The American Historical Association (AHA) launched a two-year study on the topic of what are American students learning about US history today. The full report of 198 pages is available for download on its website. The study examined all 50 states for their standards and legislation. In addition, nine states covering a range of characteristics […]
State of New York State History
What is Thomas Jefferson’s Wins above Replacement (WAR)?
The baseball playoffs are upon us. How does one measure the value of players to their teams? The answer was made famous in the book and the movie “Money Ball” starring Brad Pitt. In it the Oakland A’s manager brings a new technique to determining the value of an individual to a team. The movie […]
American Revolution 250th Update
Are you counting the days? Actually, the American Revolution 250th is already here. 1774 was the year of the First Continental Congress. It was a time when colonists began to take sides for the record as rebel or loyalist. Families would be divided. Neighbor would be against neighbor. The war was underway except for the […]
Hold a Mock First Continental Congress
We are in the midst of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution but one would hardly know it. While people remain fixated on the big pre-1776 events like the Battle of Lexington and Concord, specific actions leading to July 4, 1776, already were happening. Specifically, for example, the Orangetown Resolutions passed on July 4, […]
The 1824 Bicentennial and the 1774 Semiquincentennial: History is Happening Now
We live in historic times. I am not saying that because all times are part of history. We are at the confluence of multiple anniversaries both of which are being ignored. As reported on in previous blogs, this year marks the 250th anniversary of 1774. It is the anniversary of what became the First Continental […]
What Is the Value of a Scenic View?
What is the value of a view? I was reminded of this question in a recent article in The New York Times entitled “Regulate the Skyline? What’s Your View? (Michael Kimmelman, October 26, 2023). Note the play on words in asking for view/opinion and asking for your view/what can you see. The subtitle is “It’s […]
Blind Side, Remember the Titans, Hidden Figures: Hollywood Truth
Blind Side has been in the news lately. Blind Side is the story of Michael Oher, a left tackle in football. The term “left tackle” comes from the offensive linemen who protect the quarterback. Most quarterbacks are righty so when they turn to throw, their back is to the left side of the field. Hence […]
Where Is the African Connection for African Americans?: I Have an American Dream
“What Black intellectuals said over a century ago [about capitalizing Negro] remains true today—semantics will not “solve the race problem.” (Elise Mitchell, “Black and African American,” Journal of the Early Republic 43 2023:85) With this post, I continue my investigation into the demise of the term “Negro” and the origin of the term “African American.” […]
Education in New York Summit: Where Were Local and State History?
On August 17, City & State held a New York State education summit at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in lower Manhattan. The opening keynote was delivered by Dr. Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner of Education & President of the University of the State of New York. The presenters on various panels included among others: John […]
American Revolution 250th: What’s Going On?
What is going on in the world of the American Revolution 250th? What follows is by no means a comprehensive report. It is a review of items that happen to cross my email by being a member of various lists. I present them in terms of scope starting at the national level NATIONAL Hi Peter, […]