Cultural History Commons^™

Haupt-Enstance: Whatever Became Of Herman?, John M. Rudy

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

Tom Lehrer, on his 1965 album That Was The Year That Was, sang a send-up of then-Vice President Hubert Humphrey with his, "Whatever Became of Hubert." The song's been going through my head this past week or so, but with the name "Herman" taking the place of LBJ's second-in-command. [excerpt]

Secular Damnation: Thomas Jefferson And The Imperative Of Race, Robert P. Forbes

Torrington Articles

Race, we are told, is a “social construction.” If this is so, Thomas Jefferson was its principal architect. Jefferson consciously framed his only published book, Notes on the State of Virginia, to check the rising status of Africans and to combat growing critiques of slavery from America’s European friends. Jefferson did this by importing the slaveholder’s sense of slaves as chattel into an Enlightenment world view, providing a metaphysical foundation for prejudice by transmuting the traditional Christian concept of the saved vs. the damned into material and aesthetic terms. Recasting in quasi-scientific language the ancient doctrine of the mark …

"Forever Free": It's Deja Vu All Over Again, John M. Rudy

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

A friend and colleague has a great quip she uses when planning Civil War interpretation in the DC area. "Why," she asks, "would a black single mother with two daughters come to this event? What's here for her?" [excerpt]

Strange Collection (Mss 42), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Manuscripts Collection 42. Correspondence, 1864-1878 (8); journal, 1852-1883; scrapbooks (2); Manuscript: “House of Madison and McDowell in Kentucky,” 1888; family genealogical data; slave records; etc., of Agatha (Rochester) Strange, 1832-1896, a lifelong resident of Bowling Green, Kentucky.

You Can Hide `Neath Your Covers: Confronting The Boss, John M. Rudy

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

Public servants are paid to serve the American people. Do it well." Donald Rumsfeld, 2001

It's not often that I quote or even think about Donald Rumsfeld. I'm pretty sure he doesn't think about me at all. Still, that quote above is a keen (if obvious) observation that so often we in the world of public service Civil War interpretation forget. I work for the Federal Government in my 'real' job. This blog is where I brain dump everything else rattling around in my mind. Inspiration strikes at all hours, and last week the bolt came out of the blue …

4th And Goal: What Is The Interpretive Touchdown?, John M. Rudy

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

What is the aim of historic interpretation? That seems like it would be a simple question to answer, but it's simply not. Historic interpretation seems to be a many headed Hydra, with each interpreter seeing their own purpose and their own goals within the craft. [excerpt]

Slavery And Empire: The Development Of Slavery In The Natchez District, 1720-1820, Christian Pinnen

Dissertations

“Slavery and Empire: The Development of Slavery in the Natchez District, 1720- 1820,” examines how slaves and colonists weathered the economic and political upheavals that rocked the Lower Mississippi Valley. The study focuses on the fitful— and often futile—efforts of the French, the English, the Spanish, and the Americans to establish plantation agriculture in Natchez and its environs, a district that emerged as the heart of the “Cotton Kingdom” in the decades following the American Revolution. Before American planters established their hegemony over Natchez, the town was a struggling outpost that changed hands three times over the course of the …

Buffalo, New York’S Citizen Soldiers: Personal Histories Of Combat, Trauma, And Returning Home After The Second World War, Drew H. Lewandowski

History Theses

Buffalo, New York’s Citizen Soldiers: Personal Histories of Combat, Trauma, and Returning Home after the Second World War

This thesis focuses on interviews from nine World War Two veterans who are from Buffalo, New York and the immediate surrounding areas. Included are three infantry men from the European theatre, including one paratrooper. Three who served in the Pacific theatre, including one medical officer, a medic, and one man served in the occupation of Japan. The remaining three served in the Air Corps in Europe, one pilot, one bombardier, and one fighter pilot.

