The main focus of my Masters research is dead celebrities and how fans react to their death and in memorializing them create and shape the narrative of that celebrity’s legacy. One of the main celebrities I focus on is David Bowie, and specifically how people interact with him through his hometown of Brixton, a neighborhood … Continue reading Researching David Bowie’s Death in Brixton, UK – January 2019
In January 2019, I found myself in London on a research trip for my Masters thesis. On a day off from lurking around pilgrimage sites related to dead celebrities, I was able to visit London's iconic Somerset House for the first time with my friends Sarah, Danny, and Dave. The current Somerset House was constructed … Continue reading ‘Good Grief, Charlie Brown’ at Somerset House, London
In May 2017, my best friend Hindi and I were in London to attend Frank Turner's Lost Evenings festival. Before all the music kicked off, we made our way to the London borough of Chelsea specifically to have a few drinks at The Bletchley - a hidden bar that drops you into a WWII style … Continue reading The Bletchley: a code-breaking bar in London
In March 2018 I was in London with my friend Hindi for a week of music, friends, and mayhem. One day we met up with our dear friend (and ace musician) Dave Giles, and he took us to the Victoria and Albert Museum (aka, the V&A) to see a special exhibit: 'Winnie the Pooh: Exploring … Continue reading Winnie the Pooh: Exploring a Classic at V&A Museum, London
In August 2016, I visited the New-York Historical Society, the oldest museum in New York City, for their Summer of Hamilton exhibit. Here is a little snapshot of my time there, and all the wonderful things I saw! Primary documents will always have such a high place of honor in my heart. It is thrilling, … Continue reading Summer of Hamilton at the New-York Historical Society
In late August 2016, Green-Wood Cemetery commemorated the 240th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn, fought in 1776 on the grounds. The all-day event was an exciting and informative time thanks to living history demonstrations. The event culminated in a parade along the route to Battle Hill, where the memorials are for the Revolutionary War … Continue reading 240th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn at Green-Wood Cemetery
I visited the incredible New York Public Library (NYPL) in the summer of 2016 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 document. The … Continue reading Who Was Hamilton? at the New York Public Library
I am a complete and total Theodore Roosevelt fangirl. He is my favorite person from history, and - as you can imagine - his home is my favorite of all the 400+ National Park properties. Located in Oyster Bay, Long Island TR's gorgeous home, Sagamore Hill, is a National Historic Site. The items within the … Continue reading Following Theodore Roosevelt home to Sagamore Hill, NY
From 1777 to 1778 the Continental Army camped at Valley Forge, and finally began to unify. Some consider this the turning point for them during the American Revolution. I spent a quick afternoon on the grounds with my family in July 2016; surveying the reproduction huts, monuments, and George Washington's headquarters! I also met Park … Continue reading Valley Forge Encampment tour
Sixteen years before the Revolutionary War officially kicked off, Ben Franklin resided in London acting largely as a mediator between Britain and America. The house he stayed at, 36 Craven Street, is the only house that he lived in that is still standing today. While in England in the summer of 2016, I had the … Continue reading Celebrating the 4th of July at Ben Franklin’s London Home
History Is Important 