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The past and its facts are often seen as unchanging and immutable.  But perceptions as to the importance and meaning of historical facts are constantly changing.

Even the definition of what constitutes a historical fact alters with time, and these changing approaches to history can be controversial and politically fraught: revisions to public school curriculum have caused protests and, even, led to new legislation governing what can and cannot be taught.

How should we understand the idea that history itself has a history and its “truths” are in the eye of the beholder?

Annette Atkins will address these questions in her presentation “History Changes: how can that be? The view from Minnesota” at the Mower County Historical Society at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12. Atkins, a professional historian, is the author of several highly acclaimed historical books and other publications, and has taught both Minnesota and American History for more than three decades at Saint John’s University and the College of St. Benedict.  She has been active with projects sponsored by the Minnesota State Historical Society and the Western History Association.

Atkins has also talked history with Cathy Wurzer on MPR’s Morning Edition and has been appointed a distinguished lecturer for the Organization of American History.  It has been her life’s work to engage with history as an exercise in time and imagination and she encourages her audiences to recognize that this subject is neither dry nor academic.

Atkins’ lecture is presented under the auspices of the Mower County Historical Society and the Terry Dilley Symposium.  This eighth annual symposium, a tribute to Austin’s notable educator, Terry Dilley, will take place in the Pioneer Building on the Mower County Fairgrounds at 1303 6th Avenue SW in Austin.