Through extensive interviews, both written and filmed, this …

Buffalo Bill's Wild West In Germany. A Transnational History., Julia Simone Stetler

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This dissertation examines European and especially German responses to Buffalo Bill's Wild West show during its two European tours in 1890-1891 and 1906. It argues that the different European countries creatively adapted the content and message of the show according to their own specific cultural values and needs. By considering Buffalo Bill's Wild West within the specific cultural contexts of the nations it toured, we are able to better explain reactions to it, including Germany's astoundingly positive response. The show was an entertaining event for American and European audiences alike with its exoticized figures, spectacular stunts, and colorful drama; however, …

Die Deutschen In Kalifornien: Germans In Urban California, 1850-1860, Carole Cosgrove Terry

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

German immigrants came to San Francisco, Sacramento and Marysville, urban northern California, seeking a better life than they had in the Germanic states of central Europe. Some came directly from Germany but some made an intermediate stop during their journey in Europe or the United States. In all three cities, they created an ethnic community where they practiced the social, economic and cultural traditions from their homeland,including Vereinswesen (associational life) and Gemutlichkeit (celebration of the joy of life), led by their ethnically based association, the Turnverein. They interacted with the main steam Anglo-Americans through associations and celebratory events to create …

Episode 61: The One With The Cannons, John M. Rudy

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

This past weekend, I found myself in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the annual meeting of the Organization of American Historians and the National Council on Public History. Sessions abounded on both the Civil War and interpretation, as well as any other American historical topic you could imagine. The OAH debuted their new Imperiled Promise report on NPS history practices (which Jake commented on last week). Kevin Levin participated with other Civil War folks on a Civil War Working Group discussing the course of the 150th and beyond. [excerpt]

The Grizzly, April 26, 2012, Nick Pane, Liz Kilmer, James Noebels, Samantha Mascia, Lisa Jobe, Riley Pembroke, Katie Banas '12, Olivia Minick, Sarah Bollert, Eisamar Ellis, Sara Hourwitz, Shane Eachus, Allen Weaver

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Ursinus Celebrates Fong Inauguration • CoSA Showcases Students for Seventh Year • Nadler to Join MCS Department for Fall Semester • New Dean Named • English Professor Spoke on Diane Rehm Show • Four Years of Changes for UC Seniors • Wampole's Lockheed Martin Internship Becomes Career • Students for Barack Obama Encourages Student Participation • Opinion: Zolidis Premieres "White Buffalo"; Students Explore Spirituality at College • Thomas Leaves Legacy of Pride and Integrity • Baseball to Dedicate Field Saturday

"A Single Finger Can't Eat Okra": The Importance Of Remembering The Haitian Revolution In United States History, Ashleigh P. Shoecraft

Scripps Senior Theses

This thesis discusses the impact of the Haitian Revolution on the United States as a lens through which to view the transnational nature of American exceptionalism. It concludes with an articulation of the necessity of incorporating this relational nature of United States identity development into high school coursework, and advocates for teaching about the Haitian Revolution as an effective means through which to do this.

The Grizzly, April 19, 2012, Nick Pane, Liz Kilmer, Sara Hourwitz, Chelsea Callahan, Lisa Jobe, Samantha Mascia, Olivia Minick, Lauren Goldstein, Sabrina Mcgettigan, James Noebels, Sarah Bollert, Allen Weaver, Sophie Zander, Shane Eachus, Keith Baker

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Berman Director Announces Departure • "Lantern" Celebrates 81 Years • McGown to Join Math Department • Professors Host Facebook Discussion in New Hall • Ursinus Students Promote Autism Awareness • Passion for Historical Reenactments • Hon. Richard Murphy Addressed Campus • Meerbergen Co-Leads Therapy Sessions in Pottstown • Opinion: Obama Will Need Help Come November; New York City Isn't All It's Cracked Up to Be • Class of 2012 Athletes Leave Holes to Fill • Field Hockey: Heading to Holland

Crowdsourcing History: When We All Get To Help, John M. Rudy

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

I'm a bit bitter this week. The arrival of the Space Shuttle Discovery to the Washington, D.C. area has got me down. My first dream job as a kid, before I wanted to be a LEGO model designer or National Park Service ranger, was the illustrious position of space garbage man. I think part of that came from my grandfather's penchant for taking me around the neighborhood on trash day during his smoke breaks and picking through the fine assemblages of junk the neighbors had left by the curb. There was some sort of glamour in the idea of seeing …

Dead Is Dead: Why 20% Doesn't Matter, John M. Rudy

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

Over at Cosmic America, Keith Harris beat me to the punch on this one. But Jake can attest to the fact that, since the "news" of the revision of Civil War dead up by 130,000 broke, I have been grumbling on and off.

