This summer was a crucial one for the Jackson biography. Research funding from Cumberland University and the Filson Historical Society made it possible for me to finish the first draft of the biography, as well as to make progress toward completing research for a paper that I am presenting at this fall's Southern Historical Association conference. My university grant … Continue reading Summer 2011 Research
Bring On the New Year!
Like most academics probably do, I regard August as my "New Year." This is the time of year when I make resolutions and hold great optimism for what's to come in the fall: My lectures will be better, my desk will stay cleaner, and the electronics in the classroom will always work. The adjustment from the less-stuctured summer months to … Continue reading Bring On the New Year!
In Praise of Librarians and Archivists
Since I was a child begging my mother to take me to the library on a daily basis, I have appreciated the designated keepers of books. Conducting research as a student made me even more aware of the specialized jobs that academic librarians and archivists do every day to make life easier for people like me. … Continue reading In Praise of Librarians and Archivists
Bobby Fischer and Andrew Jackson: Two Peas in a Pod?
I finished reading Frank Brady's Endgame: Bobby Fischer's Remarkable Rise and Fall-From America's Brightest Prodigy to the Edge of Madness last week. It's a very readable biography of the American world chess champion who captured the nation's attention in the early 1970s with his victory over Boris Spassky in Reykjavik, Iceland. Many chess experts believe … Continue reading Bobby Fischer and Andrew Jackson: Two Peas in a Pod?
Old Dead White Men
I'm a little late in discovering Flocabulary, which offers an interesting take on U.S. history. The lyrics to "O.D.W.M." are clever at times, but not without controversy. The section of the song that addresses Jackson gives you a taste of why: Andrew Jackson thinks he's a tough guy, killing more Indians than there are stars … Continue reading Old Dead White Men
Online Communities for Graduate Students
Last fall, I dispensed some sage advice to new graduate students. Okay, so maybe it was more personal experience than "sage advice," and I offered more than "dispensed." Regardless, one of the things I mentioned was the necessity of finding a community of graduate students with which to congregate, commiserate, and complain. While nothing can replace a … Continue reading Online Communities for Graduate Students
Celebrating One Year of Blogging at Jacksonian America
It's been one year since my first blog post here at Jacksonian America. It's been a rewarding experience for me to share my thoughts about research, teaching, and other topics that flitter through my mind when I lie awake at night. Thank you for reading.
SHEAR 2011: Conclusion and Thoughts on Technology
Harry Watson's presidential address was held at the Racquet Club. Originally, Watson was supposed to talk about Andrew Jackson, but after a ghostly visitation from Old Hickory, he decided to discuss race and southern antebellum education reform. (Jackson was likely scary enough in person; can you imagine him as an apparition?) The banquet afterwards was … Continue reading SHEAR 2011: Conclusion and Thoughts on Technology
SHEAR 2011: Crafting Gender Identity
Birte Pfleger was unable to attend our panel because of budget cuts in the California's State University system took away travel funds. (Boo, California!) So, Sue Stanfield (University of Iowa) and I were left on our own. Cathy Kelly from the University of Oklahoma chaired and commented. Sue Stanfield's paper centered on household advice, particularly that … Continue reading SHEAR 2011: Crafting Gender Identity
SHEAR 2011: The People and the Constitution
Note: Once again, this is a hurried summary of the panel. Apologies in advance for errors of fact or interpretation. Rosemarie Zagarri (George Mason University) chaired the Friday afternoon roundtable on the U.S. Constitution. The panelists were Richard Beeman (University of Pennsylvania); Pauline Maier (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); John Kaminski (University of Wisconsin); and Stephanie … Continue reading SHEAR 2011: The People and the Constitution
Jacksonian America: Society, Personality, and Politics 