Arcadia Publishing created a series of books titled Images of America. You’ve probably seen them in gift shops or local bookstores, and if you’re a history buff (like me), you’ve probably looked through a few of them. Sepia-toned photos of people, places, and things.
The stated purpose of this series is to document local history, educate, and foster community pride. Photographichistorical storytelling.
When I pick one up and browse through it, I like to find and compare the images with today. Sometimes, the location they show looks remarkably similar; sometimes, you can make out a few buildings that are the same, and sometimes, they’re unrecognizable. In any case, I always find myself thinking, “Isn’t that interesting.”
Each photograph captures a moment, a story, from the area’s past. By comparing them to the current surroundings, we can see the threads that connect the location to it’s history. That connection is unbreakable and critical.
Just like us. Your personal history leaves an indelible impression on how you view the world. As it does with your neighbor.
“Isn’t that interesting.”
The more we can engage with that in mind, the more we can love, respect, and understand each other.
