In early July 2019, Frank Turner announced his latest album would be called No Man's Land. It's a collection of thirteen songs inspired by women from history whose stories are inspiring, intriguing, and overlooked. Along with the album, Turner has recorded a podcast - called Tales from No Man's Land - to dig deeper into … Continue reading Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land – An Introduction
A year ago today I launched a page on Patreon, unsure if anyone would care or even sign up. I am touched that I have a small group of patrons today who have allowed me to pursue academic research, attend conferences, and even afford medications I needed. Your support means everything. If you are not … Continue reading One year on Patreon!
In August 2016, I visited the incredible New York Public Library for their #WhoWasHamilton? exhibit, where I drooled over many primary documents and genuinely had a little cry over seeing the Farewell Address. For fun, I thought it'd be cute to pair up some familiar Broadway songs to their corresponding documents. The exhibit was WONDERFUL … Continue reading Who Was Hamilton? at the New York Public Library, 2016
In June and July 2016, I had the immense joy to visit London and stay with my dear friends Melinda and Ben. Mel surprised me one day by taking me to Whitechapel to see the famous Whitechapel Bell Foundry on June 29, 2016 - four years ago today! Me and Mel outside the Whitechapel Bell … Continue reading Visiting the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 2016
On February 14, 2020, the New-York Historical Society opened a brand new exhibit dedicated to the life and work of Bill Graham (1931-1991), a legendary music promoter who worked with some of the biggest names in music--including Jimi Hendrix, Santana, The Rolling Stones, The Grateful Dead, and more. Through his concerts, festivals, and music venues … Continue reading Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution at New-York Historical Society
In October 2019, I was in Chicago, IL to present my thesis research on David Bowie at the Fan Studies Network North America Conference (FSNNA19). While there, my friend Jessie and I spent some time at the Art Institute of Chicago to see exhibit 'Andy Warhol - From A to B and Back Again.' This … Continue reading Andy Warhol – From A to B and Back Again at the Art Institute Chicago
Those who know me know that I am mad for a bit of Revolutionary War history. It is something I've blogged about before, a lot. So when New-York Historical Society (one of my favorite museums) announced their 'Revolutionary Summer' programming, lord, did I know where I had to be. Even better was that they had … Continue reading George Washington’s Replica Tent at New-York Historical Society
Growing up, I was very interested in the American Revolution and the fight for independence. I was obsessed with the musical 1776, and even had a copy of the Declaration of Independence hanging up on my bedroom door. But on the surface, this is a history full of important men doing important things. I would … Continue reading Margaret Corbin (aka Captain Molly) – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land
$15, a bag of clothes, and a fierce attitude. This is, according to a 1992 documentary by director Michael Kasino, what Marsha P. Johnson brought to New York, right after graduating high school and just before changing the course of history. Photo credit: USA/Netflix Johnson was born in August 1945 in Elizabeth, New Jersey under … Continue reading Marsha P. Johnson: The Power of a Queen – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land
Note: This essay contains names and images of people who have died. Photo via QUT.edu.au Oodgeroo Noonuccal (1920 – 1993) was an Australian poet, Aboriginal rights activist, political activist, and educator whose birth name was Kathleen Jean Mary Ruska (Kath). She was a proud Noonuccal woman from Minjerribah (which is also known as North Stradbroke … Continue reading Oodgeroo Noonuccal (born Katherine Walker) – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land
History Is Important 