Pro Bono History: Back to Thinking

After a very long hiatus, I am back with a series of articles based on my MA research into model railways.

Welcome!

I am an historian by training (PhD, University of Toronto, 2022). My doctoral work specialized in the history of railway development in Northern Ontario, with particular interest in the Ontario Northland Railway and its relationship with Indigenous communities around James Bay.

I have completed research projects focusing on the history of Jewish fundraising in Toronto; tourism during the construction of the Panama Canal; and an MA research project on the connections between model railways, identity and memory.

Why "Pro Bono"?

The title of this website is a tribute to everyone who was told that they were wasting their time by choosing to study the humanities. As university is increasingly seen as the gateway to a high-pay job in business or technology, it is easy to forget that sometimes it is pure intellectual interest that drives people to study. Humanities also train you to think bigger.

"Pro Bono" comes from the 2003 film Lost in Translation, which is a gem for anyone who has ever felt isolated in a foreign culture (or in your own for that matter). While chatting at the hotel bar, Bob (Bill Murray) asks Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) what she studied at university. The dialogue goes a little like this:

Charlotte: Philosophy.
Bob: Yeah, there's a good buck in that racket.
Charlotte: Well, so far it's pro bono.

When I chose to study history, a lot of people told me that I was wasting my time. Like philosophy, it is misunderstood. I hope this website will demonstrate how interesting and relevant history can be. It isn't all about remembering dates!

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Back to Thinking