Meaningful Pasts: Historical Narratives, Commemorative Landscapes, and Everyday Lives

Russell Johnston and Michael Ripmeester's book Meaningful Pasts explores two strands of identity-making among residents of the Niagara region in Ontario, Canada. It reveals how official narratives did not resonate with residents, who instead drew on contemporary people, places, and events. The emergence of Niagara's wine industry as a heritage narrative has rekindled residents' interest in agriculture as a significant element of regional heritage and local identities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2024
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

In Meaningful Pasts, Russell Johnston and Michael Ripmeester delve into two interconnected strands of identity-making among residents of the Niagara region in Ontario, Canada. Firstly, they examine the official narratives prevalent in the region, which predominantly celebrate the accomplishments of white settlers through a combination of storytelling, rituals, and monuments. While these narratives have ingrained themselves in local lore and landmarks, they failed to resonate with nearly one thousand residents who participated in five surveys conducted over eleven years. Instead, participants drew upon contemporary people, places, and events as sources of identity.

Secondly, the authors explore the emergence of Niagara's wine industry as a heritage narrative. The book showcases how survey participants embraced the industry as a local identifier, indicating how the industry's efforts have rekindled residents' interest in agriculture as a significant element of regional heritage and local identities. Meaningful Pasts sheds light on how the profiles of local narratives and commemorations become intertwined with social, cultural, economic, and political power, emphasizing the importance of residents finding meaning in these narratives in their daily lives.

Through their insightful analysis, Johnston and Ripmeester provide a valuable contribution to the study of identity formation and heritage preservation. Their work highlights the dynamic nature of local narratives and the significance of engaging residents in the process of shaping their narratives to ensure their relevance and impact. Meaningful Pasts is a must-read for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex interplay between identity, heritage, and society.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487550424