In the discipline of history, one entire field is devoted to the study of how the study of history has evolved over time. We refer to this field as “historiography.” But while we tend to devote a great of study to the evolution of historical theories and methods, not much attention is paid to the personal evolution of historians themselves. Historians, like many academics, can seem to be figures that are larger-than-life, intimidating, and aloof. However, the reality couldn’t be farther from the truth. So, in this new series, “Historians’ Histories,” I’m going “behind the scenes” to talk with actual practicing historians about why they decided to devote their lives to history, their thoughts on the profession, and their work as historians. Think Stephen Colbert’s “Better Know a District,” without the biting political satire. 😉
My dear friend Peter Scales has kindly volunteered to be my first guinea pig in this new series. 😉 Peter is a family historian and lay chaplain with the Capital Unitarian Universalist Congregation, who currently lives in Victoria, British Columbia. Originally hailing from Salmon Arm, BC, he has degrees in both history and philosophy, and spent most of his career in the Canadian Forces Air Command (now known as the Royal Canadian Air Force). In his spare time, he likes to repair and refurbish old vehicles, especially Volkswagens, and sing in a number of local choirs, including the Linden Singers of Victoria. Peter and I first met in 2006 in graduate school at the University of Victoria.
