Please allow me to introduce myself: my name is Chrissy Finn and I adore history! Not only do I adore history, I want you to adore it too! My love affair with history was sparked by my parents who frequently took me to museums and historic properties as a child. My interest has never waned and now I'm lucky enough to be married to a man who was prepared (and eager) to spend his honeymoon touring England's heritage sites with me!
I have a Batchelor of Arts in History which, if I had to go on Mastermind (no thanks!), might give me a chance at specialist subject: European history, medieval to modern. But I love so much more: dinosaurs; Egyptology; ancient mythology; dinosaurs; social history; women's history; oh, did I mention dinosaurs?!
See, the thing is, there is a lot of history out there and it really is for everyone! My theory is that every single person can enjoy this subject, you just have to find the thing that sparks your interest. History is at its most interesting when you can identify with it. Your grandparents lived though the war - what did they wear; where did they socialise; what was an air-raid like? You're into jewellery and cosmetics - what did the Egyptians use to make-up their faces; how did they store their make-up; how similar in style was their jewellery; would you wear it?! You like Downton Abbey - what was life really like for servants and the aristocracy; would you prefer to live a life upstairs or downstairs? You get the picture!
The answers to many of these questions can of course be found in books and online which is great, but there's nothing quite like seeing and experiencing things for yourself. The first and best places to look are often on your doorstep! Modern museums and historic properties are not just archives of the past, a lot of work goes into creating an interactive environment to bring history to life for everyone! Think the games, gadgets and dressing-up rooms are just for the kids? Think again!
The purpose of this blog is to scratch the surface of the vast world of heritage available to you and hopefully to inspire you dig a little deeper! Expect to find trip-diaries, photos, bizarre finds, updates on events and how you can get involved, and much more! I would also love for this blog to be interactive - set me challenges, ask me questions, give me your opinion, throw your own finds and experiences at me (I particularly love the gross and the bizarre!).
I hope you enjoy our little journey through my cabinet of curiosities!
