WELCOME!

My name is Mat Johnson, I’m 38 years old and live in Durham, Ontario. I’m a freelance writer and part-time  historian primarily with the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre in Southampton, Ontario. Along with work that I do for the museum, I run my own business designing and building interpretative museum displays. In addition to these occupations, I'm a part-time student at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, front tire changer on the #74 Bumper to Bumper Dodge in the NASCAR Pinty's Series, and an endurance sport competitor. My company's name, MARATHON OF HISTORY, reflects the two things I 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 this is wrong as it completely disregards period factors that we, as modern historians, can not possibly understand. Canadian history is under threat from this new school of thought. Unless academics stand up and encourage a more holistic and rounded approach to interpreting the past, we could lose critical understanding of people and events forever. 

I believe in spreading positivity through my work as much as possible. On this site, there will be many reviews of books and products. I'm not into the game of “I know more minute details than you do” that historians play when reviewing others' work. 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 what I perceive to be wrong. Because who am I to criticize others' work? 

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