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Full-Text Articles in History
The Willard Hotel: Let Us Die To Make Men Free, Jacob Dinkelaker
The Willard Hotel: Let Us Die To Make Men Free, Jacob Dinkelaker
Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public
Everyday I head into work, I pass by the Willard InterContinental building between 15th and 14th streets NW in downtown D.C. Even though Washington, D.C. has changed greatly since the Civil War, the Willard has, in its various different forms and structures, always been there – since even before the Civil War. In its long storied history, the Willard has been there for its fair share of historical events. [excerpt]
"The People For Whom He Saved The Union": Ninety Years Ago In Dc, John M. Rudy
"The People For Whom He Saved The Union": Ninety Years Ago In Dc, John M. Rudy
Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public
Reading the official Facebook page of one of my favorite history authors yesterday, I saw a pithy note about a "day of note." Ninety years ago this week, President Warren Harding dedicated the Lincoln Memorial at the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. [excerpt]
Meet Mr. Everyman: Everyone His Own Interpreter, Jacob Dinkelaker
Meet Mr. Everyman: Everyone His Own Interpreter, Jacob Dinkelaker
Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public
In 1931, Carl Becker, president of the American Historical Association, the largest professional organization of historians, gave a speech in which he tried to distill history to its very essence. In that address, “Everyman His Own Historian,” Becker declared that history reduced to its lowest terms was the “memory of things said and done.” Using that simple definition, Becker argued that everyone, no matter whether they had professional training or expertise, was in some way, at some point in time, an historian. Everyone at some time in their lives did as a historian does – asks a question about the …
Walking Out On The Meaning: Dedication Day 2011, John M. Rudy
Walking Out On The Meaning: Dedication Day 2011, John M. Rudy
Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public
I am a nerd. Last year on November 19th I was stuck in Las Vegas, attending the NAI conference (the same one Jake and I have been grousing about for the last two weeks). This was the first Dedication Day event I had missed since first coming to Gettysburg in 2003. I was upset. I was disconsolate. I trudged the strip dejected. I toured the Atomic Testing Museum, which was fascinating but unfulfilling. I am one of those dorks who doesn't understand how anyone can schedule anything other than a trip to Gettysburg on November the 19th. The glitz of …
The Race Of The Interpreter: "I'M Not Going To Spend My Life Being A Color...", John M. Rudy
The Race Of The Interpreter: "I'M Not Going To Spend My Life Being A Color...", John M. Rudy
Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public
I am often put into an interesting place when recounting the tales of history. My passion is the history of race and abolition, the Civil War and the development of Civil Rights in the wake of the memory of our great fratricidal conflict. I'm white. Yet I am never afraid to broach the subject of race. Stephen Colbert's character on The Colbert Report often mentions that he doesn't, "see color." I would never be that bold. But I will say that I try to ignore color when I am interpreting to an audience. Put an audience of white visitors in …
Locks And Cash: Whose Black History? (Part 2), John M. Rudy
Locks And Cash: Whose Black History? (Part 2), John M. Rudy
Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public
A few weeks ago, the Hanover Evening Sun ran an article on the Lincoln Cemetery in Gettysburg and the locks which hang on its gates. This is by no means a new item of interest. The locks have girded the gates of the cemetery for three years. Still, the article (no longer on the Evening Sun's website but archived here in a PDF) raises a few interesting questions about the delicate balance between preservation and interpretation. [excerpt]
Beyond The Battlefield: A Simple Matchbook And A Rabbit Hole, John M. Rudy
Beyond The Battlefield: A Simple Matchbook And A Rabbit Hole, John M. Rudy
Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public
A couple months ago, at the annual spring Gettysburg antique show, I found a small display of Civilian Conservation Corps items. Pennants and coins, matchbook covers and pins all displayed on a piece of foam-core. One caught my eye. For $10, I became the proud owner of a matchbook cover, never used, from a CCC Camp in Gettysburg. Company 1355 was stationed at Camp NP - 2 - Pa., now known as the Boy Scout / youth camping area at McMillan woods. I was thrilled. [excerpt]
Interpreting Beyond The Battles: Could We Start With The Klan?, John M. Rudy
Interpreting Beyond The Battles: Could We Start With The Klan?, John M. Rudy
Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public
In 1925, the Pennsylvania Klan held its annual convention in Gettysburg in September. The Times called the Klan's parade through town a, "gorgeous display," and a, "monster procession." The Times headline trumpeted that, "vary-colored robes, capes and gowns present spectacle as Knights, Klanswomen and Junior Members march under warm September sun before large crowds along sidewalks." [excerpt]
The Civil War Centennial: Inspiration For The Civil Rights Movement?, John M. Rudy
The Civil War Centennial: Inspiration For The Civil Rights Movement?, John M. Rudy
Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public
I read Richard Williams' Old Virginia Blog, not because I agree with what he has to say but explicitly because it gets me so corking mad. Interspersed with tea party rants and modern political diatribes, Williams is an interesting (and sometimes frightening) voice of modern Confederatism and Southern exceptionalism.