Cultural History Commons^™

The Grizzly, October 25, 2012, Jessica Orbon, Sara Sherr, Rayleen Rivera-Harbach, Austin Fox, Chris Rountree, Amanda Frekot, Rachel Brown, Keith Miles, Samantha Salomon, Marcus Foster, John Parry, Larissa Coyne, Michael Klazas, Michael D'Amico

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

UCARE Directs Week of Local Service • UC Gears up for Homecoming • Report on Grads' Successes • Grizzly Gala: Food, Drinks and Music • Teach for America • Homecoming Nominations • Headphone Disco • Opinion: Ursinus Sports Teams Need More Support; Varsity Teams and Athletes Overvalued at Ursinus • Ursinus Finalizes New Athletics Logo • Senior Spotlight: Kristin Hanratty, UC Volleyball • Homecoming Special for Class of '13

Why The "Harvest Of Death" Doesn't Matter (And Why It Does), John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

I went on a tour a few Sundays ago. It was very tough to explain exactly what I had done (in sensible terms) with my coworkers when I came into the office the next Monday morning. Not just very tough, but embarrassingly tough.

THEM: "What did you do this weekend, John?"

ME: "Well, Sunday I went on a tour of places on the Gettysburg battlefield where one specific photo wasn't taken-"

THEM: *blank stare* [excerpt]

The Grizzly, October 11, 2012, Jessica Orbon, Sara Sherr, John Parry, Michael Klazas, Olivia Z. Schultz, Samantha Salomon, Chelsea Callahan, Rachel Brown, Michael D'Amico, Courtney Scott, Austin Fox, Allen Weaver, Keith Miles, Rayleen Rivera-Harbach

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Students Debate Alcohol Rules • UC Conservatives Feel Outnumbered • UC Celebrates LGBT History • Art, Music Festival • Literary Society Welcomes Student Writers • No Bells Ever Resided in Bomberger Bell Tower • R.D. Brooks Karns is a 2nd Lt. in the National Guard • UCTV Returns to Campus After 3-Year Absence • Opinion: We Must Inform Ourselves on Syria; Romney, a Stronger Candidate After Debate • UC Athletics Struggle Throughout Week • Senior Spotlight: Leah Shaw, Soccer • Sports Spotlight: Bryan Ellis, Football

Fear In Illinois: A Father's Grief, John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

Like a prose poem, the passage leaped off of the page of the Lutheran and Missionary as I scanned the newspaper's columns. Sitting in the reading room of the Abdel Ross Wentz Library at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, my heart raced. It's not often that you find new words penned by someone you've been studying for years. [excerpt]

The Grizzly, October 4, 2012, Jessica Orbon, Sara Sherr, Larissa Coyne, Rosemary Clark, Alexa Lamontagne, Chris Rountree, Courtney Scott, Christine Dobisch, Jillian Goldstein, Amanda Frekot, Austin Fox, Jordan Demcher, Allen Weaver

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Campus Crime Rates • Banners Call for Student Power • UC Prepares to Vote • Professors up for Tenure • Resumania Offers Resume Aid • Phoenixville To-Dos • Marisa Roman Joins Ursinus Faculty • Grad School Guru Returns to Offer Tips and Advice • Opinion: We Should Distance Ourselves from Technology; Give CAB Events a Chance; Grizzly Staff Editorial • 3-0 UC Rugby Looks to Extend Streak • UC Recap: Mixed Week for the Bears • Coach Profile: Joe Groff, Volleyball

Divided Maryland: Antietam 150th Interpretive Talk, John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

A few weeks ago, I spent an amazing weekend interpreting the Dunker Church. Not many of you were able to visit that amazing place on that amazing weekend.

For those of you out there who didn't get to see my talks that weekend, or for those of you who would like to live them again, check out this MP3 recording of the presentation, with added music and sound. [excerpt]

Ruff, Joseph Carl (Fa 166), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 166. Project titled “African American education in south central Kentucky, 1920-1960.” Interviews with twenty-nine African Americans regarding their experiences as students and teachers in fourteen Kentucky counties.

