Embracing Spontaneity in History: Two Unplanned Learning Experiences

You don't always need to have a plan if you want to learn history. Be in the moment and experience history.

Sep 17, 2024

Exploring Bacon’s Castle: A Journey to America’s Oldest Recorded Brick Dwelling in Surry County Virginia

History lovers need to visit Bacon's Castle, the oldest recorded brick building in North America.

Aug 26, 2024

A Perspective of 19th Century America From a Woman Who Bought Her Freedom: My Review of Elizabeth Keckley’s View Behind the Scenes

There are many reasons you should read Elizabeth Keckley's Behind the Scenes or Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House.

Aug 08, 2024

Seeing History Firsthand: Jefferson and Lafayette's Letters in Special Collections

Sometimes you just want to actually see a letter in person. Especially if it was written by someone like Thomas Jefferson.

Aug 02, 2024

On the Minds of 18th Century Americans July 20th: Direct Quotes from the Washingtons, Jefferson and More.

Cornwallis' retreat was brought to Washington's attention and Jefferson was discussing the value of books. What else was happening on July 20th in American history?

Jul 20, 2024

Primary Sources: July 15th in Daily Life... Early America

Primary sources exist for July 15th and every day! Check out diary entries from George Washington and letters written during the American Revolution- all around July 15th.

Jul 19, 2024

Have You Read Many Newspapers from Early America? Start Here.

Early American newspapers chronicle America in a unique way- and the Library of Congress gives us all access for free.

Jul 08, 2024

History is Found Through Objects: Clues About Daily Life in Early America.

Objects definitely give us clues into early America. From wig account books to rebuilding Anderson's Armory, it's all there for us to learn from.

Jun 28, 2024

An 18th Century Mace: the Silversmiths' Project for Celebrating 2026

How are an 18th century mace from South Carolina, silversmithing, and Colonial Williamsburg's 2026 celebration connected?

Jun 18, 2024

I Wish I Could Ask Questions of the People From Early America: Thank Goodness We Have Letters and Diaries!

What better way to learn about people from early American history than to read their own words?

Jun 11, 2024

Advertisements in Virginia Gazettes: Insights from the Capital City of the Largest Colony During the Revolutionary Period

What better way to peek into daily life during the Revolutionary era than seeing what was advertised in Williamsburg's Virginia Gazette?

Apr 17, 2024

The 4th Grade Trip that Kept Silversmithing and Its Role in American History Alive: Remember April 11th by Honoring George Cloyed, Master Silversmith

Master Silversmith George Cloyed is the reason I'm focused on April 11th as an important date in American history.

Apr 10, 2024

Anne Geddy: Wife, Mom, and Businesswoman of the 18th Century

Who was Anne Geddy? A wife of an 18th century tradesman who exemplifies her role in the 18th century.

Mar 03, 2024

A Review of "Witness to the Revolution" by Michael Cecere and Jennifer Cecere: Insights from a Blogger

Michael and Jennifer Cecere's Witness to the Revolution is an historical fiction novel you don't want to miss.

Feb 11, 2024

Learning Black History Daily: A February Post About Opportunities Every Day

This year for Black History Month, the blog dives into learning black history every day of the year.

Feb 06, 2024

Weekend Reads for American History Lovers

Do you love American history? I have three very different books that make for perfect weekend reading.

Jan 28, 2024

Bricks and 18th Century American History: An Overview from a Blogger's Perspective

Bricks in American history: the fun stuff I learned in Colonial Williamsburg that got me interested in bricks.

Jan 16, 2024

Exploring 18th Century Medicine: The Role of Orange Peels and Insights from Dr. John Minson Galt

Go down the rabbit hole of 18th century America with me and learn about John Minson Galt along the way.

Jan 05, 2024

Happy New Year! January or March and from Wassail to Rockin Eve: It's About American History.

From Wassailing to Dick Clark, New Year's Eve in American history. Small bits as I wish you a Happy 2024!

Jan 01, 2024

Leather Breeches to Blue Jeans: Everyday Pants in American History

History isn't just about major events. It's also about the clothes people wore. So let's talk about everyday pants.

Dec 13, 2023

November 23rd Celebrates Thanksgiving 2023, but What Else Happened on this Day in American History?

In 2023, we celebrate November 23rd as Thanksgiving Day. But what else happened on this day in American history?

Nov 23, 2023

4 Things I Learned at Margaret Hunter's Millinery: An 18th Century Trade in an Original Building

I'm loving Margaret Hunter's shop, the 18th century millinery in Colonial Williamsburg.

Oct 02, 2023

The Trades of Colonial Williamsburg Teach Us About Daily Life in the 18th Century

Major events in history are easy to find information about. What if you want to know a bit about daily life in the 18th century? The trades shop in Williamsburg can help!

Sep 29, 2023

The Scotchtown Post: Insight into Patrick Henry and the Place He Lived for a Few Pivotal Years

Have you visited Patrick Henry's Scotchtown? He only lived there for a few years, but they were pivotal ones.

Sep 09, 2023

Colonial History Learned From the Trees Around Us

What can trees tell you about history? A lot! Start with this post and begin the journey into history through trees.

Sep 05, 2023

Agecroft Hall: The Tudor House that Traveled to Virginia in the 1920s

Reasons to visit the Tudor house that travelled to America during the Gilded Age because of TC and Bessie Williams.

Aug 30, 2023

Experimenting on the Farm: A Necessity in 18th Century America and Beyond

Why was experimental farming necessary in early America? Let's hear what George Washington and others had to say.

Aug 25, 2023

Discover the Sweet Secret of 18th Century Baking: One Pound Cake, Endless Delights!

How a Nun's Cake is related to learning the history of food in a place like Colonial Williamsburg.

Aug 12, 2023

The Woman in the Portrait and 2 More Who Fascinate Me

I saw a portrait and it led me to write about 3 women from early American history.

Aug 02, 2023

Things to Love About the Raleigh Tavern, Past and Present

Past meets present when you visit the Raleigh Tavern, an 18th century reconstruction showing off the Daphne and Apollo rooms, where liberty happened.

Jul 16, 2023

July 15th- A Random Date On Which Many Things Happened

What happened on July 15th in American history? Let's find out.

Jul 15, 2023

3 Reasons to Take Tours and Visit Historic Sites Multiple Times

Keep visiting historical places you love. I'm sharing 3 reasons why, knowing you really want to see what American history is about!

Jun 29, 2023

I Went to the Library to Learn About the Rare Breed Program but Left Wondering About Sheep.

Sheep were a vital part of American history! Learn the impact during Colonial times.

Jun 24, 2023

What to Write About When There Is So Much History? Anything.

What this blog is about: American history as I learn it.

Jun 22, 2023

Want to Really Understand American History? Read Letters and Other Primary Sources.

What's the best way to learn American history? Reading letters, inventories, diaries and other primary sources!

Jun 18, 2023

Being Free At 50: I Moved to Williamsburg and Get to Experience American History Every Day

Experience American history come alive! This blog is dedicated to what American history is really about. The people and everything in their lives.

Jun 09, 2023