Dark History Con is a convention showcasing the darker side of history and Brian Ward, its creator, makes no apologies.
“For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with ‘Dark History’; Killers, mobsters, tragic events. My hobby has been to research these things and visit sites related to them. I hope to educate a little about the events along the way.”
The convention is not all about the morbid side of history but rather the side of history that many would like to bury as Ward explains:
“The Dark History Con is an annual event showcasing the darker side of history. Crime, gangsters, serial killers, spree killers, assassinations, public enemies, women's suffrage, the civil rights struggles, Native massacres, tragic events, anything not covered in ‘history books’.”
[caption id="attachment_783" align="alignright" width="300"]![Brian Ward inspecting John Dillinger documents]()
Brian Ward inspecting John Dillinger documents[/caption]
There are many people out there who would say that some parts of history should be forgotten or that writing books, lecturing or holding conventions where murderers are talked about is somehow glorifying them or what they have done but that is not the intent according to Ward.
” I would like to state that I do not intend to glorify any perpetrators of crime, only educate people as to what they did. I feel this "history" is just as important as any other. I always try to visit sites related to any victims as well and to show them the proper respect”
While the convention may not be for everyone, most people have heard the phrase that those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it.
The Holocaust was something that I am sure the world would love to forget but to do so would be a great tragedy. While it was arguably the most evil, heinous and brutal chapter in human history the United States Holocaust Memorial and Museum in Washington D.C. is dedicated to telling the story.
From their website: “Today we face an alarming rise in Holocaust denial and antisemitism—even in the very lands where the Holocaust happened—as well as genocide and threats of genocide in other parts of the world.”
Ward echoes the same sentiment. “Lest we forget, it is the victims of these events that are the most important to remember. We do not glorify any of these people or events. They are however part of our history, a part that is very important to remember and learn from.”
Chicago, like many large cities has had its share of dark history such as the Fort Dearborn Massacre, the Great Chicago Fire, Haymarket riots, Iroquois Theatre fire, gangsters, madams, and serial killers.
The Dark History Con is taking place this year in Champaign, Illinois at the Fluid Event Center on September 19th and 20th.
Tickets for the event are $5.00 for a daily pass and $8.00 for the weekend.
If you would like more information on Dark History Con or purchase tickets, you can go to their website DarkHistoryCon.com and if you would like to contact Brian Ward you can do so at darkhistorycon@gmail.com
Find Chicago History The Stranger Side on FACEBOOK
Find Ray Johnson on Twitter and Google+
Brian Ward inspecting John Dillinger documents[/caption]
There are many people out there who would say that some parts of history should be forgotten or that writing books, lecturing or holding conventions where murderers are talked about is somehow glorifying them or what they have done but that is not the intent according to Ward.
” I would like to state that I do not intend to glorify any perpetrators of crime, only educate people as to what they did. I feel this "history" is just as important as any other. I always try to visit sites related to any victims as well and to show them the proper respect”
While the convention may not be for everyone, most people have heard the phrase that those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it.
The Holocaust was something that I am sure the world would love to forget but to do so would be a great tragedy. While it was arguably the most evil, heinous and brutal chapter in human history the United States Holocaust Memorial and Museum in Washington D.C. is dedicated to telling the story.
From their website: “Today we face an alarming rise in Holocaust denial and antisemitism—even in the very lands where the Holocaust happened—as well as genocide and threats of genocide in other parts of the world.”
Ward echoes the same sentiment. “Lest we forget, it is the victims of these events that are the most important to remember. We do not glorify any of these people or events. They are however part of our history, a part that is very important to remember and learn from.”
Chicago, like many large cities has had its share of dark history such as the Fort Dearborn Massacre, the Great Chicago Fire, Haymarket riots, Iroquois Theatre fire, gangsters, madams, and serial killers.
The Dark History Con is taking place this year in Champaign, Illinois at the Fluid Event Center on September 19th and 20th.
Tickets for the event are $5.00 for a daily pass and $8.00 for the weekend.
If you would like more information on Dark History Con or purchase tickets, you can go to their website DarkHistoryCon.com and if you would like to contact Brian Ward you can do so at darkhistorycon@gmail.com
Find Chicago History The Stranger Side on FACEBOOK
Find Ray Johnson on Twitter and Google+
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