History Around Us
I’ve always been drawn to the quiet reminders of the past, plaques, statues, and weathered stones that hold the memory of lives once lived. Exploring these traces connects me to those who came before and deepens my appreciation for the world we share.
Recent Posts
Theobald Mathew Monument
History often reveals itself in unexpected ways. Walking through Salem, I noticed only the base of this monument. The inscription immediately caught my attention: “Erected by the followers of the Very Reverend Theobald Mathew, Apostle of Temperance.“ Until that moment, I knew very little about Father Theobald Mathew or why the people of Salem believed […]
The Morgan Library and Museum
One of our favorite places to visit in New York City is the Morgan Library & Museum. Originally built as the private library of financier J. Pierpont Morgan between 1902 and 1906, it reflects both his extraordinary wealth and his passion for collecting some of the world’s greatest books, manuscripts, artwork, and historical treasures. The […]
Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Some memorials ask you to stop and reflect. The Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Worcester is one of those places. Unlike many war memorials that focus on statues or monuments, this memorial invites visitors to walk quietly through the landscape. Granite monuments surround a peaceful reflecting pond, each bearing words that tell the story of […]
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village
By far one of my favorite places to visit in Maine is the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village. Over the years, I have visited many places associated with the Shakers, but this community is unlike any other. It is home to the last active Shaker community in the world. Today, only three Shakers continue the religious […]
The Black Maria Motion Picture Studeo
While exploring the Thomas Edison National Historical Park, one exhibit immediately caught my attention. This unassuming black building is a replica of the Black Maria, the world’s first motion picture production studio. Although simple in appearance, it represents the birthplace of an industry that would forever change entertainment, communication, and popular culture. The original Black […]
M42 Jump Jacket
While visiting the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, one exhibit drew my attention because it represented more than a uniform. It represented the courage of the young men who volunteered for one of the most dangerous assignments of World War II. Displayed behind glass is an M42 jump jacket worn by Private Duane Tedrick of […]
Museum at Eldridge Street
One of the joys of visiting New York City is discovering places we never knew existed. On one of our trips, we decided to visit the Museum at Eldridge Street, and it became a most memorable stop of our visit. Completed in 1887, the Eldridge Street Synagogue was the first great synagogue built in the […]
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Statues
One of my favorite features of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates was discovering these life-sized statues of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Rather than placing these remarkable men on towering pedestals, the sculptures invite visitors to stand beside them, making history feel personal and approachable. The statues were created by Fort Myers sculptor Don […]
General Dwight D Eisenhower Statue
This impressive bronze statue of General Dwight D. Eisenhower is located at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. Standing confidently in his familiar World War II “Ike jacket”, the statue captures the image that millions of Americans came to associate with the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force during the Second World War. Created by […]
A Dress from Paris
One of the exhibits that caught my attention at the Wellesley Historical Society was this elegant green and blue striped dress, a reminder that fashion can tell us as much about history as letters, photographs, or documents. Created by the House of Doeuillet in Paris between 1905 and 1906, the dress was worn by a […]
Shaw Memorial
Every time I visit Boston Common, I find myself stopping to admire this remarkable relief by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Not only is it one of the finest works of public art in America, but it captures its subject with extraordinary power and dignity. Rather than glorifying war, the sculpture honors the courage, sacrifice, and determination of […]
Civil Rights Memorial
While visiting Montgomery, I wanted to spend time at the Civil Rights Memorial. Unlike many monuments that stand high above their visitors, this memorial invites you to come close. As I stood beside the gently flowing water, reading the names engraved in the polished black granite, I found myself reflecting on the lives behind those […]
