History for a Better Future

2021-06-14 14:00:00 - Canada, Quebec, Montreal - (PR Distribution™)

World’s leading history website World History Encyclopedia branches out to help more people learn about the past to better understand the present and build a brighter future.

The world’s most-read history publication, Ancient History Encyclopedia, is expanding its scope and becoming World History Encyclopedia. Already used by thousands of schools around the world, and recommended by prestigious institutions including Oxford University and UNESCO, the non-profit organization’s wider scope will allow people to learn about an even broader range of historical topics, entirely free of charge.

World History Encyclopedia (WHE) is the leading history reference website, where everything is reviewed prior to publication and free without limitations. It bridges the gap between academia and the general public: Its researchers use authoritative sources in books and journals to create easily accessible, engaging and comprehensive content aimed at high school students and the general public. Topics currently range from prehistory to early US history, expanding rapidly into other epochs.

“The past is more than just dates and events; ‘story’ is the most important part of the word ‘history’”, says CEO & Founder Jan van der Crabben. “History is the bedrock of our cultural and national identities. It is through the study of the past that we understand who we are, what is happening right now, and how we can build a better future.” Yet the study of history is in decline as STEM subjects are prioritized in schools and universities across the Western World.

By providing students and teachers with all the materials required to learn about history entirely for free, World History Encyclopedia exists to counteract this trend. The non-profit organization's mission is to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide. The website publishes texts, audio, images, maps and video – allowing students of all learning styles, including those with learning disabilities, to understand history and connect it to the present. For teachers, there are ready-made lesson plans and activities that promote critical thinking in their students.

Multi-Dimensional Approach to History Broadens Students’ Horizons

Since World History Encyclopedia was founded in 2009, it has enabled students to learn about history as an interwoven network, not a linear story. The history of humankind is one of connections where cultures have communicated and influenced each other across time and space. Monolithic national histories have often been used by authoritarian governments to promote a distorted sense of national identity.

“Without a good foundation in global history, students can more easily fall prey to nationalist or fundamentalist propaganda”, van der Crabben adds -- and stresses the organization’s efforts to counteract the worrying trend of fake news and destructive conspiracy theories. This is accomplished via the WHE website, as well as social media and YouTube channels. “By critically evaluating historical sources and narratives, students learn the skills required to disentangle misinformation: Being able to assess and judge motive, reliability and trustworthiness builds resilience and prevents manipulation in modern online media.”

The knowledge of how the present came to be and the skills to understand current affairs and public debates prepares future generations to become active participants in democracy, intercultural dialogue and a society in general. World History Encyclopedia helps students and the general public to become more informed democratic citizens that can build a better future for everyone.

Organizational Overview

Founded in 2009
Non-profit organization headquartered in the United Kingdom with an office in Canada
6 employees, 318 volunteer contributors
29 million annual readers
1 million followers on social media
Used by over 5300 schools in 2020
Awards:
- .eu Web Awards 2016
- Lovie Award 2018
- Reimagine Education Shortlisted