History Commons^™

Democracy Can Be Dangerous Work: The Story Of Youthbuilders Civic Education Program 1938-1948, Jessica Shiller

Democracy & Education

This article describes the work of a civic education program in New York City schools called Youthbuilders, which existed from 1938 to 1948. Youthbuilders' aim was to engage youth in civic education projects and teach them about their place in a democracy and worked with them to support racial and social equality. Shortly after World War II, they were attacked by a conservative Catholic organization that was working to eliminate groups associated with so-called Communist beliefs like social justice and racial equality. Youthbuilders shut their doors by 1948. The story is one that helps us understand the fragility of working …

Pura Vida: Reflections From Costa Rica, Lisette Gonzalez, Carolina Hernandez, Natalia Zevallos, Ailani Anglin, Isabela Jimenez, Melissa Johnson, Isabella Madrid, Xion Nelson, Alexia Pineda, Delaney Rendon, Chaylah Williams, Angel Vilchis

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

The First-Gen Voices Journal is proud to feature a special volume dedicated to the transformative experiences of first-generation college students on the recent Study Abroad Social Justice Immersion Trip to Costa Rica. Through this journey, participants gained a deeper grasp of activism and community building while engaging with social justice concerns on a worldwide scale. This volume will demonstrate the tenacity, enthusiasm, and vision of first-generation college students dedicated to societal change.

This issue features embedded film content. Experience the unique blend of text and film by clicking on the front cover image.

La Vida Rica, Angel Vilchis

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

Through a first-person perspective, we travel along to Costa Rica with LMU’s First To Go students. Utilizing a long format, home video style, the goal is to communicate the authentic experiences that occurred during the trip. It’s one thing to be a young adult getting the chance to explore new parts of the world, but it’s a different privilege to get to do it with others that you can connect with. So much so that in the couple months preceding the trip, I found myself dealing with that post-trip depression. However, in that state, I found the beauty of being …

On My Heart, Chaylah Williams

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

I never thought that when I would start traveling internationally that it would be alone I always imagined it with my family, but never did I imagine traveling to really interact with the communities either I always thought of traveling as leisure. I guess I could say this impression was not implemented when OI started traveling as I started to notice how I didn’t want to do touristy things and I really just wanted to be. To be there to be present to be aware and I think that is what I enjoyed the most about my trip to Costa …

A Worthwhile Perspective, Delaney Rendon

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

Opening your mind to a new wide perspective can shed light onto the knowledge and culture that another country can show you. There is much beauty in Costa Rica but also struggles that need to be shared.

“Feel The Rain On Your Skin”, Alexia "Lexie" Pineda

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

In the face of immense social and global crises, from genocides to overlapping racial, political, and environmental struggles, 19 students chose connection and healing through artistry. This shared experience in Costa Rica was a transformative journey aimed at reigniting hope, compassion, and responsibility.

Leading With Love, Xion Nelson

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

The travel experience to Costa Rica, how love is important in these travel experiences. Community is something to be thankful for, being able to learn to protect your communities.

Cries Of Injustice, Isabella Madrid

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

The injustices that occur in Costa Rica, the life that Costa Rica is filled with. Testimonies and tragedies that inspire and stick with you.

Costa Rican Culture Of Love, Melissa Johnson

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

This collection of photographs explores how the collectivist and vibrant culture of Costa Rica manifests as a profound sense of love, shared among humans, animals, and the land. This project celebrates the spirit of Costa Rica as a whole, where human connection, respect for the environment, and a genuine sense of community intertwine.

A Story To Tell: My Unforgettable Experience, Isabela Jimenez

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

A personal reflection about an unforgettable, eye-opening experience in Costa Rica. Meeting locals in different destinations, learning new lessons.

Global Parallels: A Reflection On Civil Rights And Ethical Consumerism In Costa Rica, Anonymous

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

This reflection on the First to Go trip to Costa Rica examines the civil rights issues faced in the country. In particular, it highlights the significant parallels with the United States, especially concerning immigrant communities. During our time there we specifically talked about the exploitation of immigrant labor on pineapple plantations by corporations like Del Monte. This trip underscored my understanding of ethical consumerism and a new approach to mindful purchasing.

What Is A "Pure Life"?, Ailani Anglin

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

A personal reflection about encountering new experiences in Costa Rica. The comparision between living in Costa Rica and the U.S, how fortunate we are to have many opportunities in this country.

Costa Rica, Costa Rica, Natalia Zevallos

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

Short poem about the unique experiences while in Costa Rica.

