Why is history important? Is it important? History is taught since a young age, however, many cannot say one way or the other the mission of those class lessons.
These are the type of questions Kean University Historical Society (KUHS) addresses.
KUHS was formed with the intent to interest students in history and "to have a club that celebrated our vibrant local history as well as history in general," said Melissa Calton, President of the Historical Society and senior history education major.
The club has been in existence for awhile, but unfortunately it was inactive for quite some time. In 2002, however, people felt it was time to bring the society back to Kean University.
"The History Department at Kean [University] is an active and vibrant community, and we wanted to foster that sense of community -- and love of history -- at the university more broadly," commented Abigail Perkiss, who is on sabbatical but was the club's advisor prior to this leave of absence.
While KUHS is a student-run organization, the Department of History fully supports its mission as it aligns with the department's objective: understanding past happenings.
"The [Department of History] and the history classes here have really expanded my knowledge of history," Calton said. "The professors excel at what they do, and they really challenge their students to think critically about history and what is known about it."
Possibly one of the most beneficial aspects KUHS has adopted from history courses is venturing off campus to historic sites. Discussions of past events is one act, but to be on the same ground a battle took place, or in a museum that retells events, is another experience.
"For my classes, I have visited museums as well as exhibits on campus in order to better expand upon my knowledge of history, and it has given me a more rich experience of my schooling as well as a more thorough knowledge of history," Calton stated. "The Historical Society has also given me a more knowledgeable world view of history, between our trips to museums to our events about history on campus."
Calton gave insight on previous and future trips hosted by KUHS.
"Last semester we went to Washington, D.C. to visit the historical sites and history museums there...[Now we are working] to visit either Gettysburg or the Battleship New Jersey (in Camden) in the near future," Calton stated excitedly. "This semester we will be attending Dr. Regal's Ghost Tour of Kean, and we will also be attending the Horrors in History (both given on November 1 [2016])."
Other than off-campus outings, the organization has held lectures and workshops that focused on students preparing for life post-college. There was one gathering in particular that out-shined all others: the club's Great Gatsby themed end-of-the-semester party.
"The theme was inspired by Banned Books Week, and included not only a party, but a film screening and discussion of the history of banned books and what made Gatsby so controversial," Perkiss stated.
An average club meeting includes a discussion of current events on a local and national level and the club's future, among other topics.
"Just show up for a meeting or an event!" Perkiss encouraged. "The organization aims to be inclusive and welcoming, and we're always happy to see new faces."
Like being a part of any organization, bonds are formed. While carrying out the mission of the club, members get to know one another past the surface, past the level of that one shared interest.
Calton said, "...I have made some truly great friendships during my time in the club, both as just a member as well as on the executive board. All of our members are amazing people who care passionately about history, even if they are not history majors."
Does this sound like an organization to join? KUHS meets twice a month, and meeting information can be found on the club's Cougar Link page.
"The club has also given me a sense of belonging...I am incredibly lucky to be a part of the Historical Society and the wonderful people who attend it."
