1980s - The Evidence

When you are 8 or 9 years old, the 1980s might seem like a long time ago. But your teachers, parents and grandparents might disagree. They might remember what Vermont was like in the 1980s.

One way historians learn about the recent(not very long ago) past is by talking with people who were alive then. Collecting an oral history(history that someone speaks) can be a good way to learn about history. Ask someone what it was like to watch television before cable, satellites or the internet. What did they watch when Vermont had only three or four TV stations? Ask someone when they first used a computer to do work or write a letter. What other questions could you ask to learn about Vermont in the 1980s?

Historians look at newspapers or magazines to learn what people wanted to know about in the past. You can read about Madeleine Kunin’s election campaign in 1984. You can see advertisements for cars or clothes. Look at the pictures and think about how styles have changed.

You can also find information online about Vermont in the 1980s. Learn about the history of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream from the Ben & Jerry’s website. But remember that good historians ask questions about who is telling the story.

Make a list of questions you have about Vermont in the 1980s. Then find an adult to tell you about life in Vermont forty years ago.