Category: Historical Memory

Hurston’s “Barracoon” and Memorials Of Loss

By Christa Blackmon

On June 8, 2018

Last week I had the opportunity to tear into the newly released manuscript of Zora Neale Hurston’s Barracoon: The Story Of The Last Black Cargo with a fantastic supplemental material from Alice Walker and Deborah G. Plant. It is the written record of a series of interviews with one of the last survivors of the […]

Historical Memory , museums

Melting-Pot Museum?

By Erik Loomis

On July 11, 2011

In a response to the growth of ethnically-oriented museums on the National Mall, Rep. James Moran (D-VA) supports the creation of a museum dedicated to the American melting pot as an alternative. Enti

Historical Memory , immigration , museums

What Stories Can American Historical Museums Present?

By Erik Loomis

On July 2, 2011

Neil Genzlinger has a thought provoking piece on the dark side of Ellis Island and American immigration, which he rightfully says is underplayed at the museum: But there’s another side to our nation

The Second Battle of Blair Mountain

By Erik Loomis

In coal , environment , General , Historical Memory , labor , West Virginia

On June 17, 2011

Miners experienced awful conditions in the coal regions of West Virginia in the early 20th century. Coal companies ruled the region like a fiefdom. Impoverished workers had few connections with the outside world and could be thrown out of their homes or off their land at the whim of the company. Miners died from from […]