The main purpose of the study was to investigate how individuals with a stated interest in American history described their interest. Understanding interest and the factors influencing interest development in a particular content is important as personal interest has been described as "having a critical role in the learning and development of both younger and older students" (Renninger, 1992, p. 393). Lack of interest in American history has been described as problematic, and there is a paucity of research addressing this issue. The study used a sequential two-phase mixed-method approach, using survey and interview to investigate the meaning of interest. Overall, results revealed the complex nature of interest in the content and factors both inside and outside the classroom as relevant. Factors stated as important included "significant others, place, story, storytelling, patriotism," and "valuing knowledge". Additionally, results of a multiple regression suggested the importance of classroom activities to interest as classroom content. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]