HISTORY-IN-MOTION PODCAST: JANUARY 15, 2020

LISTEN TO THE JANUARY 15, 2020 PODCAST HERE

History Education Hawaii, Inc., announces the release of its second HISTORY-IN-MOTION podcast dated January 15, 2020. 

HISTORY-IN-MOTION tells the stories of those who are on the forefront of history education including through leaders, educators, museums and the people who make their programs successful. 

On Historical Connections, Host Jeffrey Bingham Mead welcomed from Greenwich, Connecticut playwright and author Catherine Ladnier with John Dolin and Joe Webber of West Haven, Connecticut. All are bound by a common association with a World War II-era disaster that you likely have never heard of. Why?

When readers of the Rochester Times-Union received their Thursday evening, June 14, 1945 editions they and Americans across the nation read news of the greatest single transport disaster during World War II -and its details were kept classified for decades. It would be many years before family members and the public would learn details about the mysterious circumstances of the HMT Rohna disaster. 

In the darkness of the night and in bad weather the British troops ship HMT Rohna sank after a 30 minute enemy air attack on November 26, 1943 off the coast of Algeria. Of the 1,981 U.S. Navy personnel aboard 1,015 were lost. It was the first attack of its kind, and warfare would never be the same. 

You’re invited to take a few moments to visit Ladnier's web site, DearEva.org to learn about her plays. Also, learn more by visiting the web site of the Rohna Survivors Memorial Association.

On Speaking of Books, Host Jeffrey Bingham Mead welcomed by phone from Yangon, Myanmar (Burma) Dr. Thant Myint-U, author of The Hidden History of Burma: Race, Capitalism, and the Crisis of Democracy in the 21st Century. 

He is the founder and chairman of the Yangon Heritage Trust. His grandfather was the renowned Secretary-General of the United Nations, U Thant.

Precariously positioned between China and India, Burma’s population has suffered dictatorship, natural disaster, and the dark legacies of colonial rule. But when decades of military dictatorship finally ended and internationally beloved Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi emerged from long years of house arrest, hopes soared. Progress seemed inevitable.

An historian, former diplomat, historical conservationist and presidential advisor, Dr. Thant Myint-U saw the cracks forming. He dissects how a singularly predatory economic system, fast-rising inequality, disintegrating state institutions, the impact of new social media, the rise of China next door, climate change, and deep-seated feelings around race, religion, and national identity all came together to challenge the incipient democracy. 

Interracial violence soared and a horrific exodus of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees fixed international attention. Thant Myint-U explains how and why this happened, and details an unsettling prognosis for the future.

Burma is today a fragile stage for nearly all the world’s problems. Are democracy and an economy that genuinely serves all its people possible in Burma? 

In clear and urgent prose, Thant Myint-U explores this question―a concern not just for the Burmese but for the rest of the world―warning of the possible collapse of this nation of 55 million while suggesting a fresh agenda for change.

In observance of the Civil Liberties and the Constitution Day on Thursday, January 30, 2020 the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, Hawaii State Bar Association Civic Education Committee, Iolani Palace, and National Park Service announced a film screening of Minidoka: An American Concentration Camp 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 

Minidoka: An American Concentration Camp tells the story of a group of Americans and their incarceration by the U.S. government in the High Desert of southern Idaho. It explores the lasting impact of incarceration on Japanese Americans, through decades of shame and silence, before the community took a stand for redress, and examines the relevance of their story for civil rights today.

Hanako Wakatsuki, Chief of Interpretation and Education, Minidoka National Historic Site, will speak about her work with former incarcerees of the Minidoka concentration camp. Wakatsuki is currently assisting efforts to develop the Honouliuli National Historic Site.

Seating to this free screening is limited and reservations are required. A reception will follow the screening and talk.

The public programs of the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center focus on the historical, social, and legal traditions of Hawaii. Presentations made through lectures, panel discussions, film, and theatrical performances deal with topics and themes of the past that have relevance to current events and the future direction of the state and nation. Thought provoking and educational, its programs are free to the public. 

The Center is located on the first floor of Aliiolani Hale. The general public is welcomed to visit Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays). Admission is FREE. Learn more online at jhchawaii.net. Email info@jhcHawaii.net. Call 808.539.4999. 

