History is often told through the lenses of mass movements and individual greatness. But it’s interesting to find the stories that cluster in small to medium groups such as schools, churches, professional guilds, and social clubs. Slices of daily life with humans blending their skills and talent together to build something to last.
When I drive through neighborhoods, I notice patterns. Suddenly everyone gets rid of their desk chairs in the same month. For sales signs multiply overnight. The noise of hammers and saws coming from all directions for 6 months. It seems like ground that was broken around the same time carries harmonic vibration. Changes ripple from a sympathetic epicenter based on human choices.
Studying the history of a city block by block will reveal similar patterns, and a curious mind will wander through the back alleys looking for the characters responsible. I’ve found in my research that business relationships often led to matrimony. Organizational charts and family trees were perfect circles. The ties that bind were numerous and overlapping for our ancestors.
I remember asking Nanny how all the characters on Days of Our Lives knew each other. Modern audiences are intrigued by the social web of our historic sites. They want to hear the gossip, scandals, and secrets whispered from generation to generation. Lean into the drama.
Lean into your own community. Who wants to help you? Who can you help? Left Hand Guide was built with the help of my friends. It was created to help my friends. Seek partnerships by getting involved in movements that already exist in your town. If you want to understand how to attract volunteers, volunteer for a local charity and pay attention to what you get from it. Explore the possibilities in your zip code to connect with your audience. Meet them where they are and invite them back to your site.
