In this episode of Public History with Jake and Justin, we're joined by Matt Maris, public historian and founder of Local Historia, a history-focused small business based in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.

Matt has built a reputation for creating immersive walking tours and community-based history programs that bring the past to life while strengthening local identity. Together, we talk about his deep love for Bellefonte's layered stories, how Local Historia began, and the ways that public history can serve as a tool for economic development in small towns across Pennsylvania and beyond.

This conversation explores how connecting people to their communities through walking tours and storytelling can foster pride, tourism, and revitalization. You'll hear how Matt uses local landmarks, hidden histories, and human stories to help residents and visitors alike see Bellefonte - and places like it - through fresh eyes.

In this episode of Public History with Jake and Justin, we talk with two dedicated public historians doing vital work at one of the Frederick, Maryland's most important historic sites.

We're joined by Amanda Venable, Museum Manager at Rose Hill Manor Park and Museums, and Kari Saavedra, Recreation Manager of Natural and Cultural Heritage for Frederick County Parks and Recreation.

Together, Amanda and Kari are reimagining what interpretation can look like at a site with layers of American history - from the legacy of Maryland's first elected governor, Thomas Johnson, to the lives of enslaved people, to the evolution of childhood and domestic life in the 18th and 19th centuries.

This conversation explores how public historians at the local level are navigating big questions around memory, inclusion, and place. You'll hear how Rose Hill is preparing for America's 250th anniversary in 2026, how their team is engaging with the community today, and why small museums like this one are essential to telling a fuller American story.

We also talk about the changing landscape of public history practice - what it means to tell difficult stories honestly, the responsibility we carry as interpreters of the past, and how quiet museum spaces can offer a powerful alternative to the noise of our present moment.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why Rose Hill is a site of layered historical memory

• The challenge (and opportunity) of interpreting the lives of enslaved people in places where white stories were once dominant in interpretation

• How a children's museum setting fosters intergenerational learning and connection

• The road to 2026: opportunities and concerns in commemorating America's 250th

• How Amanda and Kari bring passion, patience, and purpose to their roles every day

In this episode of Public History with Jake and Justin, we sit down with our friend and esteemed public historian, Codie Eash, Director of Education and Interpretation at the Seminary Ridge Museum in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Codie's expertise in tackling the complexities of Civil War memory, race, religion, and the enduring significance of Gettysburg shines through in this lively conversation.

From the unique challenges of interpreting a site as iconic as Seminary Ridge to navigating deeply entrenched myths and modern debates about the Civil War, Codie shares fascinating insights from his years on the front lines of public history. Whether you're new to Gettysburg or a lifelong visitor, Codie's approach to storytelling will change the way you think about one of America's most storied battlefields.

We also dive into Codie's background as a one-time journalism major and how those skills influence his work as a public historian.

The conversation explores everything from dismantling Lost Cause propaganda to creating authentic connections with visitors in an era of polarized historical memory.

Along the way, we reflect on the broader responsibilities of public historians in bridging gaps of understanding, inspiring curiosity, and encouraging critical thinking.

In this episode we discuss:

The joys and headaches of working in a 193-year-old museum.

Why Seminary Ridge's cupola is Gettysburg's most iconic rooftop.

How Codie's journalism roots shaped his public history career.

The art of myth-busting and dealing with Civil War "whataboutism."

Tackling Lost Cause narratives with evidence and empathy.

How NASCAR road trips inspire top-tier history chats.

Our Postscripts for this episode

Justin - YouTube docs about the discovery of King Richard III's remains in the UK

Codie - Watching King in the Wilderness, a documentary about MLK in the last years of his life

Jake - Visiting Paris and discovering the story of the 1871 Paris Commune