Join History Education Hawaii, Inc.,  as a member. Visit www.historyeducationhawaii.org/membership today. 

Contact us anytime at historyeducationhawaii@gmail.com. Our next podcast is scheduled for January 30, 2020. 

Thank you for listening!

ANNOUNCEMENT: History in Motion Podcast January 1, 2020

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

E Komo Mai! The History-in-Motion Podcast is now online! 

History Education Hawaii, Inc., the allied Hawaii Council of the National Council for History Education (NCHE), has published the first episode of its podcast dated January 1, 2020.  

On Historical Connections we sat down with David Madden, founder of the National History Bee and Bowl while he was recently at McKinley High School in Honolulu. 

HEH also announced the recipient of the 2019-2020 Ret. Brig. General Frances Mossman Award for Excellence in History Education (formerly the History Educator of the Year Award). The Mossman Award was given to Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives for its innovative, popular History Theatre program. 

We also welcomed Hawaii-based playwright and actor Moses Goods. He was on tour in the New England States in partnership with Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives performing his one-man play 'My Name is Opukahaia.' 

Douglas Chong of the Hawaii Chinese History Center sat down to illuminate us about Dr. Sun Yet-sen and his ties to Hawaiian and Chinese history. 

We delivered a memorial recognition in memory of Cokie Roberts who was very active with the National Council for History Education until she died in September, 2019. 

You're invited to attend the upcoming Annual Conference of the National Council for History Education. It will be held in March, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio -the birthplace thirty years ago of the NCHE (Learn more at www.nche.net) 

Join History Education Hawaii, Inc.,  as a member. Visit www.historyeducationhawaii.org/membership today. 

Contact us anytime at historyeducationhawaii@gmail.com. 

Our next podcast is scheduled for January 15, 2020. Thank you for listening!

ANNOUNCEMENT: YEAR 2019-2020 Ret. Brig. General Frances Iwalani Mossman Award for Excellence in History Education

Retired Brig. Gen. Frances Iwalani Mossman (center)

Out of respect and in gratitude to the late Retired Brig. General Frances Iwalani Mossman, History Education Hawaii, Inc., the Hawaii allied council of the National Council for History Education (NCHE) announces that our annual History Educator of the Year Award will henceforth be called the Ret. Brig. General Frances Iwalani Mossman Award for Excellence in History Education.

History Education Hawaii, Inc., is pleased to announce that the Ret. Brig. General Frances Iwalani Mossman Award for Excellence in History Education for the Year 2019-2020 goes to the History Theater Program of the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives. 

Audiences in Hawaii and beyond have been enjoying dramatic encounters with actors portraying individuals who played important roles in the history of Hawai’i. Meticulous research on these historical individuals is conducted from primary resource materials, providing audiences with a truly authentic portrayal of a rich, complicated history found only in Hawaii. 

Presently, the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives commemorates the 200th anniversary of the first Congregational mission to Hawai'i with The Hawai'i, New England Connection, a first-ever 30-day tour of History Theatre, panel discussions, and cultural events. This series explores the history and contemporary results of the intersection of New England and Hawaiian culture, which began in 1819 when the first missionaries left Boston for Hawai'i and continues today.

The Hawai'i, New England Connection features a one-man play, My Name is 'Ōpūkaha'ia. Performed by Moses Goods, Hawai'i's premier actor, storyteller, and writer, it recounts the life of 'Ōpūkaha'ia, a young Native Hawaiian man who would change the history of Hawai'i forever with his arrival in New England. Events also include discussion panels with New England and Hawai'i scholars, school workshops, and performances of Hawaiian songs and chants.

Retired Brigadier General Frances Iwalani Mossman passed away on July 7th 2018 at her home in Mililani. Frances' contribution to the defense of our nation and her life in both government and private capacity resulted in numerous accomplishments. Among her many interests and accomplishments was history education, leading her in 2006 with Jeffrey Bingham Mead and John S. Carroll to be the co-founders of History Education Hawaii, Inc. Her foresight, wisdom, leadership and vision touched many lives in Hawaii, around the United States of America and beyond. 

