Category Archives: national park

Vicksburg, at last

I grew up in Pennsylvania, a little over an hour from Gettysburg, and have made numerous trips to one of America’s most iconic battlefields. I learned the movement of armies over three days of the battle and stood transfixed by … Continue reading

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One of America’s most remote national parks

By guest blogger Jay Blossom Hurricane Ian cut a catastrophic path across Florida on September 28, 2022, causing at least 109 deaths and resulting in perhaps $47 billion in damage. But before its landfall near Fort Myers, the storm had … Continue reading

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Meet James, the enslaved man who spied for Lafayette

Interstate 64 connects the present capital of Virginia, Richmond, and the former capital, Williamsburg. About midway between sits New Kent County. Tourists drive through it on their way to history sites and amusements in Williamsburg, or to the beach, but … Continue reading

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15 things you don’t know about the Star-Spangled Banner

    If you are American, chances are you know the words to the US national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner. It’s about a flag referred to by the same name. The song tells a story of an historic event. While … Continue reading

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Star-Spangled is now available!

            “Grove provides a page-turning narrative that enhances the familiar aspects of this story and fills in those little-known areas… Generous archival illustrations and the rich and varied backmatter make this a boon for fledgling … Continue reading

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In praise of historic sites

I’ve enjoyed visiting history places ever since I can remember. Whether Devil’s Den at the Gettysburg battlefield or the hallowed room of Independence Hall in Philadelphia or the sweeping lawn of Mount Vernon, places have captured my imagination and allowed … Continue reading

Posted in 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, American Revolution, military, national park, President | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

An American gun story

I’d never seen a national park in development so I seized the opportunity at a recent conference I attended in Hartford, Connecticut. If all goes as planned, Coltsville National Historical Park will one day preserve a major manufacturing story of America. … Continue reading

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From Home to Harpers Ferry (and Antietam) by Bicycle

This gallery contains 7 photos.

My friend and former writer for the Smithsonian, David, writes a great blog about his biking and other adventures. Here’s a recent post he wrote about a bike trip to one of my favorite history places, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. … Continue reading

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Michelle Moon: My favorite history site

Michelle Moon just completed an MA in Museum Studies from Harvard Extension School and 6+ years leading adult programs at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts. Plus, she wrote a book on food interpretation.  If you had to choose one or two favorite historic … Continue reading

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Alex Rasic: My favorite history site

Alex Rasic is Director of Public Programs at the Homestead Museum in City of Industry, near Los Angeles, California. If you had to choose one or two favorite historic sites, which ones are they and what about them interested you? … Continue reading

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