Participant Toolkit
About
We Want More History is a coordinated national day of programming that invites communities to engage with history as a public good. The event strengthens civic health, supports democratic dialogue, and affirms the role of public institutions in fostering learning, reflection, and shared understanding. This toolkit provides practical guidance to help hosts plan and deliver a strong, welcoming, locally grounded program.
Who This Toolkit Is For
This toolkit is intended for public libraries, parks, historic sites, and other civic or community organizations hosting a We Want More History event.
Core Principles
All We Want More History events should be grounded in the following principles:
- accurate/ evidence-based history (help me with this… )
- inclusive histories
- Learning as public good
What Participation Looks Like
Hosts are asked to offer one public-facing program on the national day, use this toolkit as guidance rather than a script, promote the event locally, and share brief feedback afterward. Programs should be free and open to the public whenever possible.
Suggested Event Formats
Hosts may choose the format that best fits their space and community:
- Public talk followed by conversation
- Facilitated community dialogue
- Place-based history program
- Teach-in or learning session
- Story circle or oral history gathering
Program Design Tips
- Accessibility & Inclusion
Core Messaging
- “This program is part of We Want More History, a national day of public history programming.”
- Avoid framing that positions the event as partisan, treats history as something to be “won” or “lost,” or centers controversy over learning.
Sample Programs
Sample Program 1: Public Talk + Community Conversation
- Total Time:
- Welcome and Context
- Speaker Presentation
- Guided Conversation.
- Audience Q&A
- Closing
Sample Program 2: Facilitated Community Dialogue
- Total Time
- Opening and Framing
- Welcome and framing of the event as a space for learning and listening
- Context Setting
- Brief historical context relevant to the community or place.
- Group Discussion
- Reflection and Close
Sample Program 3: Place-Based History Program
- Total Time: 60–90 minutes
- Welcome and Orientation (5 minutes)
- Place-Based History Presentation or Walk
- Participant Questions and Shared Reflection
- Closing
Sample Program 4: Story Circle or Oral History Event
- Total Time:
- Welcome and Ground Rules
- Story Sharing
- Group Reflection
- Closing
