York County history students take journalist to school
Jim Rudisill is seen with fellow history enthusiast Luther B. Sowers.
At least a half dozen times a year, I spend time with Jim Rudisill, dean of York County history.
His knowledge is so vast that every get together is a whole course in local history.
Jim has an interesting perspective for understanding history. History is really “His Story,” the story of people, and ends in a “y.” He means that “why” is the most important question historians can ask.
He makes another point along these lines… .
The former teacher says a “C” history student can answer “who and where.” A “B” student can answer “who,””where,” “what” and “when.”
An “A” student can answer the first four and “why.”
Jim brings a particular element to history lacking in some students of our past. His knowledge of religious history is immense, and he often draws on it to answer “why.”
Luther B. Sowers, longtime York County educator, usually brings Jim and I together. Luther is accustomed to convening people. He serves on 15 to 20 area boards, including the York County Heritage Trust.
He’s not only on these boards to keep himself busy. He is asked to serve because he’s effective.
His knowledge of who’s who and the way things work in York County is helpful to someone, like myself, who does journalism and history.