Mossman was President of the Hawaii International Dispute Resolution Group LLC.  She was a Planning and Policy Consultant with over forty-five years of combined experience in national security and defense, international relations and domestic programs at the federal, state, regional and local levels of government, specializing in urban development, infrastructure, land use planning, legislation and policies and procedures.

Mossman earned a Juris Doctor degree from The George Washington University National Law Center, a B.A. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and did graduate work at the University of California, Berkeley in political science, history, international relations and economics.  She was a Certified Planner as designated by the American Institute of Certified Planners. 

A mediator and facilitator with experience in a wide range of issues and types of disputes, Mossman was a panel member of the State Judiciary’s Hawaii Appellate Conference Program and mediates cases on appeal.  She was an Arbitrator for the Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO), Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, State of Hawaii.

Mossman was appointed by the Veterans Administration to the Homeless Veterans Task Force for Hawai’i and Chair of its Housing Committee.

From 1986 to 1998, Mossman worked for the City and County of Honolulu in land use, zoning, transportation, long-range planning and as Senior Legislative Analyst for the Honolulu City Council.  Her last City position was as Chief Planner and Executive Assistant to the Director of the Planning Department.  Prior to that, she served as Senior Planner in the Environmental Management Agency, General Planning Division and as Chief of Zoning and Special Projects for Orange County, California.  

Ms. Mossman worked for the RAND Corporation for many years as Associate Economist, Systems Analyst and Editor in the Santa Monica, California and Washington, D.C. offices.  She worked for Planning Research Corporation (PRC) as an Associate/Intelligence Analyst in Washington, D.C. and for the Public Policy Research Organization at the University of California, Irvine.  After a military career in air traffic control and flight facilities, intelligence, plans and policy, programs and resources and assignments on the Air Staff in Washington, D.C., she retired from the United States Air Force as a Brigadier General. 

Mossman was a Member of the Board of Directors of the Association for Conflict Resolution and was Chair of its Legislative & Public Policy Committee.  She served as Chair of ACR’s Commercial Section and was a Member of the Board of Directors for the Hawaii Chapter of ACR.  She was a member of the American Bar Association and participated in the International (China Committee) and Dispute Resolution (Mediation Committee) Sections.  She was a member of the American Planning Association (APA), the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the World Future Society (National Coordinator for Hawaii).

History Education Hawaii, Inc., (HEH) Announces Strategic Partnership with Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development, Ltd.

History Education Hawaii, Inc., (HEH) the Honolulu-based nonprofit allied council of the National Council for History Education (NCHE.net) announces the ground-breaking strategic partnership with Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development, Ltd., in China.

"History Education Hawaii's mission is a unique one, for our mission is not just to promote history education in Hawaii, but also the Asia–Pacific Rim," said HEH president and cofounder Jeffrey Bingham Mead. "This first-of-its-kind strategic partnership with a trusted, reputable Chinese institution is a win-win for all. At no previous time in history has there been a need for Americans in Chinese to understand each other's histories. Our shared goal is to enhance Chinese and American understanding and friendship through educational and cultural activities through the exchange of ideas, perspectives and experiences with a focus on historical scholarship."

"Historians, history teachers, students and history buffs in both nations can look forward to new, imaginative and innovative partnerships," Mead said.

Based in the Chinese capital, Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development, Ltd., is a public relations and communications firm focused on establishing cross-cultural relationships, programs and initiatives between Chinese and American cultural advocates and institutions. It is the title sponsor of the Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim Show that broadcasts weekly from 1490 WGCH/ WGCH.com, Greenwich, Connecticut USA.

"I am proud of the individuals and hard work that has gone into making this partnership possible. A rising tide lifts all ships, and we see benefits for Chinese and American historians, history educators, students and more. We look forward to expanding our outreach through online and imaginative modalities at a time of historic change in the Asia Pacific Region. With Beijing AmBridge's help we will have access to many of China's most reputable historians, history educators, schools and heritage institutions."

The mission of the National Council for History Education promotes historical literacy by encouraging and creating opportunities for teachers and students to benefit from more history, better taught. 

