In 1864, young Daniel Folsom was institutionalized for something that we might consider PTSD. In a letter home to his sister, he promised her, “I shall try and be a man.” Why was Daniel so concerned with his manhood? What did it mean to be a man during the Civil Read more
The nation first had to truly grapple with the extraordinary expenses of war was after the American Civil War. As part of our series highlighting our own research fields, today we’re talking about Civil War veterans and disability, trauma, gore, crime, and extraordinary federal expenditures. Listen, download, watch on YouTube, or Read more
The death of a young child was a very real and emotional experience for many families during the American Progressive Era. However, at the dawn of the twentieth century many Americans came to expect a better outcome in the life expectancy of their children. In the new age of industrial Read more
Employment agencies and classified job ads have a much longer history than you might think. Join us for a brief history of early modern employment agencies. Stick around for a preview of how Marissa is using this fascinating history in her dissertation about wet nursing in London and Philadelphia in Read more
Underwear, the unseen garments which sit in close proximity to genitals, skin, and all sorts of unmentionable orifices, are the most poorly-documented garments in history yet they shaped bodies, minds, and societies in complex and interesting ways. Sometimes we do really tight, analytical episodes. This is not one of those Read more
The suit has been the standard of Western men’s fashion, with some slight alterations, since at least the late 1600s. Not only that, but since the 1970s, even women, when they need to signal their professionalism, are expected to wear a feminized version of the suit. Why has the suit Read more
The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire is one of the most horrendous industrial catastrophes in American history. In all, 146 people, mostly women and children, died in the fire. It shocked New York City and the nation and led to some of the most sweeping labor and safety reforms in history. In Read more
Today, we’re talking about the conservation movement and the creation of Americas National Parks in the late 19th and early 20th century. Listen, download, watch on YouTube, or scroll down for the transcript. Other Episodes of Interest: The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States: A Brief Overview Read more
The combination doesn’t really seem to make much sense, we know – but you’ll see the connections soon! Join Katie and Sarah as they explore the fascinating, interconnected worlds of gender, war, colonialism and religion in Latin America. Further Reading and Show Notes “Guerillas in Latin America: Domestic and International Read more
What do Michael Jackson and Franklin D. Roosevelt have to do with the debates about the North Carolina bathrooms bill?