The Grizzly, April 12, 2012, Nick Pane, Liz Kilmer, James Noebels, Olivia Minick, Lisa Jobe, Chelsea Callahan, Riley Pembroke, Sara Hourwitz, Sophie Zander, Sarah Bollert, Tracie Johnson, Allen Weaver, Shane Eachus

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Fong Inauguration Approaching • UCDC Mixing Up Spring Routine • Housing Lottery Anxiety Addressed • Cuts for a Cause on Campus This Weekend • Ursinus Alumni Return to Work at Alma Mater • UC Students Travel to National Model UN Competition in NYC • Hart Interns at Great Wall Club in Beijing, China • Opinion: Saying "No" is Man's Responsibility, Too; Delphi was a Positive Experience Despite Criticism • Men's Lacrosse Battles #18 Gettysburg • Seniors Wrapping up Athletic Careers

The Red Scare, Allison Ellis

Undergraduate Research Conference

The Red Scare describes the time in American History following World War II when tension between Americans and other Communist countries, specifically the Soviet Union, were threateningly high. Each county was equipped for, yet fearful of an atomic war. The United States government tried to use this fear to motivate the American public to become mobilized. American citizens were encouraged to rely on themselves and prepare for the worst. Even though they were ignorant to the effects of such an attack, Americans tried desperately to prepare their homes and families. The government published articles, pamphlets, short films, and held drills …

The Grizzly, April 5, 2012, Nick Pane, Liz Kilmer, Michael Schmidt, Samantha Mascia, Lisa Jobe, Sara Hourwitz, Allen Weaver, Sarah Bollert, Chelsea Callahan, Carly Siegler, Victoria Cameron, Shane Eachus, Keith Baker

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

String Ensemble Impresses Hope • Career Services Hosts Webinar • "Ball at the Bellevue" a Success, Continues to Draw Large Number of Student Participants • Sue Thomas Retires from Admissions Staff • Caitlin Callahan Interns as Veterinary Tech • Greek Week Approaches, MAA and Quiz Club Plan to Participate • UC Welcomes Teisa Brown to President's Staff • Nothing to Hate About this Hamlet • Phillies to Continue Success Despite Worries • Senior Spotlight: Garrett Smith, Baseball • Bears Battle Through Wet Weekend • Player Spotlight: Jenni Weber, Softball

Once Upon A Time In Gettysburg: Sometimes It Works, John M. Rudy

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

Monday night, I took my class out on the 'battlefield.' I know some of them are taking my class because, "it's Gettysburg College and I should take a Civil War class before I leave." I couldn't resist the siren call to show them where they have lived for four years and transform the meanings of that ground for them. So we went on a campus tour, the battlefield they walk everyday when they go to class or dinner or out to party on a Friday night. [excerpt]

Guest Post: Fear And Loathing At Shiloh, Vanessa Smiley

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

Everyone is and has been talking about the Shiloh 150th commemoration, whether it be the NPS event starting this week or the battle reenactment that took place this past weekend. It has been called the 'Antietam of the West.' All the events surrounding its 150th anniversary have been heralded as being one of 'the big ones' this year. Over 23,000 casualties of both sides in two days - a pretty significant and bloody battle. [excerpt]

The King’S Best Highway: The Lost History Of The Boston Post Road, The Route That Made America (Review), Michael R. Fein

Humanities Department Faculty Publications & Research

No abstract provided.

Review Of Violent Encounters: Interviews On Western Massacres Edited By Deborah And Jon Lawrence, Paul H. Carlson

Great Plains Quarterly (through 2013)

"Massacre" is a fiery, often provocative word, and sometimes it is hard to define. In the American West, for example, in a violent encounter, how does one distinguish between 'massacre and battle? Such violence as Cutthroat Gap (1833), Oatman (1851), Mountain Meadows (1857), Bear River (1863), Sand Creek (1864), and McComas (1883) should be defined as massacres. But, how should one define the Sioux Uprising (1862), the Saline and Solomon rivers and the Washita (1868), Little Big Horn (1876), and Wounded Knee (1890)?

Review Of Indigenous Women And Feminism: Politics, Activism, Culture Edited By Cheryl Suzack, Shari M. Huhndorf, Jeanne Perreault, And Jean Barman, Elizabeth Archuleta

Great Plains Quarterly (through 2013)

The editors of this volume recognize politics, activism, and culture as three areas where Indigenous women come together across place and time in order to counter colonial policies that have diminished their power, status, and material circumstances in mainstream society as well as in their own communities. The essays included in Indigenous Women and Feminism explore these three areas through the work of Indigenous women living in the Great Plains regions of Canada and the United States.

