Looking at the stories from the history of Buffalo or my hometown, Holland, helps me understand the present by showing how our values and traditions were shaped over time. Local history gives context to why things are the way they are such as how how schools and industries formed, or how different groups of people contributed to our community’s identity. It can be be a humbling reminder to look at the past and recognize that the world around us which we take for granted or judge quickly was not built in a day. Understanding the past also helps me see patterns that can guide the future. When we learn how our community has responded to change, hardship, or innovation before, it helps us make more thoughtful choices moving forward. By recognizing both the progress and mistakes of those who came before us, we can plan for a future that’s more inclusive, informed, and sustainable.