Esa Mariposa, Carolina Hernandez

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

This free-write poem was written with a purpose of making meaning of the Blue Morpho butterfly I continuously saw abroad in Costa Rica. Being able to have captivating conversations with locals all while being comforted by the country’s blanket of communal love was an unforgettable experience. As a metaphor for change, growth, and transformation, I found this remarkable butterfly to be a highlight of my time in Costa Rica. As a symbol of my late father, it called for reflection and sitting with suppressed emotions. For that reason, I wanted to depict how its reappearing presence became a hopeful reminder …

Radical Love: Embracing Connection And Dismantleing Shame, Lisette Gonzalez

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

It is essential to maintain love, care, and connection in the face of oppressive systems. There needs to be a call for bravery to get through the challenges that many face, Costa Rica being one of them.

Introduction

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

Inside the introduction of "Pure Vida: Reflections from Costa Rica", readers will find an illustration by Leyna Tran, “Meet the Team” section and a detailed table of contents, guiding readers through this edition.

The Grizzly, October 10, 2024, Kate Horan, Zach Cosme, Caitlin Cunnane, Caroline Bennett, Sidney Belleroche, Hadley Whitman, Adam Denn

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

My Big Fat Greek Cleanup • Bear Necessities Draws Big Brother Concern • Free Speech Lecture by Samantha Harris • A Bit About the B'Naturals • IIE Launches Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration • Opinions: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Clamer Hall • Men's Soccer Out to Triumphant Start • Cross Country Gears Up for Strong Finish!

Your History Department & America 250, Christy L. Spurlock

Faculty/Staff Personal Papers

"Your History Department and America 250," a presentation made at the Ohio Valley History Conference, hosted by Austin Peay State University.

Dr. Christy Spurlock, Education Curator at the KY Museum, has hosted several America 250 programs and offers practical suggestions for history departments wanting to host programming.

The Grizzly, October 3, 2024, Kate Horan, Renee Washart, Ashley Adam, Estella Bower, Caitlin Cunnane, Hannah Teitelman, Sophia Kumar, Hadley Whitman, Adam Denn

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Upcoming Performance by Mina Choi • Swing Into This Club • Latin Jazz Social at the Berman • Dungeons & Dragons and Denn, Oh My! • Women in Technology and Science Club • Opinions: Give Me My Money! • "Moneyball" Comes to Collegeville: New Sports Analytics Club • Patterson Field Gets Massive Upgrade

Bridging Boarders: Ngo Involvement With Moroccan Immigrants In Andalusia, Stephen Allgeier

Global Studies Senior Capstone

This paper examines the cultural, economic, and political barriers that legal and documented Moroccan immigrants experience throughout their assimilation journey and analyzes the various roles NGOs play to help them navigate these challenges to integration. Furthermore, it will attempt to explain the limitations that these NGOs encounter as well as offer suggestions to better their efforts in supporting Moroccan immigrants in Andalusia.

Ua12/2/2 Talisman: Legacy, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Fall 2024 Talisman:

• Our Mission
• Harrington, Ragan & Cecilia Alali. Legacy
• Muscutt, Carson. The Spirit of Western – Big Red
• Hardesty, Emma. Beyond the Letters – Fraternities & Sororities
• Lein, Samantha. The Iceberg Beneath You – Poem
• Pollard, Evynn. Echoes of the Past – Jonesville
• Sutton, Avery. Tasting Tradition – Recipes
• Phelps, Brett. The Hill
• Colovos, Christina. Pale Blue Dot – Poem
• Rainwater, Riley & Carson Muscutt. Marking Time – Marching Band
• Vickers, Abigail. Grassroots – Political Campaigns
• Muscutt, Carson. Horoscopes
• Legacy Issue 17 Playlist
• Lasting Impact

Ursinus Magazine, Fall 2024, Robyn E. Hannigan, Ed Moorhouse, Gundolf Graml, Ellen Labrecque, Ben Seal, Connor Donohue, Bill Connolly

Ursinus Magazine, 1995–Present

Capital research • Atomic tech • Hall of Fame author • A winning recipe • Taking a stand • Building bridges of understanding • Cutting the ribbon on Lower Wismer • Bear bites • Doctor Broadway • Resilience in motion • Mind-blowing pollution hiding in plain sight • History unearthed • Bear Beginnings • An artist's legacy: Francoise Gilot and the Bermans • Beyond Patterson's bleachers • The Hall at 50 • Class notes • Marriages • In memoriam • Annual Report and Year in Review

"You Say You Want A Revolution?": Gettysburg College Students And The Turbulent 1960s, Madeleine G. Ulman

