I'm already thinking about the books I want to use in next semester's Jacksonian course, and I have a dilemma. I want to assign the Jacksonian and Antebellum Age essay collection that I edited a few years ago, but I'm reluctant for two reasons. The first is that I'm afraid it smacks of arrogance to … Continue reading Should I Assign My Own Book in Class?
The Hermitage’s Podcast Series: James Fenimore Cooper and Andrew Jackson
September's Hermitage podcast is about James Fenimore Cooper, author of The Leatherstocking Tales, a series of novels of which the most famous is The Last of the Mohicans. The University of Connecticut's Dr. Wayne Franklin discusses "how the literature of James Fenimore Cooper affected the public's perception of Native Americans, and wonder[s] if the famed … Continue reading The Hermitage’s Podcast Series: James Fenimore Cooper and Andrew Jackson
Interested in a Rare Civil War Primary Source?
One of my non-history colleagues here at Cumberland loaned me a book filled with family letters from the Civil War. The writer of the letters was Justus Daniel Strait of Pennsylvania. Strait wrote the letters to his parents while he served in the Union Army's Company I, 45th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 9th Division. Strait … Continue reading Interested in a Rare Civil War Primary Source?
What Belongs in a Public History Course?
I've been mulling over the idea of putting together a public history course. We don't have the resources to develop a major in public history, but by pairing a course or two with an internship and practicum, a minor might be a possibility. If we go through with such a change, I'm expecting that it will … Continue reading What Belongs in a Public History Course?
An Historian’s Perspective on Teaching as Performance
Theatrical professors convinced me to enter the profession. While they were certainly intelligent, it was their ability to perform as professors that drew me in. I didn't consciously recognize that professors performed until I started teaching. I was faced not only with knowing enough history to fill 50 minutes or 120 minutes, but I also had … Continue reading An Historian’s Perspective on Teaching as Performance
Let’s Not Forget the War of 1812
As the bicentennial of the War of 1812 approaches, let's remember its significance and celebrate the victory at New Orleans: Updated (1/8/13): H/t to Kevin McCann for the functional video link.
The Value of Twitter for Historians
I'll be the first to say that I didn't get Twitter's attraction to start with. TMI on Facebook was bad enough--why would I want to open up another technological avenue to read about people's bowel movements? Honestly, the only reason I caved in and started a Twitter account was to help advertise this blog. What I discovered … Continue reading The Value of Twitter for Historians
First Tuesday with Old Hickory’s Nephew
As Gordon Belt noted on his blog today, I'm speaking at the Nashville Metro Archives next Tuesday. Come out if you have a chance.
The Hermitage’s Podcast Series: Fire at the Hermitage
The Hermitage burned on a couple of occasions, including in 1834, when Andrew Jackson was serving as president. Vice President of Museum Services and Chief Curator Marsha Mullin talks about the fire and the house's restoration. She also explains what Andrew Jackson Jr.'s involvement in the restoration process tells us about the president's troubled son.
Jacksonian America: Society, Personality, and Politics 