"History Is Bunk"

"An important study of one of America's leading historical enterprises. What makes this book so original is its comprehensive sweep, its illuminating comparison of Greenfield Village with other historical projects of the same era, and its systematic scrutiny of the written reactions by visitors."—Howard Segal, author of Recasting the Machine Age: Henry Ford's Village Industries

"In this excellent study, Swigger offers a richly detailed and well-contextualized analysis of Ford's museum from its founding to the present day. The result is a highly readable book that strikes a good balance between narrative and interpretation. . . . . Ideal for classroom use. . . . . I hope it gains a wider readership, however, as it is one of the most clearheaded examination of public historical work I have encountered."—American Historical Review

"Swigger's work is well written and would be easily accessible to a wide-ranging audience. . . . She has provided us with an important study not only of Greenfield Village, but also of Henry Ford himself."—Public Historian

"Illustrative of the growing tension between curatorial authenticity and aggressive marketing . . . The book is easy to read, well illustrated, and presents an interpretation of one of America's foremost historical villages in an engaging way."—Michigan Historical Review

"Nicely crafted . . . Jessie Swigger's method of juxtaposing archival research and material culture analysis will please those who have long awaited a serious weighing of Greenfield Village's significance, as well as those more broadly interested in the course of public memory during the last century. Even more interesting is Swigger's sifting through the museum's interpretive trajectory, which she contends has varied over time in 'dialogue' with diverse stake holders."—Winterthur Portfolio