Camping Out 1883

Camping: A Night Under the Stars is Not Always a Vacation

The word “camping” often inspires nostalgic summer memories in the outdoors or dreams of future escapes to nature. However, camping as a fun and relaxing activity is a new concept in the long history of human experience. Camping isn’t always a vacation for everyone. Originally, a camp was the place where military troops were located, … Continue reading Camping: A Night Under the Stars is Not Always a Vacation

Rural life is idealized in this color lithograph.

Beware of nostalgia in primary sources

Nostalgia – a sentimental longing for the past. Many primary source texts and images suggest the past was a better place. But was it really? The word comes from Greek roots: nostos means to return home, aliga/alegein means pain, to care about, longing.   Homesickness is a similar feeling – a longing for home. Historical sources are often nostalgic, … Continue reading Beware of nostalgia in primary sources