Chris Fountain recently joined the Rancho Los Alamitos staff as its Manager of Education and Public Engagement. In this interview, we learn about his early years and his thoughts on history and education. We welcome Chris’ experience, dedication, and leadership in this important role.
Can you share a bit about yourself? Where you grew up, and what helped shape your interest in history?
I was born and spent my early years in Long Beach. I eventually joined the Los Alamitos School District before returning to Long Beach for my degree in History at CSULB. I have always been fascinated with social movements and how people navigate change through time. It was a subject I always gravitated towards and was able to see the content as a story, not just a string of facts. I think it was instilled in me at a young age that the past taught us lessons and we needed to listen closely.
What drew you to studying history and pursuing a career in public education?
I always knew I was going to be an educator. I don’t really remember a time (other than when I wanted to be a sports broadcaster when I was 10) when teaching in some capacity wasn’t an option for me.
I had many teachers and professors of history throughout my time in secondary school and college who attracted me to the subject. They were some of the most passionate people on campus. It was very natural for me to weave my interests in the subject with a desire to make sure that everyone was able to see themselves in the history that they were studying.
Presenting history to the public is an important job that I do not take lightly. As a steward of the past, I feel that we, as educators, are responsible for making positive changes that benefit all in the present. History lays out a blueprint for ways that can be achieved.
You spent time as a teacher at the Intellectual Virtues Academy. Was there a connection between that experience and deciding to pursue an MA in Museum Studies?
Intellectual Virtues Academy has a unique and specific educational philosophy centered on a holistic approach to teaching. Subject matter is not presented in a vacuum, but associated with the ways in which we can foster growth on personal levels as well. Throughout their studies, a student may be challenged in the way they think about tenacity, open-mindedness, or curiosity. While I knew this was an important approach to education, I also knew that it could be the foundation of public history in general. How can we promote curiosity and open-mindedness in the museum field? How would that make a positive change in our world?
You attended Southern University in New Orleans for your MA in Museum Studies. Were there internships or special projects that you’d like to tell us about?
In New Orleans, I worked with The Historic New Orleans Collection on the NOLA Resistance Oral History Project, where I got to listen to dozens of civil rights leaders discuss their connection to the Civil Rights Movement. It was a rewarding experience and helped me better understand what each person went through on a very personal basis. Before being employed there, I also interned at The National World War II Museum, where I cataloged photographs and letters from soldiers during the war.
Can you talk a bit about your time at the WWII and BK Museums and the parallels between those experiences and your role at the Rancho?
Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned at the museums is how important it is to think outside of the box to reach new audiences. Historically, older museums in diverse cities have trouble representing all their communities. I do not have a catch all or immediate solution to how museums can solve this, but I do believe that through new programming and interpretive strategies, museums can reflect their cities in more honest and interesting ways. I believe the Rancho is uniquely poised to represent the diverse communities of Long Beach through programming inspired by that multiplicity of perspective.
What aspects of education and outreach are you most looking forward to at RLA?
I am looking forward to connecting with the different communities of Long Beach through the Rancho and fostering partnerships that are long-lasting and meaningful for both entities. Building community bonds has always been some of my most rewarding work through the world of public history.
Can you give any examples of times someone has had an “aha moment” learning something new about history?
I believe the greatest “aha moments” come when paradigms are challenged. When you can present information in a way that causes people to shift or challenge their worldviews, you have not only made a topic more interesting, but you have also created an avenue for that person to explore further and disrupt the perpetuation of misinformation or close-mindedness.
Sharing the stories and voices of people who are often pushed to the periphery of history often leads to the most challenging and rewarding interactions with students and visitors. It is hard to describe just one moment, as there are many where I have felt we have been able to create a new way of thinking for someone free from prejudice and consciously aware of how their perspectives have changed.
What else would you like RLA volunteers to know about you?
Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask me any questions! I am so thrilled to be back in this community and honored that I get to spend so much time with all of you in such a beautiful setting!
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