Martha Gellhorn was arguably the greatest female war correspondent who ever lived. I first learned about her through the HBO biopic “Hemingway & Gellhorn,” [1] which was based on her short-lived affair-turned-eventual-marriage to every English department’s favorite male chauvinist pig. As soon as the movie ended, though, I caught myself desperately Googling for more information … Continue reading Martha Gellhorn – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land
I first learned of Annemarie Schwarzenbach from a NY Times article a friend of mine shared on Facebook titled “Beautiful Tomboys of the 1930’s.” The photos of Annemarie were striking and intriguing. I instantly wanted to know more about her. Then I did as many do after reading an article, I saved it and added … Continue reading Annemarie Schwarzenbach: Tragic and Transcendent – 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
A short 90 minute drive from both Kansas City, Missouri and Lawrence, Kansas is a remarkable space in an unremarkable place. Fort Scott, Kansas was the home to the 1st and 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry during the United States Civil War and the birthday place of photographer Gordon Parks. It is also home to the … Continue reading Megan Stewart, Elizabeth Cambers, and Sabrina Coons discover Irena Sendler – 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
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
History Is Important 