Category Archives: art and culture

Gloucester Cathedral and the US national anthem

An unexpected connection to American history found in Gloucester Cathedral in England. Continue reading

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The Authors Next Door

I grew up playing the card game Authors. In my childhood I hadn’t read most of the books featured in the game, but the more I played, the more familiar I became with each author’s works. Mark Twain, of course, … Continue reading

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Artist’s Inspiration – the Thomas Cole House

I was driving north headed for Maine. Seeking to avoid the congestion around New York City, I drove up Interstate 87. I wanted a break point in my trip and noticed the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. It’s a few … Continue reading

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Historic Philadelphia hospitals

Guest post by Jay Blossom Last week I had the misfortune to be treated at two of America’s most historic hospitals, both less than a mile from my house in Philadelphia. On Tuesday night, I spent a few hours in … Continue reading

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The Cabildo, witness to history

If these walls could talk… I don’t usually walk around personifying historic buildings and wishing they could talk to me. But every now and then I think how cool it would be if buildings could speak about the events they … Continue reading

Posted in 18th century, 19th century, art and culture, city/town, International, pre-America | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

George Washington danced here

Gadsby’s Tavern was on my list of historic sites to visit for many years, but I could visit it any time so never did. Finally, I can cross it off the list. The occasion of a friend’s birthday celebration brought me there for … Continue reading

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Stepping into history

Have you ever looked at a historic photo and wished you could step into it? (I have, look for it at the end of this post.) I made my annual trip to the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis recently, to teach … Continue reading

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Paddling in a birchbark canoe

I’ve been going to Maine annually for a number of years, going back to a rental house on the water and enjoying the beauty of Mount Desert Island. Most people visit Acadia National Park for the scenery, unrivaled on the … Continue reading

Posted in 17th century, 19th century, 20th century, art and culture, national park, Native American, pre-America, tourism, transportation | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Top 10 history sites in Washington, D.C.

The cherry trees will be blooming soon and Washington is bracing for the spring crowds. I’ve lived in the Washington D.C. area now for nineteen years and love the area’s rich, layered history. If you’re planning a trip to Washington D.C., here is my … Continue reading

Posted in 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, art and culture, cemetery/grave, city/town, Civil War, house, national park, President | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

George’s bath tub and Abe’s cottage

In honor of Presidents’ Day in the U.S.. which celebrates the February birthdays of both President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln, here are some past posts about some not as well-known sites associated with these two famous leaders. George … Continue reading

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