I went to grammar school in the 50’s. Teachers didn’t tell you what to think back then. Graduated from high school in ‘65. In my later years I went to college full time at night, and worked full time days. My interest was history. Spent a lot of years, traveling extensively to various archives, libraries, and historical societies, doing research on primary source material that I was able to track down. Provided a bunch of my research material to authors who published books that included my finds. And I got acknowledgements in their books for it. Got free copies of the books as well.
So I did my own digging, in my own way, and came up with my own opinions and findings to write my Masters Thesis. I got a lot of satisfaction out of it, and met a lot of nice people along the way. Several year ago I donated all my years of research to the Mass. National Guard Museum and Archives in Concord. Didn’t want it to end up in a dumpster after I was dead.
At 70, and as last member of my family to survive, my goal now is to enjoy as many days as I have left.
Have fun doing what you’re doing.
Sounds awesome, I am not quite at the same age as you but close and like you I was and still am a digger, inquisitive and not prone to follow trends or fads. I was in the crossover time up till Junior High school, but the early parts were much as yours, my High School was really tough and one of the best in the country, more PHD’s have come from there than any other HS in the Country. You had to apply to get in and the curriculum was rigorous and explorative
Love your profile, I understand you and I am a lifelong learner and will be so till it is dirt nap time
Enjoy your time left, I really enjoyed your post, and yes I do enjoy helping others to open their minds and ask questions, to search not just accept