What is Historical Event

WHAT CONSTITUTES A SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENT?

“Historic means 'famous or important in history', as in a historic occasion, whereas historical means 'concerning history or historical events', as in historical evidence; thus a historic event is one that was very important, whereas a historical event is something that happened in the past.”

“Significant events include those that resulted in great change over long periods of time for large numbers of people. ... A historical person or event can acquire significance if we, the historians, can link it to larger trends and stories that reveal something important for us today.”

At about age 10 or so our parents took we three kids to the capital building in Jefferson City, Missouri. The main reason I remember it now is that this was probably my first introduction to American history. If memory serves, there were large tapestries portraying events in Missouri history which were explained to us in light of how the world was then seen.

Over the following years interest in history was certainly fueled by my father. And, I had the remarkable good fortune in high school of having a succession of “born” history teachers.

The result of all this I have a pretty good knowledge of American history. I knew about the despicable treatment of “Negros” since slavery. I’d even heard about the white-led riot which destroyed “Black Wall Street”. I knew it happened in the 1920’s; but not the exact date. I was surprised to learn it was in Tulsa, Oklahoma of all places.

To give due credit, Trump was right in saying he made “Junetheenth” famous. It was simply not a significant historical event which would have been more than footnote in some forgotten history book. The day would have passed largely un-noted (outside of Texas) if someone on Trump’s staff hadn’t bungled his rally preparation. Trump’s error was in not simply admitting he’d been unaware of the date or any offense it would cause, and the mistake would be corrected (also known as taking responsibility).

The bottom line for me has always been something heard long ago: “You can’t know everything about everything.” I choose to know a little, but not everything, about history – which is still the best interpreter of today and predictor of tomorrow.