Off the detour and back on track

All along I knew what I wanted to do, but never had the nerve to follow through until now. I need to write and I want to write. I want to tell stories that are passed from generation to generation.

Having the opportunity to submit a book proposal on local history has brought back to life my enthusiasm for American history. I have never lost the desire to discuss, teach or write history, I just didn’t know how to embrace it while working a job that had very little to do with history and even writing for that matter. But now that has all changed and for the first time in my life, I am taking the leap and doing what I believe I am meant to do.

Experiencing the past

Because of my passion for history and my belief that everyone should have some knowledge of historical events I have literally gotten down in the dirt in order to have a better understanding of a historical event so I am able to write a much better piece on the topic.

Some years ago I had the opportunity to work with Steve Warfel and the Pennsylvania State Museum on an archeological dig at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County. I learned so much from that experience not only about the history of the those who lived there, but about archeology. I have a whole appreciation for what archeologist do and how hard they work to get the facts.

With this new found freedom, I am able to dive into history the way I want to. For example, in studying the history of Silver Spring Township I plan to take a kayak the Conodoguinet Creek from the Middlesex/Silver Spring Township border to the Silver Spring/Hampton Township border. I want to get the feel for what it was like for the early Indians and early settlers to travel the creek. The Indian name for the Conodoguinet is “a long way with many bends”.

I believe this is the beginning of a career I was always meant to have. I know the path will be challenging and will involve sacrifices, but I truly believe I am where I’m meant to be.