expression.
“I know.”
“That’s so sad…” she looked at the desk top.
“It is. It IS sad.” And it was.
We looked around at the empty desks, most of which were reproductions, as the scent of dust and old wood settled around us. Our family was milling around, new visitors were creaking through the old school house, but I had this moment with her—right now—surrounded by memories of people long gone.
This is where it starts: with historical empathy.
I would take a child with historical empathy over a child who only had good test-taking abilities, because historical empathy has staying power. Historical empathy promises a lifetime of interest, grappling with weighty philosophical questions, and compassion towards people of the past.
Historical empathy is born out of personal interest, and if nurtured carefully, will reap the benefits of self-education the rest of her life.
She will notice the past…everywhere she goes in the present.
I had to capture it.
“Can I take your picture?”
“Sure, mom.”
It was the best history lesson we ever had together.
