Scot McFarlane
founded The Oxbow History Company to share his passion for history.
With a PhD in American history from Columbia University, Scot is one of the leading global scholars on the history of rivers. He has
published widely in top academic journals and popular regional and national outlets, in addition to reaching thousands
of people who engage with his digital storytelling projects every year. Prior to founding Oxbow, Scot studied how US history is taught in schools nationwide for the American Historical Association,
uncovered hidden histories at twelve different properties for Historic New England, and taught at Columbia and high schools. Scot and the Oxbow Company team have the experience, organization, and persistence needed to develop stories that engage and sustain us. For more information about Scot’s professional work click here.
Testimonials
Working with Scot was a pleasure. Not only is Scot a superb researcher, finding sources and evidence that others had missed, but his exceptional writing skills provided Historic New England with the information distilled, analyzed, and presented in a way that was immediately understood by our frontline staff. With his vast knowledge of New England history, he provided context for his findings that made the reports richer and ultimately more valuable for our tours and programs. Scot’s work for Historic New England has dramatically changed how we tell our stories, expanding narratives to include dozens of once marginalized people. Each assignment or report was delivered on time and always exceeded my expectations. Scot is collaborative by nature, works well with diverse teams of people, and excelled presenting his findings to staff and the public.
-Peter Gittleman, Team Leader Visitor Experience at Historic New England
Scot did a comprehensive history of my c. 1784 home in Round Pond, Me. Because of his meticulous work, I know who built the old stone walls, farmed the land and fished for their livings generation through generation. It has given me a true sense of ‘place’. Thank you, Scot, for a really fine piece of research.
-Robin Grant, Round Pond, Maine
Oxbow lakes
Oxbow lakes such as this one on the headwaters of the Amazon River form over years or decades as part of a river’s always changing and unexpected course.
While impossible to see in real-time, the creation of oxbow lakes becomes apparent in the 35 year period shown in this satellite timelapse, revealing the value of taking a longer-term perspective.
The Oxbow History Company connects your stories to the flow of history while highlighting the surprises that make them unique.
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