Abstract
Historical heart of democracy. Guided tours through the parliaments of the Netherlands, Germany and the United States.
The meaningful application of history in the guided tours could enrich the presentation of the political environment. The meaning of democracy at the Binnenhof was presented in a very technical way, without connection to the history in the tour. In the Capitol, history functioned as a glorification of American democracy, with war, sacrifice and emancipation in the centre. Likewise, the German Reichstag used history as a warning: the totalitarian past reminded the visitors of the importance of democratic rule.
This meaning of democracy is constructed by the perception of national history and political culture. Key historical events still play an important role in present-day politics of the United States and Germany, through constitutions and political values. In the Netherlands there is no strong historical narrative and the prevalence of governance over ideological conflict results in a technical approach to politics.
The guided tours also raise questions about the use of different media. A tour gives a clear insight into the places of political importance, but is tied to it as well. An introduction film could bring the building to life, but misses the direct experience. An exhibition combines the direct experience of historical objects with a historical narrative less tied to the location. By combining the virtues of these three media, history could prove useful in presenting the meaning of democracy. Koen Molenaars 10001596 Masterscriptie MA Publieksgeschiedenis Begeleider: Dr. P. Knevel Tweede lezer: Dr. J. Turpijn Universiteit van Amsterdam 8 januari 2016