The Coverings Of An Empire: An Examination Of Ottoman Headgear From 1500 To 1829, Connor H. Richardson

Student Publications

This paper investigates the socio-economic and religious implications of hats worn in the Ottoman Empire from the mid-sixteenth century to 1829, when they were all replaced with the legendary fez. It acts as an initial compendium, drawing heavily from primary sources to explain who wore which style of headgear and why.

The Grizzly, September 27, 2012, Jessica Orbon, Sara Sherr, Rosemary Clark, Chris Rountree, Katie Faust, Samantha Ardoin, Keith Miles, Courtney Scott, Samantha Salomon, Larissa Coyne, John Parry, Matthew Johnston, Allen Weaver, Jordan Demcher

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Ursinus Partners With Columbia • Family Day Coming Soon • Berman Search • Bi-Textual Poetry Series Kicked Off Sept. 18 • Big Brothers, Sisters Program • Internship Event • Services at Wellness • Opinion: Ursinus Should Disclose Annual Budget; Changes in Dining Services are Justified • UC Recap: Field Hockey Falls to F&M • Behind the Scenes: Kip and Sean Lacy

Veritas: The Power Of The Real, John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

There's something about touching the actual thing, something about contacting the real that makes a distant world come immediately to life. There's an excitement about that moment when you see and touch something a piece of another world. A Thomas the Tank Engine character reminded me of this fact recently. Watch the young boy's face as he picks Stanley back up in a cornfield after his favorite toy travels to space and back. [excerpt]

“Think-Talk-Write Texas Centennial In 1936”: Historical Memory And The Texas Centennial In El Paso And The Border Region, Abbie Weiser

Student Papers (History)

This paper explores the 1936 Texas Centennial in El Paso.

Victim Of Emancipation: Adams County Flustered, John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

Republican stalwart newspaper The Adams Sentinel ran nothing in its folds hinting at the editor's elation over the Emancipation Proclamation in the days following the document's release. In a terse column, headed, "Proclamation of the President," ran the document, unadorned with either accolades or contempt. Elsewhere in the paper's folds, the news hovered back and forth over the fields around Sharpsburg and word of the lackadaisical pursuit of Lee's army into Virginia. The deep meaning of one of Lincoln's most momentous moments seemed to be lost on the Republicans of south-central Pennsylvania, as they eschewed the topic, pussyfooted around …

The Grizzly, September 20, 2012, Jessica Orbon, Sara Sherr, Michael Klazas, Larissa Coyne, Keith Miles, Matthew Johnston, Rayleen Rivera-Harbach, Marcus Foster, Jarod Groome, Christine Dobisch, Olivia Z. Schultz, Michael D'Amico, Allen Weaver, Austin Fox

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

USGA Elections • WeCAN's Wismer Plans • Yard Sale Saturday • Textbook Prices a Problem • Late Night Lower Back • SUN and UC Dems Hold Political Talk • Accessible Art in the Berman • New Chalk Rules • Opinion: Don't Rely on Social Media This Election Year; Paralympics Deserve More Coverage • Up-and-Down Week for UC Athletics • Cross Country Team Hopes the Kids are All Right • Senior Spotlight: Catherine Bitterly

Four Days In Heaven Spending Four Days In Hell, John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

I spent four days this past weekend wallowing in the depths of hell. Around me swirled the maelstrom of battle, a spinning vortex of blood, death, destruction and loss. Outside the windows, every patch of ground is a reminder of the sacrifice and heartache.

