Renowned historian and author of the APUSH textbook speaks

The dreaded AP United States History (APUSH) textbook is the bane of many a junior’s existence. But on Oct. 23, more than 500 students, enticed by promises of extra credit, crowded into the McAfee Center to hear David Kennedy, one of the authors of the APUSH textbook.

Kennedy, a history professor at Stanford University, started his presentation by sharing a poorly written student essay containing many humorous errors, such as the statement that “the Middle Ages was a time when everyone was middle-aged,” and admonished the crowd not to write essays like it.

“It caught my attention right off the bat,” junior Vincent Huang said. “I never thought that history could be so funny.”

After presenting the essay, which elicited many laughs from the crowd, Kennedy turned his focus from comical to philosophical, delving into the nature of history and historical study.

“History is not a definitive science,” Kennedy said. “Think about [history] as a conversation between our time and the past. As we have different views and concerns now than in the past, our opinion of the past also changes.”

Kennedy ended his presentation with a question-and-answer session.

“I think the best part of [the presentation] was seeing the students and Kennedy interacting with each other,” history teacher Kim Anzalone said. “[Our] Saratoga students are so bright and and the questions asked were so thoughtful — I was impressed with every question that was asked.”

The presentation was organized by senior Anushree Dugar, president of History Club, and history teacher Matt Torrens.

“[Part of the reason] why I wanted [Kennedy] to come was because I thought the teachers would connect to him very well,” Dugar said.

Some teachers were surprised that such a well-known historian would come to speak at a high school.

“I was impressed how much time he made out of his schedule for us, and he did it for free,” Anzalone said. “I mean, he is undoubtedly one of the most well-renowned historians out there.”

Many audience members left the presentation feeling they had learned something.

“I liked how he brought a philosophical perspective [to the presentation],” junior Joy Tang said. “I never really saw history from that perspective.”

Though Kennedy’s presentation was short, students and teachers alike enjoyed having an accomplished historian speak to them.

“It’s great having this amazing person talk to and interact with our students,” Anzalone said. “I hope we do more things like this in the future.”