There are few yearnings that span the human race, across cultures, political beliefs and past history more than the compulsion to understand our identity. Part of that is understanding where we come from. This understanding grounds us and gives meaning to our accomplishments. But ironically, it’s also easily lost in our present mileu of constant global connection.
For all their potential, the social networking tools are a continuation of the human struggle to find our place, at a more demanding pace. But that kind of wholeness can’t just be found in to future. It’s in experience the now, and setting the brief little moments that we’re here on earth into perspective of the people, places and events that brought us here — and ensuring that folks down the line have the same opportunity.
Part of rediscovering our genuine identity lies in heritage values. So, what does that mean? what’s the difference between history/culture and heritage? The best answer I’ve seen can be found at the UMASS Amherst Center for Heritage & Society (ACHS). Essentially, it says that heritage is caring; It’s connecting and thinking a resource is worthwhile enough for the effort to preserve both the resource and its memory on an individual and collaborative level.
And it is not just about preserving old things. It’s about knowing the context of why you preserve them.
It’s also about the people who created them and understanding the stories of how they managed to survive and bring beauty and expression to our world. It’s the backdrop for who we all are, and I think it’s an essential part of the story of each individual and organization engaging on the social web.
We all seek to connect with our heritage as part of discovering our place in humanity. These are values that deepen with time, but are often planted as seeds in childhood–a visit with a grandparent or a trip to a heritage site. With the pace and breadth of connections in the virtual world, how will current and future generations connect with what’s past, and what will happen as they age and look back for that sense of identity? Will it be there waiting or will they face an undefinable void in their human experience?
Not everyone connects to heritage on the same level, just like they don’t all connect to using the web to communicate on the same level. You have to meet individuals where they are, with their own experience levels, cultures and hangups.
The web empowers us to discover our identities on a deeper level, and that capability becomes even more powerful with intentional curation. As you discover what you’re about — what you care about — then start talking about it online and off, you’re well on your way. The ACHS site puts it well:
“Who owns “The Past” and who is entitled to speak for past generations? Active public discussion about material and intangible heritage–of individuals, groups, communities, and nations–is a valuable facet of public life in our multicultural world.”
What can you do to add to the discussion about the heritage resources that inspire you to care? Every thoughtful word and action ensures their legacy and yours. Just add something to the discussion now.
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