History is so much more than dates and the names of people deemed important by those who write it down and publish their works. “Do you know your great-grandmother? What was her name and how many children did she bear? What was your great-grandmother’s occupation?” These questions form the beginning of the “From the Author”…
The need for understanding geography doesn’t go away. Place matters as much as it ever did. However today, place looks different, as we have two spaces. We have physical spaces that individuals reside in and virtual spaces in which we choose to engage. Geographic Characteristics of Physical Spaces Physical spaces have remained relatively the…
Wars, rumors of war, births, unexpected deaths, floods, famine, etc. are not new. It can be easy to forget that. Easy to narrow our focus to what is right in front of us when we are going through disruptions; but disruptions aren’t new. The things that can upend our plans aren’t new either, though…
Tis the season! The end of October through the beginning of January can sometimes seem like one long stretch of celebrations full of treats, rich food and festivities. “Happy Holidays!” sing out between friends, acquaintances, and complete strangers. Have you ever paused to wonder what holiday the greeter celebrates and why? Do you pace…
“I am Hutterite: The Fascinating True Story of a Young Woman’s Journey to Reclaim Her Heritage” provides a personal window into this little known ethnic group. While the author shares some of the challenges that come with living in such a community, she also shares the supportive nature, nurturing environment, and her appreciation…
Are you researching an historical event in two separate countries and finding that the dates don’t match? Do you have documents that list a different birth, marriage or death date for an ancestor? Are you wondering which date is correct? Well, just maybe they both are. Not all countries or ethnic groups use the same…
August has arrived. Between Memorial Day and now there have been celebrations, protests, riots and battles throughout the world. In the midst of a world-wide pandemic, some economies are opening up, while others stay closed or shut down. In the U.S., some states formerly recognized Juneteenth and discussions have occurred about making it a national holiday….
Or Decoration Day, as it used to be called, began in a variety of places throughout the parts of our country impacted by the Civil War. Initially, it was held on different days within different communities. Questions exist as to when and where the first ceremony was held. However, all ceremonies began shortly after…
As a geographer, it intrigues me to know that even in the same place, people with different backgrounds and cultures will often make different decisions. What drives those decisions? Is it the stories they grew up with? Or the stories they tell themselves? Do they understand how their history and their environment are shaping…