I've never looked in the Jackson papers to see if this encounter ever actually happened, but if ever there was an appropriate post for Halloween, this is it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdoVtt7NEYo
SHA 2011: New Perspectives on the Jacksonian South
My colleague, Natalie Inman, likes to call obstacles "adventures." She would have enjoyed the "adventure" that was our panel this afternoon. The saga began when I tried to find the room our panel was scheduled for. Originally, we were in the Sheraton, but SHA representatives at the registration handed out room changes to the program. … Continue reading SHA 2011: New Perspectives on the Jacksonian South
Slavery, Kinship, and the 1828 Presidential Campaign
As I did for this past summer's SHEAR conference, I am posting for advance reading a .pdf of my paper, entitled "Slavery, Kinship, and Andrew Jackson's Presidential Campaign of 1828," for the upcoming Southern Historical Association meeting. It is part of the session, "New Perspectives on the Jacksonian South," scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 29, from … Continue reading Slavery, Kinship, and the 1828 Presidential Campaign
The Antichrist in U.S. Politics
In a recent New York Times op-ed piece, Matthew A. Sutton observed that the Antichrist is relevant to evangelical voters, who tend to vote Republican. Specifically, he wrote: The global economic meltdown, numerous natural disasters and the threat of radical Islam have fueled a conviction among some evangelicals that these are the last days. While … Continue reading The Antichrist in U.S. Politics
Should I Assign My Own Book in Class?
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
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 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?
Jacksonian America: Society, Personality, and Politics 