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...

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.

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.

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...