Open Dialogues and Localized Approaches: Reflections on International Public History Perspectives and Practices

Abstract

This brief review of non-English public history textbooks provides an overview of key themes, emerging trends and contextual differences in the theories and practice of public history in Brazil, China, Japan, and Germany. These books reflect both the international growth in public history and the global recognition of its transformative impact on societies. The books highlight how public history is situated within national epistemological and cultural frameworks. Critically it is these frameworks and the application of localized and socially engaged approaches that enables public history to impact diverse communities.