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.
Review of Brady, A Being So Gentle: The Frontier Love Story of Rachel and Andrew Jackson
Patricia Brady is a Louisiana historian who is probably best known for her work at The Historic New Orleans Collection and her biography of Martha Washington. A Being So Gentle: The Frontier Love Story of Rachel and Andrew Jackson (Palgrave Macmillan, 2011) offers a look at the relationship between Old Hickory and his wife. Brady … Continue reading Review of Brady, A Being So Gentle: The Frontier Love Story of Rachel and Andrew Jackson
Interested in Panel for 2012 Historical Society Conference?
The Historical Society's 2012 conference is scheduled for Columbia, South Carolina, on 31 May-2 June 2012. I'm intrigued by the theme, "Popularizing Historical Knowledge: Practice, Prospects, and Perils." The description reads: Professional historians in the United States are increasingly being called upon to produce more “popular,” more accessible history. How do and how should academic historians reach popular audiences? … Continue reading Interested in Panel for 2012 Historical Society Conference?
Review of Heidler and Heidler, Henry Clay: The Essential American
I'll confess to not liking Henry Clay all that much. Despite his efforts at political compromise to keep the Union together, he's always struck me as smarmy, and I've never bought his claim that there wasn't a "corrupt bargain" between him and John Quincy Adams in 1825, whether it was explicitly stated or not. David Heidler and … Continue reading Review of Heidler and Heidler, Henry Clay: The Essential American
What Do Professors Do in the Summertime? Or, Why Summer Research Funding Is Crucial
As promised, I want to discuss why summer research funding is important to me a an active researcher. I previously posted about what goes on in my professional life during the academic year. Theoretically, I am released from my duties from mid-May to mid-August. Those of you in the profession know, however, that administrative paperwork … Continue reading What Do Professors Do in the Summertime? Or, Why Summer Research Funding Is Crucial
Jacksonian America: Society, Personality, and Politics 