If you squinted your eyes, or better yet closed them completely, you could see it all. [excerpt]

Sharpsburg, Maryland: 150 Years Later, John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

If you are somewhere in the mid-Atlantic region over this next weekend, are obsessed with studying and understanding the Civil War and aren't going to be trying your damnedest to be in Sharpsburg, Maryland this weekend, you might want to check your pulse. [excerpt]

The Grizzly, September 13, 2012, Jessica Orbon, Sara Sherr, Rosemary Clark, Austin Fox, Michael D'Amico, Amanda Frekot, David Marino, Chelsea Callahan, Keith Miles, Rayleen Rivera-Harbach, Christine Dobisch, Courtney Scott, Vivek Reddy, Chris Rountree, Olivia Z. Schultz, Jordan Demcher

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

UC Remembers Lindsay Budnick • Greek Recruitment Changes • UC Fringe Returns • Film Fest to Celebrate Cultures • Bear Bucks Defined • CIE Fellows Aid CIE Students • CAB Welcomes New Executive Board and Events • Tree Planting Efforts Along the Perkiomen Creek • Opinion: New Allowances Limit SPINT Events; DNC Speakers Successfully Promote Obama • Season Preview: Women's Soccer • Coach Profile: Kelly Wakeman, Women's Soccer • Men's Soccer Goes Young for Success

You Don't Get A Tour; Come Back Next June, John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

A friend of mine and former supervisor said something to me the other day. I deeply respect him; he taught me the very basics of interpretation. But his words shocked me. I still don't know exactly how to process them.

He said something like, "I saw you leading a tour on Friday with three visitors. It takes something to go out there when you know you're only going to get so few people. I respect you for it; I couldn't do it." [excerpt]

The Grizzly, September 6, 2012, Jessica Orbon, Sara Sherr, Larissa Coyne, Rosemary Clark, Austin Fox, Amanda Frekot, David Marino, Emerson Miles Hawkins, Alexa Lamontagne, Rayleen Rivera-Harbach, Michael Klazas, Courtney Scott, Kyu Chul Shin, Chris Rountree, Samantha Salomon, Jordan Demcher

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Ursinus Welcomes New Dean • Wismer Changes • Orientation Update • Dr. Heinzl Lecture • Gary Hodgson's Tenure as Campus Safety Officer • Meet Mike Mullin, New R.D. • Gender-Neutral Bathrooms Arrive on UC Campus • Residence Life Offers Support for the Class of 2016 • Opinion: Athletes Frustrated by Dining Changes; Senator Rubio Would Have Been a Better V.P. Choice for the GOP • Field Hockey Looks to Keep Tradition • Under New Coach, Volleyball Begins 2012 Season • Lofty Expectations for Bears Football

Facts, Damned Lies And Statistics: A 55 Year Stumbling Block, John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

I have to admit something: when it comes to interpretation, I'm making this all up as I go along. I don't have some magical cache of best practices stored up, waiting to deposit them week after week in posts here on the blog. Most of what I know about interpretation I've stumbled upon, either in the thoughts of others shamelessly stolen and added to my toolbox or as rough experiments based on my so-called common sense. [excerpt]

The King Of Rock, Roll N' Interpretation, John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

Last week was "Elvis Week" in Memphis. I don't know that because I follow Elvis. In fact, I really can't stand Elvis Presley's music. About as far as I can go down that road is listening to "Suspicious Minds," every so often. Nothing else really speaks to me. [excerpt]

"...Our Hearts Tell Us There Is Something Else Out There.": Prowling The Halls Of The Mib, John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

In the basement corridor of the Main Interior Building in Washington, D.C. is the most beautiful painting I've even seen. I've gotten the chance on a couple of occasions, while visiting the Department of the Interior Headquarters for meetings and whatnot for work to wander down outside of the cafeteria to see the mural. It is pure beauty, mostly forgotten and ignored by the folks who work in that building everyday. I get these weird looks while I stand in awe of the massive canvas, like I shouldn't stop and stare. I don't care. I take pictures. I gawk. My …

Thinking Fourth Dimensionally: How Battlefields Become Deloreans, John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