Founded in 2006 originally as the History Education Council of Hawaii, History Education Hawaii, Inc., is a non-partisan non-profit organization that collaborates with educational institutions and individuals focusing on the history of the State of Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region, while setting a high standard of historical scholarship by encouraging the use of the latest technological innovations. 

Learn more at NCHE.net and HistoryEducationalHawaii.Org. 

Announcement: Call for Proposals for NCHE National Conference 2019, Washington, DC: Exercising Power: Individuals and Institutions in History

Exercising Power: Individuals and Institutions in History

NCHE National Conference

Washington, DC
March 14-16, 2019

Featuring:

Fun Receptions and Interesting Enrichment Excursions to Historic Sites
More than 70 Breakout Sessions and over 30 Exhibitors

2019 Proposal Submission Deadline is September 24, 2018

It was impossible not to feel a sense of hope as the Cold War began to thaw and the Soviet Union, under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev, embarked upon a new era of political openness and economic reform. Gorbachev represented a new path for the fledgling Russian state, one that many believed would lead to a western style democratic-capitalism. But in August of 1991, Gorbachev was placed under house arrest and his reforms were quickly done away with. In an iconic moment, Boris Yeltsin, recently elected as President of the Russian Republic, stood atop a tank outside the parliament building and urged Russians to resist the military takeover. To the surprise of many, soldiers disobeyed their orders and even joined the resistance. Individuals had taken a stand against the might of the Russian military establishment and set the country on a new course.
 
Over time, however, Yeltsin’s rule became increasingly autocratic. Already weak institutions began to buckle as Yeltsin issued edicts eroding the authority of the nation’s courts and legislature. As the country lurched towards authoritarianism, Yeltsin resigned and appointed Vladimir Putin as his successor. Decades later Putin remains in power and Russian democracy remains a Potemkin village. Without a robust system of institutions to serve as a check on presidential power, Russians face an illiberal democracy where the rule of law remains a hope not a reality.
 
It was a passionate desire to change our reality that led Rachel Carson to write on environmental issues and reframe our relationship with the natural world. An avid bird-watcher and prodigious researcher, she had grown increasingly concerned about the deleterious effects of chemical pesticides on the environment and people’s health. With the publication of her best-selling work Silent Spring in 1962, she helped stoke an environmental consciousness in many Americans and raised the ire of those who believed that pesticides would boost agricultural production and save lives. Ultimately, her work pushed the federal government to create the Environmental Protection Agency and to deliberately tackle issues of pollution and environmental degradation.   

Mohandas Gandhi’s vision of a free India came about not only through the use of mass mobilization but also from his understanding of how to challenge the authority of British institutions.  It was those same British institutions, however, that aided India during the early days of independence as India’s parliament modeled itself after British practices. When Rosa Parks exercised individual power by keeping her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in protest of segregation laws in the South, she sparked a movement backed by institutions like the NAACP and black churches.  Just as individuals can shape history, institutions can serve as the catalysts for change or prove to be obstacles to human freedom. How individuals and institutions exercise power and towards what end is an important question that speaks to our values and the nature of human community.
 
The National Council for History Education invites proposals on the theme “Exercising Power: Individuals and Institutions in History” for the 2019 National Conference.  All proposals will be evaluated on the basis of their intellectual content, their ability to engage the audience, and their overall contribution to the teaching of history. 

Breakout sessions:  These teacher workshops are typically interactive “how to” sessions designed for the K-12 educator and are 50 minutes in length.
 
Mini Sessions: Mini Session topics range from teaching ideas to research reports. Presenters have 15 minutes to present information and answer questions. Each mini session typically includes 3 separate 15 minute presentations in the same room within a 50 minute time period.

Poster Session: Poster Session topics range from teaching ideas to research reports. Poster presenters display their information visually (ex. poster/display board) on a six foot table and interact with interested attendees during the 50-minute session. Presenters remain with their posters. The poster session period may include 8-15 simultaneous presenters.

"We pledge..."

"Today, with solemn gratitude, we recall the sacrifice of all on Oahu on December 7, 1941, especially those who gave their last full measure of devotion and their families. We pledge to uphold the Greatest Generation's legacy and honor their memory."

Happy Thanksgiving! Hau'oli Ho'omaikai!