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
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
Being an History in Verse of the Mother of the Societie of Friends. Meant For Musick or Plain Songge, mayhap with Guitarre or Squeze Bokse. Come gather round Friends, I've a story to tellof a seventeenth century north-country gel,she fought for the poor and for women as well,Yes, this is the ballad of Margaret Fell. … Continue reading The Ballad of Margaret Fell – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land
An error that ascribes to a man what was actually the work of a woman has more lives than a cat.letter from Hertha Ayrton to the Westminster Gazette, 14 March 1909 It’s probably for the best that we don’t get to read our own obituaries. Because if Hertha Ayrton – scientist, engineer and suffragist – … Continue reading Hertha Marks Ayrton (1854-1923) – Tales from Wo-Fans Land
I first read about Dr. James Barry whilst studying with the Open University over ten years ago. I was fascinated by the story. Born around 1790 the doctor had an illustrious career, rising through the ranks of the British Army as a surgeon to become the Inspector General (equivalent of Brigadier) in charge of hospitals … Continue reading Dr. James Barry – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land
The bullet creased her scalp, drawing blood, but missing its target. Jannetje Johanna “Hannie” Schaft, a 24-year-old member of the Dutch resistance, looked up at the SS officer, and taunted him with her final words: “I am a much better shot!” A Dutch collaborator then opened fire with his submachine gun, ending the life of … Continue reading The Young Women of the Dutch Resistance (Hannie Schaft, Truus and Freddie Oversteegen) – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land
Sybil Medan Kathigasu neè Daly, a nurse and resistance fighter during the Second World War, is little known even within Malaysia, the country she helped during its occupation by Japanese forces. But in my opinion her contributions, and her bravery in the face of hardship, should not be taken lightly or be forgotten. So allow … Continue reading Sybil Kathigasu – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land
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In December 2018, I visited the Museum of the City of New York with my public history classmates from the CUNY Graduate Center. We has spent the semester studying how to make effective exhibits and engage with the public. Our main focus was to see 'Rebel Women: Defying Victorianism' which was a great little exhibit. … Continue reading Rebel Women: Defying Victorianism at the Museum of the City of New York
This past spring, April 2019, I visited the Morgan Library and Museum in Manhattan with my dear friend from graduate school, Jessie, to see their exhibit 'Tolkien: Maker of Middle Earth.' We had a VERY emotional time seeing items from JRR Tolkien’s life and personal collection as he planned out the Hobbit and Lord of … Continue reading Tolkien: Maker of Middle Earth
History Is Important 