Student Publications

Influenced by external events, major social movements, and the counterculture of the 1960s, Gettysburg College students increasingly demanded more out of their college. In the years 1963 and 1964, few students at Gettysburg College were interested in disrupting the status quo or questioning the college’s role as an authority figure. However, by 1968 and 1969, a growing number of Gettysburg College students demanded more of a voice in the college’s decision making process, fought to change unfair policies, and challenged the authority of the establishment. Some students began to organize demonstrations and protests in response to injustices they observed locally …

Different Perspectives In Early Twentieth-Century Utah: A Love Story Between Lewis Gillilan And Ellen Benson, Greer E. H. Garver

Student Publications

Lewis Gillilan and Ellen Benson were young adults who lived in Utah during the first decade of the twentieth century. Between the years 1909 and 1910 they engaged in a long-distance courtship, which ended in an elopement. In that period, they wrote many letters to each other which were full of details about what shaped their relationship. Such details ranged from romantic expressions to disagreements about religious beliefs. Their letters also frequently included references to their work and education, which tell a story of a state going through both agricultural, industrial, and social development. This paper explores themes present in …

Life And Death On Chambersburg Street During 1955: Dr. Chester Crist As A Central Adams County Figure, Abby Smith, Sarah Daniels

Student Publications

Life on Chambersburg Street in 1955 was centered around community and highlights what life in downtown Gettysburg had to offer in 1950's. This essay analyzes the daily interactions different age groups had with the businesses, churches, and individuals living on the south side of the street. In particular, Dr. Chester Crist, the Coroner for Adams County, was a central elected figure in the wider Gettysburg community; his essential work on road safety and Salk polio vaccinations was well known. His involvement in the life, death, and health of the residents is a major focus.

A Historical Analysis Of Infant Mortality In South Carolina From 1920-1970, Allison Ritchie

Senior Theses

This study uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to investigate racial and spatial inequalities in South Carolina infant mortality rates (IMR’s) between 1920-1970. In the 20th century, IMR’s declined throughout the United States, primarily due to economic growth, increased sanitation, and improved medical knowledge. Factors such as systemic racism and lack of healthcare access resulted in higher IMR’s for Black infants and infants living in rural areas. In 1920, South Carolina’s Black IMR was 1.5 times higher than the white IMR; by 1970 the difference expanded to 1.9, reflecting a 27% rise. The disparity between Black and white IMR’s increased in …

Monuments And Memorials On Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland Afb, Sarah L. Neal

Capstone Projects

The capstone project, Monuments and Memorials on Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland AFB, seeks to document and analyze the monuments and memorials that honor the legacy, achievements, and sacrifices of the U.S. Air Force community. Lackland Air Force Base, a cornerstone of military training and history, holds an array of memorials that capture the essence of military service, from historical milestones to individual acts of valor. This project aims to create a comprehensive resource that not only preserves the history represented by each monument but also serves as an interpretive guide for future generations. The decision to focus on these …

Professor Durwood Ball Oral History New Mexico Historical Review Part 1 Fall 2024, Holly Guise

Oral Histories HIST 300, Fall 2024

Students from Dr. Holly Guise's Oral History class 300/500 interview Dr. Durwood Ball about the New Mexico Historical Review and his experience. Part 1 recorded on October 8, 2024

Ideational Diffusion And The Great Witch Hunt In Central Europe, Kerice Doten‑Snitker, Steven Pfaff, Yuan Hsiao

Sociology Faculty Articles and Research

The great upsurge of witch trials in early modern Europe remains a historical puzzle. Popularly known as the “witch craze”, this eruption of persecution is puzzling because belief in witchcraft had existed for centuries, but large-scale witch-hunting appeared rather abruptly, spread widely, and was remarkably brutal in comparison with the past. We define a theory of ideational diffusion to describe the general process of the emergence and spread of a new idea along with its prescribed behavioral change, in this case the adoption of witch-hunting. Ideational diffusion distinguishes between the adoption of new ideas, which lead social actors to reinterpret …

The Grizzly, September 26, 2024, Kate Horan, Caitlin Cunnane, Sidney Belleroche, Ella Schneider, Henry Probolus, Estella Bower, Adam Denn, Grace Lynch

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

New Member Education Begins • October is Lantern Submission Month • Yik Yak Culture • Madeline Hepburn is Missing: A Short Story by Ze'ev Shaheen • Love of the Craft • Opinions: PSA: Flush the Toilet! • Women's Soccer Soars to Great Start! • Men's Soccer Kicks Off With Success! • Performance of the Week