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
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
The death of John Lennon, arguably the most famous Beatle, shocked the world in December 1980. Thirty-eight years later, on the anniversary of his tragic passing, fans of his still congregate in Central Park to remember the gift of music he gave to to the world. Certain figures, like Lennon, will always inspire people to … Continue reading Remembering John Lennon at Strawberry Fields on December 8, 2018
This past spring semester, I took a course called Narratives of New York City at the Graduate Center, CUNY. One day we all walked a few blocks north to pay a visit to our neighbor, the New York Public Library. I adore the library. Always free to enter, with many hidden gems tucked away, and … Continue reading Love & Resistance: Stonewall 50 at New York Public Library
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
I make it no secret that the New-York Historical Society is one of my very favorite places. They consistently have fantastic exhibits that leave me breathless, in tears, and knowing more than I did when I walked through their doors. Last autumn (October 2018) I was at the museum for their Harry Potter exhibit (more … Continue reading Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow, New-York Historical Society
History Is Important 