The build-up to the fiftieth anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination has produced renewed interest in the 35th president. PBS showed an interesting two-part series on him last week, and John Kerry believes that Lee Harvey Oswald didn't act alone. I'll confess that I've never thought much of Kennedy as president, which, according to a recent poll, … Continue reading John F. Kennedy and Presidential Polling Popularity
What’s Wrong with This Song about the Presidents?
I hate to break your heart if you're an Animaniacs fan, but how many errors can you find in this song about the U.S. presidents? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24fUMKq54u4
President Andrew Jackson’s Rise from the Waxhaws
I appreciate Dave Tabler's invitation to write a guest post at his Appalachian History blog. You can read my perspective on the influence of Andrew Jackson's origins in the Waxhaws on his blog here.
Official Release of Andrew Jackson, Southerner at The Hermitage
On Sat., Nov. 16, at 1:00, I will be speaking at the Hermitage Church, which is located on The Hermitage grounds. I'm very pleased to be able to speak at a place that has been special to me for nearly twenty years. If you are in the area that day, I hope you will attend. … Continue reading Official Release of Andrew Jackson, Southerner at The Hermitage
SHA 2013: Final Thoughts
This year's conference was a good one. I had the pleasure of catching up with some of my favorite Mississippi State friends, including John and Jeanne Marszalek, Connie Lester, Tim Smith, and Jim Humphreys, as well as several friends and acquaintances at the MSU reception on Saturday night. I also had lunch with loyal blog … Continue reading SHA 2013: Final Thoughts
SHA 2013: John Boles, Eugene Genovese, and Bertram Wyatt-Brown
I attended sessions honoring three men at this year's Southern. On Friday afternoon was a session celebrating John Boles' thirty years of editorial service to the Journal of Southern History. Ten former students and colleagues offered brief remarks and memories about Boles the individual and the editor. It was encouraging to hear about Boles' collegiality … Continue reading SHA 2013: John Boles, Eugene Genovese, and Bertram Wyatt-Brown
Remembering Shannon Mallard
Ten years ago today, my friend, Shannon Mallard, died in an automobile accident. Shannon was one of those good people, universally loved for his friendly demeanor and willingness to listen. I can still hear his raspy voice saying "Good morning!" as I walked past his office and his loud laugh as he joked with his … Continue reading Remembering Shannon Mallard
SHA 2013: Is Military History Central to the Study of the Civil War?
One of the liveliest sessions I've ever attended was one yesterday afternoon on the question of whether military history should be central to the study of the Civil War. Carol Reardon presided, with Gary Gallagher, Lesley Gordon, and Jim Hogue offering their thoughts. Gallagher kept his remarks short in arguing that understanding the military aspects of the war was essential to … Continue reading SHA 2013: Is Military History Central to the Study of the Civil War?
Social Media at SHA 2013
I don't know how much tweeting I'll be doing at this year's Southern, but if you're interested in the social media buzz, follow #2013SHA. (The SHA is switching up the hashtag this year to avoid conflict with other Twitter hashtags, including the one for the Singapore Hit Awards. Because no one needs the image of … Continue reading Social Media at SHA 2013
The Freemasonic Conspiracy and the U.S. Government Shutdown
During last night's vote to reopen the U.S. government, one of the House of Representatives' stenographers took control of the microphone and began denouncing the U.S. Constitution and its writers because of their Freemasonic ties. No one seems to know her motivation for making the pronouncements at that time, although stress certainly seems a plausible … Continue reading The Freemasonic Conspiracy and the U.S. Government Shutdown
Jacksonian America: Society, Personality, and Politics 