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
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
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
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
Born as Constance Gore-Booth in 1868, the woman who would become known as Countess and Madame Markievicz was the eldest child of Henry Gore-Booth, an Arctic explorer and AngloIrish landlord who actively provided food for his tenants in Co. Sligo during the famine of 1879-80 and was deeply concerned about their wellbeing. The family split … Continue reading Constance Markievicz – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land
Hannah Cranna, the wicked witch of Monroe, or more accurately, Hannah Hovey was born in 1783 in Connecticut. Very little is known of her early life. She was married to Captain Hovey, and lived in the Stepney area of Monroe, Connecticut. While some people claim that she had a difficult personality throughout her life, it … Continue reading Hannah Cranna, the Wicked Witch of Monroe – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land
If Frank Turner is a self-confessed history nerd, then mark me out as a self-confessed public health nerd. Yup, that’s my jam! Public health innovations have and will continue to change peoples lives for the better. From John Snow’s work in Soho (1) in 1854 identifying the transmission of cholera by the Broad Street Pump, … Continue reading Gertrude Tendrich – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land
History Is Important 