Where Are the Workers?: Labor's Stories at Museums and Historic Sites

The labor movement in the US is a bulwark of democracy and a driving force for social and economic equality, but its stories remain largely unknown. Robert Forrant and Mary Anne Trasciatti edit a collection of essays that explore how place-based labor history initiatives can promote understanding of past struggles, create awareness of present challenges, and support efforts to build power, expand democracy, and achieve justice for working people.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2022
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

The labor movement in the United States is a cornerstone of democracy and a powerful force for social and economic equality. However, its rich history remains largely unknown to Americans. In an effort to rectify this, Robert Forrant and Mary Anne Trasciatti have curated a collection of essays that aim to bring the stories of labor and working people to the forefront of mainstream narratives in US history.

Part One of the collection focuses on strategies for collecting and interpreting worker-oriented history with the goal of making it accessible to the public. Contributors explore various methods, such as conducting oral histories, researching archives, and utilizing digital tools, to uncover and present the experiences of workers from different industries and backgrounds. They also discuss the challenges and ethical considerations involved in preserving and sharing this history.

Part Two of the collection takes a deeper dive into the writing and visual representation of labor history. The essayists examine how place-based labor history initiatives can promote understanding of past struggles, raise awareness of present challenges, and support efforts to build power, expand democracy, and achieve justice for working people. They explore various forms of artistic expression, such as murals, sculptures, and exhibitions, as means of conveying the stories of labor and working people to a broader audience.

Through their insightful essays, the contributors to Where Are the Workers? provide a comprehensive blueprint for change. They argue that working-class perspectives can expand our historical memory and inform and inspire contemporary activism. They showcase the ways in which workers have fought for their rights and dignity, and how their experiences continue to shape the political and social landscape of the United States.

The collection also highlights the importance of intersectionality in understanding labor history. The essayists recognize that workers from different racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds have faced unique challenges and struggles throughout history. They advocate for a more inclusive approach to studying labor history that recognizes the interconnectedness of various social and economic issues.

In conclusion, Where Are the Workers? is a valuable contribution to the field of labor history. By bringing the stories of labor and working people to the forefront of mainstream narratives, the collection aims to inspire a deeper understanding of the past and a more engaged and empowered present. It serves as a reminder of the importance of labor in shaping the American story and the ongoing struggle for social and economic equality.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252044397