Amy Livingstone can still recall the first time she climbed
the steps of the famous Chartres Cathedral in France. She
was only nine at the time, but the experience left an indelible
impression on her, so much so that the associate professor of
history has since spent years researching the cathedral and the
social history that surrounds it.
This spring, the National Geographic Channel will bring
Livingstone's work to television screens around the country
when it features her in its documentary Ancient Mega-
Structures: Chartres Cathedral. Editing of the documentary
is still ongoing, but a dream has already been realized for
Livingstone.
"The opportunity to relate one's vision of the past to a
universal audience is every historian's dream," Livingstone
said. "I am thrilled."
National Geographic selected Livingstone after learning
of her expertise on the general history and social aspects
of the gothic cathedral located 50 miles southwest of Paris
in the town of Chartres. Livingstone traveled to France on
Nov. 20 for filming during which time she was asked to
share historical backdrops in laymen's terms on the cathedral.
Topics of discussion included its construction, the clergy,
medieval society, and the role of the community in the life
of the cathedral.
"National Geographic was incredibly well prepared
and delightful to work with throughout the production,"
Livingstone said. "It was a very exciting opportunity."