Meet Nicholas: Historian

Jul 18

Written By Shauna Arrington

Nicholas Rackley

Historian

1. Tell us a little about your background and what brought you to Eternal Legacy AI.

(Include your experience, passions, or what led you to join the team.)

I am a social studies educator, an adjunct professor at the University of Findlay, and an assistant technology director. I earned my bachelor’s degree in History and Pre-Law from the University of Findlay, and later returned to complete a post-baccalaureate degree in education to pursue my teaching licensure in social studies. After several years in the classroom, I deepened my expertise through graduate studies in public history, ultimately earning two master’s degrees one in Education from the University of Findlay and another in History from Bowling Green State University, with a focus on 19th- and 20th-century American politics and conflicts.

I have a passion for uncovering and working with primary source materials, which I regularly incorporate into my teaching to engage students in authentic historical inquiry. When Jon approached me about contributing to Eternal Legacy AI by working with historical documents, it felt like a natural extension of my commitment to making history come alive for learners of all ages.

2. What do you love most about the work you do here?

(This could be a favorite part of the process, the mission, or something unexpected.)

I enjoy working with the Library of Congress archives and other local document collections to help build the database for our historical figures. It's a privilege to engage with the outstanding research and scholarship produced by leading historians as we develop accurate and meaningful profiles of notable individuals from the past.

3. If you could ask Abraham Lincoln one question, what would it be?

Given your family life and the unfortunate events of the country going through the American Civil War, how did you maintain your mental well being?

4. Who is one person from history you’d love to have a conversation with—and why?

Charlie Chaplin, the father of modern comedy in cinema through the silent film and into the talkie era. Brilliant man who was persecuted later in life for his progressive sympathies.

5. What does the word legacy mean to you?

(In your own life, work, or worldview.)

History is the legacy we leave behind for those that come after us, having a legacy is something everyone leaves behind, no matter their life. Our only hope is ensuring that the lessons, struggles, and triumphs of those who came before us continue to inform and inspire those who come after.