I have written before of my intense love for Back to the Future III. Part of the reason that film resonates with my movie-going soul is my abiding love of the 19th century. Part of me wishes I could hop into a Stainless-Steel Delorian and visit the past for a short stint. I'm pretty sure I'm too much of a pansy to last very long in the world of latrines and muddy water, but I'd love to see the past for even just one fleeting moment. [excerpt]

"Round Eye" At The Wall: The Power Of What We Call Things, John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

I went on a battlefield tour this weekend with Garry Adelman. It was an amazing experience, as any tour with Garry is, because he delves into how we conceptualize landscapes just as much as what happened on those landscapes 150 years ago. My mind was churning the entire time. Of anyone, both those who work for those places and those who just generally love those places, Garry (and his partner in crime Tim Smith) is tops on the list of most effective living time machines. Like always, Garry got me thinking on 15 different levels, and I'd wager that the …

Lincoln Speeches, Allen C. Guelzo, Richard Beeman

Gettysburg College Faculty Books

As president, Abraham Lincoln endowed the American language with a vigor and moral energy that have all but disappeared from today’s public rhetoric. His words are testaments of our history, windows into his enigmatic personality, and resonant examples of the writer’s art. Renowned Lincoln and Civil War scholar Allen C. Guelzo brings together this volume of Lincoln Speeches that span the classic and obscure, the lyrical and historical, the inspirational and intellectual. The book contains everything from classic speeches that any citizen would recognize—the first debate with Stephen Douglas, the “House Divided” Speech, the Gettysburg Address, the Second Inaugural Address—to …

Captivity, Adoption, Marriage And Identity: Native American Children In Mormon Homes, 1847-1900., Michael Kay Bennion

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Indigenes of North America's Great Basin developed a way of life based on the available resources the Basin provided. Their culture and customs provided a stable means of understanding and interacting with nature and men. Their myths elaborated on expectations, hopes, and fears, in real and metaphorical ways, as evidenced by stories of the trickster Coyote. As Great Basin bands contacted Europeans, they adjusted their resource gathering based on new technologies, such as horses and guns, as well as their myths to cope with change. This process entailed some adjustment in their perceptions of the world around them and …

Fifty Shades Of Blue And Grey: Civil War Torture Porn?, John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

Over the past few days I've been thinking about violence. We are a culture of violence. We idolize blind rage and violence, we normalize it and worship it....

We, as a collective American culture, promote violence, normalize it as the proper reaction to any given problem and outright encourage it. [excerpt]

An 1858 Patent Office Report: The Joy Of Being Wrong, John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

I love being wrong. I think every historian should love that feeling. Finding that one small piece of evidence that puts a crack in your perception of the past and makes you restructure your view of the flow of history is a joy.

I had one of those moments a few weeks ago at Adams County Historical Society, digging through the vertical files for random things. I go digging every week or so, simply immersing myself in the raw material of the past and seeing what floats to the surface. [excerpt]

M'Er F'Ing History: Speaking In Our Audience's Language, John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

I was talking to Jake the other night about Cookie Monster. Really, we were talking about the theory behind Cookie Monster's latest strategic move and how we could all learn a thing or two from him. Which move was that? The short, furry blue monster's brilliant foray into pop culture with "Share It Maybe," the music video parody of Carly Rae Jepsen's song "Call Me Maybe." In one day, Cookie has racked up 2.3 million hits on the less-than-four-minute video. [excerpt]

Guest Post: John Rambo Fights The Civil War, Aaron Urbanski

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

Today we offer another of our “Guest Post Wednesday” extras, with some meditations on Rambo from Aaron Urbanski. Yeah, we’re not kidding... Rambo. Aaron is a graduate of the GMU American History Masters program and alumnus Ranger of the NPS. [excerpt]

Ring The Bells: "Happy 149th Birthday, America!", John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

Friend of the blog and stalwart DC area historian Aaron Urbanski posted a pithy update to his Facebook wall on Monday, a status update which has infected my brain over the past couple days. The idea is so infectious, so amazingly simple yet profound that I'm shamelessly stealing it and blowing it up to epic proportions. [excerpt]