Memories of 1968
By Cynthia Walker, Executive Director
2018 marks fifty years since the year 1968, a year that modern social historians and commentators give a variety of titles, including:
- “The Year That Rocked the World“
- “The Year That Changed History“
- “The Year of Unraveling“
- “The Year of Revolt“
Simply Googling the words “1968 the year” will help you discover a myriad of articles describing how the United States and the world changed in that specific year, much of it due to societal shifts in how we handle disagreements in our country.
For me, a generation removed from the chaos of 1968, I always heard my parents’ stories of going to college in the late 1960s and the turmoil that the entire country went through during that time. Those that either experienced that turmoil first-hand, or remember the stories of our parents, may have the impression that we are witnessing very distinct reflections of that turmoil today.
There is always hope, however – and while those living in 1968 probably have a different memory that represents “hope,” I will always remember watching “From the Earth to the Moon,” the early 2000s mini-series on NASA’s Apollo missions, and learning that a woman had written a letter to the astronauts of Apollo 8, at the end of December 1968, simply to say: “Thank you Apollo 8. You saved 1968.”
That made such an impression on me. From that time onward, not only did I know I wanted to study modern social history in college, but I wanted to work in museums to expand historical knowledge in the public sphere – because difficult times like these are too important to waste.
In a few short months, we’ll be in 2018. That marks the 50th Anniversary of the multi-superlative year 1968. The Museum is working on an exhibit to discuss what happened that year, and it will really depend on what YOU can share with us.
Click on the survey below to answer a few questions on your experiences – OR, share it with a family member or neighbor that you know lived in 1968. We look forward to sharing your history!
