WELCOME!

My name is Mat Johnson. I’m 40 years old and live in Durham, Ontario. I’m a freelance writer, historian and museum exhibit fabricator working with museums and businesses throughout Southwestern and Central Ontario. In addition to running MARATHON OF HISTORY, I'm a part-time student at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, front tire changer on the #74 NAPA Dodge in the NASCAR Pinty's Series, and an endurance sport competitor. My company's name, MARATHON OF HISTORY, reflects the two things I'm passionate about: sport and history.

My company, MARATHON OF HISTORY, and my attitude regarding history, is much different than the established norms in the field and may be a refreshing change for many. I believe in a positive, non-judgemental approach to historical people and events. We are currently experiencing a culture of ‘judgemental history’ in which people criticize historical events and people based on modern values and experiences. I believe we can't completely disregard period factors that we, as modern historians, can not possibly understand. Preservation of Canadian history is under threat from this new school of thought. We can't learn and grow by erasing facts from the past. Historians should stand up and encourage a more holistic and rounded approach to interpreting the past, or we could lose critical understanding of people and events forever. 

I like to spread positivity through my work as much as possible. On this site, there will be many reviews of books and products. The work that goes into creating a book or article is daunting, and I think this needs to be respected. I choose to focus on what I enjoyed from a book, article or product, not on historical fact-checking or what I perceive to be wrong. I believe in supporting my peers and sharing great content for others to enjoy. 

Thank you for visiting the website. I appreciate each and every one of you who took the time to be here! Please feel free to send me an email if you have further thoughts or questions.

Mat