The essays in part 1, "Politics," point to leadership as an imperative component of Indigenous feminism. Their authors examine the politics of leadership …

Review Of The Brokeback Book: From Story To Cultural Phenomenon Edited By William R. Handley, Neil Campbell

Great Plains Quarterly (through 2013)

The Brokeback Book's subtitle suggests that it aims to be something more comprehensive than a collection of essays on Annie Proulx's story or director Ang Lee's film. In this respect, this impressive book works well to bring together some previously published essays, such as those by David Leavitt and Daniel Mendelsohn, which took particular positions on the debates around the "gayness" of the film, and places them alongside direct and indirect responses to such critical readings. Hence we have the producer of the film James Schamus's reply to Mendelsohn in which he argues that through "mainstreaming" gayness "we disturb the …

Beyond The Violence Indian Agriculture, White Removal, And The Unlikely Construction Of The Northern Cheyenne Reservation, 1876-1900, James R. Allison Iii

Great Plains Quarterly (through 2013)

Upon first glance, a specific act of violence seemed to fix the particular location of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. On December 12, 1880, the prominent Northern Cheyenne chief, Little Wolf, staggered into a white-owned trading store near Fort Keogh, Montana Territory, and, in a drunken stupor, shot and killed a fellow Cheyenne named Starving Elk. Enraged at Starving Elk for gambling with his daughter, Little Wolf committed the most atrocious act a Cheyenne could commit, the killing of another Cheyenne. Blood spilled within the tribe polluted the Mahuts, the four sacred arrows the Creator gave to the Cheyenne people to …

Review Of Principle Over Party: The Farmers' Alliance And Populism In South Dakota, 1880-1900 By R. Alton Lee, Francis Moul

Great Plains Quarterly (through 2013)

"During this era, farmers and workers watched as forces of wealth captured control of both major political parties, promoting the formation of monopolies. . . . In the process, the small capitalist class gained control of the great bulk of the nation's wealth. This monetary disparity exacerbated class divisions in the country, and many worried that it would lead to violence and upheaval." That sounds like contemporary headlines about the Occupy Wall Street movement. It isn't. Those words in this book's introduction describe the era from 1865 to 1894, taking in the conditions that spawned one of the most successful, …

Review Of The Notorious Dr. Flippin: Abortion And Consequence In The Early Twentieth Century By Jamie Q. Tallman, Sarah B. Rodriguez

Great Plains Quarterly (through 2013)

Born into slavery, the child of Hugh Flippin and one of his slaves, Vera Denipplf, the teenage Charles Flippin joined the 14th United States Colored Troops Company A in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1864. While enlisted, he learned to read. Following the war, he married, had two children, and, following his wife's death, moved to Kansas to start a farm. In the 1880s, Flippin apprenticed with an eclectic physician in Kansas and traveled to the Bennett College of Medicine in Chicago for further study. The local newspaper announced his return as "the only colored medical graduate in the state of Kansas."

Review Of A New Heartland: Women, Modernity, And The Agrarian Ideal In America By Janet Galligani Casey, Pamela Riney-Kehrberg

Great Plains Quarterly (through 2013)

In A New Heartland, Janet Galligani Casey tackles the difficult issue of how to judge modernity in early twentieth-century America by focusing on a group often thought to embody traditional and antimodern America, its rural women. The book is not about the realities of rural life. Instead, it is about the depiction and idea of rural life, and women's place within these. Galligani Casey examines women's place in the periodicals, literature, and photography of the time, doing a particularly good job of analyzing the leading farm women's periodical of the day, The Farmer's Wife. The book connects agrarian …

Review Of The Art Of John Snow By Elizabeth Herbert, Robert Steven

Great Plains Quarterly (through 2013)

Elizabeth Herbert's aim in The Art of John Snow is to restore John Snow (1911-2004) to the register of the most significant artists in Calgary's recent art history. She does this by documenting the recognition he received in his lifetime, the close working relationship he had with other significant artists of his day, the reasons she sees for his neglect by historians, and, more than anything else, the sophistication she sees in his work.

The book is the ninth in a series titled Art in Profile that aims to provide "insight into the life and work of an artist or …