American history
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‘A Founding Mother’ by Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray
We have recently celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, making this an especially fitting time to revisit the people who shaped the earliest years of the American republic. Abigail Adams may not be the most famous figure of Revolutionary America, but I came away convinced that she—and the entire Adams family—were indispensable… Continue reading
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James Madison, Father of the Constitution
Madison tends to melt into the background when compared to the other Founders. This doesn’t mean that he was less significant: he helped to shape our country into what she is now. Continue reading
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How the Post Office Created America
The Post Office became a much-needed social spot. Men and women went to gather their mail, enjoying chats with neighbors in the process. Continue reading
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5 Reasons to (Finally) Read 1776
This year, I was beckoned by the book 1776 by David McCullough. I remember purchasing it long ago, soon after it was published. I purchased it in the spirit of “Everyone is buying it. Therefore, it must also be on my shelf.” Continue reading
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Mary Todd Lincoln Wasn’t ‘Crazy’
Why does Mary seem to get all of the blame for their broken marriage? While we’re at it, Why was Mary offered so little sympathy, even after her husband was killed by her side? Continue reading
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The Early Sorrows of Martha Washington
Much of the Washingtons’ union remains a mystery. After George’s death, Martha burned most of the letters they exchanged. Continue reading
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Martha Washington: The First Founding Mother
Indeed, if there were Founding Fathers, there must have been Founding Mothers, too—and foremost of them all is Martha Washington. Continue reading
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History in Art, #1
Doctor, I die hard; but I am not afraid to go; I believed from my first attack that I should not survive it; my breath can not last long. Haunting and poignant, these are George Washington’s final recorded words, spoken as life slipped from his body. His death occurred on December 14, 1799. He had… Continue reading
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Review: His Excellency by Joseph J. Ellis
In many aspects, George Washington is a mystery to us, despite the many books that have been written about him. He hadn’t even died yet before myths began to emerge surrounding him. His Excellency by Joseph J. Ellis is a concise biography of a man who has had volumes dedicated to him since the founding… Continue reading
Mariella Hunt & the Tearoom 